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Best Sleep Tech for Athletes and Active People
As an athlete or active person, getting quality sleep is crucial for recovery, performance, and overall well-being. However, many of us struggle to get a good night’s sleep, and it’s not just due to a busy schedule or a noisy environment. The truth is, our sleep technology has not kept pace with our increasing physical demands. But that’s changing.
For example, I’ve noticed that since switching to a sleep mask with built-in white noise, my sleep has improved dramatically. I no longer wake up in the middle of the night to the sound of traffic outside my window, and I feel more refreshed in the morning. I’ve tried a few different masks, but this one has been a revelation. I wish I’d invested in it sooner! []
So, what’s the best sleep tech for athletes and active people? Let’s break it down.
Sleep Trackers for Athletes
If you’re an athlete, you likely track your sleep as part of your training regimen. But what’s the best sleep tracker for you? Here are a few options to consider:
- Budget-friendly: Fitbit Inspire (around $150) is a great starting point for athletes who want to track their sleep, heart rate, and other vital signs. Its water-resistance and long battery life make it a solid choice for active people.
- Mid-range: Garmin Vivosport (around $300) is a popular choice among athletes who want more advanced features like GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and sleep stage tracking. Its sleek design and long battery life make it a great option for those who want to track their sleep and activity levels in one device.
- Premium: Oura Ring (around $400) is a premium sleep tracker that offers advanced features like sleep stage tracking, heart rate monitoring, and temperature tracking. Its sleek design and long battery life make it a great option for athletes who want to track their sleep and recovery in detail.
Sleep Aids for Athletes
If you’re struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep, you may want to consider a sleep aid specifically designed for athletes. Here are a few options:
- White noise machines: A white noise machine like the Hatch Rest (around $100) can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer by blocking out background noise.
- Sleep masks: A sleep mask like the Bucky 40 Blinks (around $20) can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer by blocking out light.
- Weighted blankets: A weighted blanket like the Gravity Blanket (around $250) can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer by providing a calming, weighted sensation.
Sleep-Promoting Devices for Active People
If you’re not an athlete but still struggle with sleep, you may want to consider a sleep-promoting device designed for active people. Here are a few options:
- Aromatherapy devices: An aromatherapy device like the InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser (around $30) can help you relax and fall asleep faster by releasing calming scents like lavender and chamomile.
- Sound machines: A sound machine like the Marpac Dohm-DS (around $150) can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer by blocking out background noise with soothing sounds like rain or ocean waves.
- Sleep-promoting apps: A sleep-promoting app like the Calm (around $10/month) can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer by guiding you through relaxing exercises and meditation.
Conclusion
Getting quality sleep is crucial for athletes and active people, and the right sleep tech can make all the difference. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, there’s a sleep tracker, sleep aid, or sleep-promoting device out there for you. Consider your budget and needs, and don’t be afraid to try out a few different options until you find what works best for you.