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Casper Glow Light Review: A Ticket to Deeper, Better Sleep


Picture this: You’re finally in bed after a long day of working at home, there’s 15 minutes left of Tiger King, and your eyes are starting to feel heavy. You turn over to your partner and coo, “Babe, can you please turn off the lights?” Neither of you wants to leave the soft folds of your bed sheets and perfectly fluffy pillows, but someone has to be the sacrificial lamb. Now, imagine the same scenario where neither of you has to exit the warm cocoon. Instead, a self-dimming, warm light lulls you both to sleep as the credits start to roll. The. Dream.

If you have no idea what I’m talking about, that’s totally fair. Allow me to introduce you to The Casper Glow Light. I wrote about them earlier this month, but with coronavirus precautions in full swing, they’ve quickly become a staple in my new wind-down routine. The Glow Lights quickly trick my mind into off-mode after spending hours hunched over my laptop in a dimly lit apartment (who would ever think I’d miss working under fluorescents?).

These clever night lights are about the same size as my two-year-old succulents, and they are unlike anything else I own, making them one my favorite sleep discoveries. My home is the furthest thing from “smart”—for one, I’m paranoid of having too much tech in the house and for two, I think having a Siri or Alexa can be more hassle than they’re worth. But I made an exception to bring these little cuties into my place while testing products for Sleep Month—and what first sold me was the fact that, well, you can name them.

Before the lights arrived, I felt like any expecting parent would. I had a running list of names, but it wasn’t until they were fully charged and glowing that I had my epiphany. It was like they woke up and spoke to me. They come with preset names when you first sync them to the Casper App—I believe mine were Soho and Broadway—but I quickly changed them to Lux and Lumin (Latin names, obviously, because they’re chic) and grouped them as Solaris. (PS: The more Glow Lights you have, the more groups you can create.) Maybe it sounds silly to you but these were never just lights to me. I don’t have room for pets (or kids for that matter) in my current New York City apartment, so personifying these inanimate objects is as close as it gets for me and my boyfriend. And just as my mother mixes up mine and my brother’s name, I regularly forget who Lux and Lumin are (they look so alike…) but I love them both equally.

One of the most glorious things about the Casper Glow Light is that everything is synced to an app. It’s super easy to turn them on or off with a single tap. You can manually adjust the brightness by giving the lamps a gentle twist, or if you’re like me, you can use the digital controls and call it a night. I like to play with the settings—adjusting the brightness to my mood (from ‘Not bright at all’ to ‘As bright as can be’) and setting timers (15 minutes to 90 minutes) for when I want to sleep. You can also set wake-up alarms, which slowly fill your bedroom with soft light in the morning as opposed to the stress-inducing sound of a phone alarm going off at 6:30 a.m.

Other than setting timers to lull me to sleep or slowly wake me up, another way I get to use out of the Glow Lights is by using them as reading lamps. As mentioned, the lighting situation in my apartment is kind of dark—think moody, warm light—which makes it hard to read in the evenings. Since the Glow Lights are portable, I can keep one by my side or even hold it in my hand to illuminate the pages. The lights are also great for running into the bathroom or scurrying into the kitchen in the middle of the night. I can just give them a little shake and be on my merry way. Another great thing is that they hold their charge—unlike batteries on other home tech products I’ve tested. I’ll usually leave my Glow Lights on their charging dock when not in use, so they tend to last a few days without needing a recharge.



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13 Best Bed Pillows 2020: Helix, Purple, Casper, & Brooklinen


You can splurge on the softest bedsheets or the most-hyped sleeping products, but if you skimp on the best bed pillows, you’ll feel it in the morning. A full night’s sleep goes hand in hand with proper sleeping posture and the secret to that lies in your pillow. Like most things out there, there’s no such thing as a “universal best pillow” so we talked to the experts about how to find the right pillow for all types of sleepers.

Square one is understanding how your mattress affects the kind of pillow you choose. “You can have a comfortable mattress but if your pillow isn’t a good fit for you, then your sleep quality will be compromised,” says Terry Cralle, R.N., and certified clinical sleep educator. “A mattress that is plusher on top may affect the height of the pillow that is the most comfortable for you,” she says. Meaning, a soft pillow may be better for a firm mattress while a medium-to-hard one could be better for a soft mattress to keep your head and neck in perfect alignment.

Does it matter how you sleep?

Yes—and here comes the big but—remember that we toss and turn throughout the night so you want to choose a pillow that works for you in all of your sleeping positions. Michael Breus, Ph.D., a Los Angeles clinical psychologist and sleep specialist, tells us side sleepers may need a firmer, thicker pillow than stomach sleepers (who can get away with a soft pillow—or not using one at all).” As far as thickness goes, he recommends choosing one that’s the same distance between your ear and outside shoulder, which allows your nose to be in line with the middle of your chest. Back sleepers, on the other hand, need a flatter pillow to keep their head and neck in alignment. A soft pillow works, “but if you have neck pain and sleep on your back, look for a pillow that provides additional support, while maintaining the softness that’s comfortable for you,” he says.

How long does a bed pillow last?

“If you’re sleeping on a worn-out pillow, scrunching and folding it up every night to get comfortable, that’s a red flag that it’s time to update,” says Breus. Usually, this means replacing it every 18 months. “If you’re using [a] pillow that’s five or six years old, you’re not getting the support you need—and you’re not sleeping as comfortably as you could,” he says. Can’t tell whether your pillow needs a refresh? Check for yellow sweat stains, rips, and funky smells, which are all signs that your pillow (and pillowcase) have reached the end.

What fill should you pick?

If you like the slow, sinking feeling of a Four Seasons hotel pillow, a down pillow may be for you. Some people have allergic reactions to the goose or duck fibers, so if that’s the case, you can opt for a down alternative pillow or one made from wool or cotton, which are both naturally hypo-allergenic materials (that also resist dust mites). Like puffer coats, real down pillows are more expensive than their synthetic and polyester counterparts. “[Synthetic and polyester fill pillows] will flatten with time, and typically need replacing more frequently than other types of pillows,” Breus says. Two other materials you may be familiar with are latex and memory foam. Latex pillows are firmer than down, and they tend to hold their shape better over time. (A solid choice if you need extra head and neck support.) Memory foam is pretty popular too since it’s all about conforming to your individual shape, however, it retains heat (and can be the reason why you keep waking up with crazy, sweaty bed head).

Now that you know a Goldilocks pillow doesn’t exist, you can begin your journey to the perfect night’s sleep. If you’re looking for a place to start shopping, here are 13 contenders for the best bed pillows of 2020.

Sleep is a $70 billion industry—we throw our money at a dreamier night’s rest, promise ourselves we’ll prioritize it, and then gripe when we’re still, inevitably, so tired. Despite our collective obsession with sleep, we seem totally unable to get more of it. In fact, we’re clocking fewer hours than ever. So, this month, we’re taking a look at what’s getting in the way—and what to do about it.



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The 13 Best Mattress Brands to Buy in 2020: Casper, Helix & More


Nothing gets the Zzz’s going quite like sinking into five layers of plush memory foam—but buying a mattress is easier when you know what the best mattress brands are (or, for Millennials, what the best mattress-in-a-box brands are) before making your decision. Once you’ve got one, you’re just a linen bedsheet set and giant tropical houseplant short of a dreamy, Insta-ready bedroom.

For Sleep Month, Glamour is honing in on everything you need to manifest those eight hours of shut-eye—your mattress being square one. A big-ticket purchase requires research, so we talked to experts to help us answer some of the most Googled questions (like, what on earth do we do the old one?). Then we compared all the top-rated mattress brands to come up with this list. Whether you’re a budget-savvy shopper or a self-proclaimed mattress connoisseur, here are the 13 best mattress brands worth your money.

Where should I buy a mattress?

Once upon a time, you’d drive up to a store, flop down on the $3,000 mattresses on display, then pick the one that was a third of the price and have it shipped to your home. Nowadays, buying a mattress is considerably easier—you could simply add one to your Amazon cart along with a book and some toilet paper—but it also means you’re grappling with open-ended questions you have to answer for yourself. How thick should my mattress be? Do I even need a new one? Without face-to-face interaction with an expert (or squishing the edges of your new mattress), it can be hard to commit to the first well-packaged mattress in a box that comes with free, two-day shipping. Since you really won’t know until it’s sitting in your bedroom, when shopping for a mattress online, “it’s important to focus on customer service reviews, return policies and warranties rather than individuals’ comfort reviews,” says Terry Cralle, R.N., and certified clinical sleep educator.

How do I pick a mattress?

A mattress is the most important thing in your bedroom—and it’s typically characterized in terms of comfort (i.e., whether it relieves pressure) and support (i.e, whether it keeps your spine in a neutral position), says Cralle. “A good mattress should provide comfort, relaxation, and tension relief.”

But don’t let the marketing fool you—there’s no such thing as a “universal” mattress. It’s all about what works for you, which “depends on height, weight, medical conditions, sleep positions, temperature, and comfort preference,” Cralle tells us. Mattresses are available in a range of thicknesses between 6″ and 16″, and the general rule of thumb is that the higher the BMI, the thicker the mattress should be. “People weighing between 250 and 400 lbs will probably be most comfortable on a mattress 10 inches thick or greater. For people weighing over 400 lbs, a 14-inch thick or greater mattress is recommended, ” she adds.

Another thing to do when buying a mattress is to familiarize yourself with the different features offered (like innerspring, air, or foam—which you can delve into here) and certifications like CertiPUR-US certified (non-toxic foam) and Oeko-tex Standard 100 label (free of harmful chemicals). Cralle says it’s also worth researching the latest technologies—like adjustable bases and temperature manipulation—and to sleep track for anything that might improve the quality of your sleep if you’re able to do trial-runs.

How long should you keep your mattress?

Well…it depends. Experts say mattresses should be generally be replaced at least every seven to eight years, but according to Michael Breus, a.k.a. The Sleep Doctor, “your body will “tell” you when you need a new bed.” He says that “if you wake up stiff or sore (not from exercise or effort) more than two times a week for more than two to three weeks, you probably need a new bed.” And just as our bodies change with age, so do our mattresses. Over time, they lose both support and comfort, so replacing it is necessary to maintain continuous sleep quality. Most manufacturer warranties typically cover manufacturing defects for 10 years—and some offer 25 years or lifetime warranties.

How to get rid of an older mattress?

You’ve probably seen a stained mattress wrapped in plastic and dumped on the side of a curb, but “if you’re getting rid of an older mattress, it’s best to dispose of it in an environmentally responsible way like recycling,” says Jeff Chapin, co-founder and chief product officer at Casper. According to The Mattress Recycling Council, about 80% of a mattress’ parts can be repurposed, however, mattress recycling is only mandatory in three states: California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Still, that shouldn’t be an excuse to toss it outside and forget its existence. Even if you don’t live in a state that requires mattress recycling, the MRC operates a recycling program known as Bye Bye Mattress, which helps you find a recycling center near you.

Some mattress brands also do the work for you (albeit for a recycling fee), or they have helpful FAQ sections you can consult on what to do with your old mattress. Another alternative would be to look into your local charities or churches to see if they’ll take your old mattresses. Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity are popular donation centers, but you should always call ahead to make sure they have space for it. And if you are hoping to give away your mattress, make sure to check the condition beforehand. (Just saying, no one needs bed bugs in their lives).

Sleep is a $70 billion industry—we throw our money at a dreamier night’s rest, promise ourselves we’ll prioritize it, and then gripe when we’re still, inevitably, so tired. Despite our collective obsession with sleep, we seem totally unable to get more of it. In fact, we’re clocking fewer hours than ever. So, this month, we’re taking a look at what’s getting in the way—and what to do about it.

Note: prices below reflect Queen sizes.



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11 Best Bed Sheets of 2020: Brooklinen, Casper, Buffy, and More


It’s 2020, a.k.a. the future, so the market is filled with innovative gadgets for a range of sleep woes. Still, the simple pleasure of sleeping in the best bed sheets of your life is pretty hard to beat. There’s no point in that fancy white noise machine or temperature-regulating pajamas when your bedding is sub-par, so before you get all high-tech to improve your REM cycles, make sure you’ve got quality sheets on deck.

A great night’s sleep has the power to clear brain fog, keep your skin clear, and it might even clear up any miscommunications caused by exhaustion-fueled snippiness (we’ve all been there). Which is why we went on a hunt for the best bed sheets across the web. Whether you’re a notoriously hot sleeper or your toes are icicles by midnight, there’s something for you on this list. Glamour staffers tested each set in our own beds, and trust us, these sheets aren’t to be slept on. Ahead, the 11 best bed sheets to shop in 2020—and answers to questions the Internet can’t stop asking about them.

What is a good thread count for bed sheets?

There are a lot of misconceptions around this one, thanks to clever and misleading marketing jargon. Thread count refers to the number of threads woven together, horizontally and vertically, per square inch—and it’s not as important as you may think. “Thread count is largely a marketing gimmick,” says Ariel Kayes, founder and CEO of Parachute Home. “Manufacturers will twist thin, low-grade cotton threads into a smaller space, and claim double (or even quadruple) the thread count. None of this makes the sheets any better quality—in fact, it ultimately takes away from their durability and softness.”

Several experts we spoke to cosigned that in terms of thread count, it’s quality over quantity. “If you have poor quality yarn and manufacturing, a higher thread count won’t save you,” a rep from Snowe told us. “The optimal thread count depends on how the product is woven, and what matters most is the caliber of the fabric. Egyptian cotton and pure linen translate to softer, stronger bedding that lasts over time. Ultimately, it’s your bed and your body—so choose something that feels great against your skin and tuck in.” Also, pay attention to customer reviews about a set of sheets’ likeliness to shrink and pill, and be conscious of the sourcing, manufacturing, and finishing processes while you shop. All of these factors are more important than thread count because optimal count varies from fabric to fabric. Check out Consumer Reports’ breakdown on ways to avoid falling victim to the thread count hype.

What are the softest bed sheets?

In terms of softness, nothing beats the undefeated classic that is 100% cotton. Polyester blends offer more durability and wrinkle-resistance, but you’ll be sacrificing the same suppleness of authentic cotton, especially that of long-fiber weaves like Egyptian, Pima, or Supima. On the other hand, quality microfiber dupes have come a long way, and some do come close to matching the feel of the real thing. Jersey sheets are a good budget-friendly alternative and are still plenty cozy, and people sing praises of trendy, eco-friendly bamboo, and its ability to deliver the smoothness needed for a next-level snooze.

How to choose bed sheets

The best bed sheets for you depend down on your personal needs and preferences, but one thing our experts agree on is that natural fibers reign supreme. “The quality of the materials is priority number one, and natural materials make the best bedding,” says Snowe. Think of it like cooking: If you use high-quality ingredients, you experience the difference. Cotton is king, and the “free-range” of fresh bedding is Egyptian cotton.” Obviously, if temperatures plummet to sub-zero territory in your neck of the woods, opt for something to keep you toasty at night, like flannel or fleece. For hot sleepers, lightweight, cooling sheets like bamboo and linen are better to keep those night sweats in check. If you prefer snappy, crisp sheets similar to a luxury hotel, percale sheets are for you. “We often compare our percale to the perfect button-down shirt–cool and crisp to the touch. The classic one-over-one-under weave makes it an exceptionally breathable fabric, and a garment-washing process gives it a more casual appearance,” says Kayes of Parachute. If you’re more into something that’s silky to the touch, sateen offers a more supple feel. Additional factors to consider are dimensions and budget accommodations. Do you have a twin bed or a California King? Are you looking to splurge on luxury sheets or save your coins with a trusted value set? And last but not least, check whether the sheets are OEKO-TEX certified, which means free of harmful chemicals.

How often should you change bed sheets?

There’s no clear-cut answer here, but most experts recommend changing your sheets every 7-10 days. Clinical sleep educator, Terry Cralle, explains when you should consider washing even more: “If you shower or bathe in the morning instead of the evening, sleep naked, are prone to night sweats, eat in bed (just don’t), live in a warmer climate, have pets and kids in your bed frequently, or are ill—consider changing your sheets more often.” Even though you can’t see all of the unappealing things that build up in your bed over time with the naked eye, that doesn’t mean they’re not there. Microscopic dust mites, dead skin cells, body oils, sweat, and germs shack up with you when your sheets go unwashed, so make sure you’re running a load of laundry every week. Even when finding the time seems impossible, it’s not worth exposing your skin to all that—even if it means calling a laundry service to come pick it up and do it for you. But our friends at Snowe warn that you shouldn’t overdo it in terms of drying: “While heat does remove almost anything unsavory, stop while you’re ahead when it comes to preserving your sheets. Take them out of the dryer when they are just barely damp and dress your bed. It will prevent wrinkles and damage caused by over-drying.”

Ready to achieve the best sleep of your life? Read on for Glamour‘s 11 best bed sheets of 2020, and prepare your snooze button for attack.

Sleep is a $70 billion industry—we throw our money at a dreamier night’s rest, promise ourselves we’ll prioritize it, and then gripe when we’re still, inevitably, so tired. Despite our collective obsession with sleep, we seem totally unable to get more of it. In fact, we’re clocking fewer hours than ever. So, this month, we’re taking a look at what’s getting in the way—and what to do about it.



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12 Best Weighted Blankets in 2020: Gravity Blanket, Bearaby, & Casper


Just like parents (and plant moms) can’t stop gushing over their precious little ones, anyone who’s ever tried the best weighted blankets can’t stop talking about how wonderfully life-changing they are. We’ve heard everything from: “I’m so comfortable and so relaxed” to “I’m having the most bizarre, deep dreams—and waking up feeling incredible.” But it’s hard to judge a weighted blanket’s sleep-inducing powers without ever having cozied up under one. Can you be a hot sleeper and not sweat to death with a weighted blanket? Are these dense, grey contraptions going to ruin your bedroom’s Scandi-cool vibes? Is a weighted blanket nothing but hype?

So. Many. Questions. So we went to the experts to answer them. Then, we put the blankets to the test ourselves. For weeks, Glamour staffers tossed and turned under weighted blankets to find the ones actually worth your money. Ahead, the 12 best weighted blankets to shop in 2020—and answers to questions flooding the Internet about them.

What is a weighted blanket?

“Weighted blankets are essentially heavy blankets initially designed for therapeutic uses,” says Eddie Huai, CEO and co-founder of Luna Wellness. He explains that most weighted blankets get their weight through a fill of small glass beads or tiny plastic pellets that are distributed evenly across tiny squares. It basically means you’ll never have a saggy corner—or limp edges hanging off the side of your bed.

Can weighted blankets help with anxiety?

The jury’s out on whether a weighted blanket actually works but the gist is that it can be a calming strategy for anxiety, stress, and sleepless nights. The blanket’s evenly-distributed weight is a form of “deep pressure stimulation,” which Dr. Michael Breus, a.k.a. The Sleep Doctor says is the same gentle feeling you get when you’re being hugged or massaged. (If you ask us, it’s the next best thing to a big fluffy cat sinking into your lap.)

“As research shows, deep pressure stimulation decreases the activity of the body’s sympathetic nervous system—that’s the system that promotes alertness and vigilance and responds to stressful stimuli. It’s the “fight or flight” division of the nervous system,” Breus says. “At the same time, deep pressure stimulation increases activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is sometimes called the “rest and digest” system. When it’s activated, it lowers heart rate and blood pressure and increases relaxation and feelings of calm.”

Do weighted blankets work?

The science is limited, but the most quoted study is one from 2015, which examined the effects of deep pressure stimulation from weighted blankets. “[The study] found a 33% reduction in stress, as measured by a test of physiological signs of arousal,” says Breus. “Among the participants, 63% reported feeling a decrease in anxiety, and 78% said they found using a weighted blanket a preferable way to increase their level of calm.”

Are weighted blankets hot?

They can be—but if you tend to wake up dripping in sweat, there are cooling ones. “People who sleep hot should choose a weighted blanket made with glass beads, which do not retain heat (as opposed to plastic beads),” says Adam Tishman, co-founder of Helix Sleep. He also recommends getting a blanket that has an outer cover made of breathable fabric (i.e., organic cotton or cooling bamboo) as they’re lighter and more breathable than polyester.

How do you choose a weighted blanket?

The blanket should feel snug or cozy, like a teddy coat. Tishman recommends selecting a weight that’s around 8 to 12% of your body weight. So if you’re less 125 pounds, you’d pick a weighted blanket that’s 10 pounds. If you’re between 125-200 pounds, you’d go for one that’s 15 pounds—you get it. “If you’re in-between sizes, we recommend selecting the lower of the two weights,” Tishman adds.

How do you wash a weighted blanket?

Try as you might, you’re going to have to wash your weighted blanket at some point. So if you want it to stay as fresh as the day you first slipped under it, consult the care tag. Some have removable covers that you can easily toss into the machine, but how you go about washing it really depends on the weight and filling.

Weighted blankets with glass microbeads and plastic poly pellets can be washed on a gentle cycle with cold water, but anything over 20 pounds is probably better off at the cleaners. Avoid using fabric softeners and bleach since that’ll make your blanket itchy. When all is said and done, you can dry your beloved weighted blanket on low heat because the fill doesn’t absorb a lot of water.

Where do you buy weighted blankets?

Online. Some of the best weighted blankets are sold on Amazon (hi, two-day, free shipping), but you can also check out individual brand websites, like the ones below. These things can weigh up to 35 pounds, so unless you’re trying to get in two workouts a day, just have it delivered to your doorstep.

Whether you want a weighted throw blanket for binge-watching Love Is Blind on the couch or a weighted duvet that’ll turn your bed into cozy headquarters, shop the 12 best weighted blankets Glamour staffers have ever tired.

Sleep is a $70 billion industry—we throw our money at a dreamier night’s rest, promise ourselves we’ll prioritize it, and then gripe when we’re still, inevitably, so tired. Despite our collective obsession with sleep, we seem totally unable to get more of it. In fact, we’re clocking fewer hours than ever. So, this month, we’re taking a look at what’s getting in the way—and what to do about it.



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