Sleep Awareness Week 2025: All the best tips, tech and hacks to help you sleep better

A woman sleeping on her front, smiling, with a Tom's Guide Sleep Week 2025 logo in the corner of the image
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Sleep Awareness Week 2025 has come to an end, and we've celebrated by sharing some of the best sleep advice there is from world renowned experts.

This year, the official founders of Sleep Awareness Week, The National Sleep Foundation's annual Sleep in America Poll revealed the true extent of how sleep can help us flourish in all aspects of life, so it's never been a better time to revamp your lifestyle and nighttime routines to prioritize proper rest.

We've been busy testing out new sleep methods and compiling our top tips for better sleep, and even though Sleep Week is now over, we'll continue to speak to globally renowned sleep doctors, neuroscientists, chartered psychologists and more to bring you the latest science to help you sleep better.

This page has been updated with all of our essential sleep content for Sleep Week 2025, so have a browse through and learn about everything from the different sleep stages and expertly-curated nighttime routines to getting rid of those stubborn mattress stains (and everything in between.)

Sleep Awareness Week 2025: Our complete guide

Helix Sleep: Save 27% sitewideTOMS27
Preferred Partner

Helix Sleep: Save 27% sitewide
Helix is one of our top-rated sleep brands and we’ve paired up with them to bring you an exclusive deal. For Sleep Week you can save 27% on everything at Helix with code TOMS27. All mattresses come with a limited lifetime warranty and 100-night trial. Preferred partner (what does this mean?)

Sleep Awareness Week: Sleep health

10 of the world's best sleep experts share their nighttime routines for better sleep

10 of the world's best sleep experts share their nighttime routines for better sleep
While often overlooked in favor of the latest viral sleep hacks, a nighttime routine can be the key to achieving better sleep. So we've asked the leading experts in the industry to share the nighttime routines they rely on for better sleep.

Expert shares most common causes of sleep deprivation and 3 ways to tackle it

Expert shares most common causes of sleep deprivation and 3 ways to tackle it
Sleep deprivation can be debilitating. Constantly under sleeping can lead to symptoms like brain fog, irritability and poor mental health, all of which can have a huge impact on your life. We've asked an expert to share the most common causes of sleep deprivation this Sleep Awareness Week, and their top 3 tips to tackle it.

70% of autistic adults struggle to fall and stay asleep — we ask a sleep expert why

70% of autistic adults struggle to fall and stay asleep — we ask a sleep expert why
A huge 90% of autistic adults experience poor sleep quality and frequent nighttime awakenings, and experts believe this could be partly down to sensory differences that are often experienced by people with autism. For Sleep Awareness Week, we wanted to dive deeper into the research and ask the experts how autism can impact sleep.

I'm training for the London Marathon — here's how sleep makes you a better runner

I'm training for the London Marathon — here's how sleep makes you a better runner
I’m a sleep writer training for the London Marathon 2025, and in pursuit of running my best, I’ve been prioritizing and optimizing my sleep. Here, I speak to the leading performance scientists and coaches to dive deeper into the relationship between sleep and running.

I tried the 'alpha bridge' method to fall asleep fast and avoid the Sunday scaries — here's what happened

I tried the 'alpha bridge' method to fall asleep fast and avoid the Sunday scaries — here's what happened
As a sleep writer, I've tried all of the hacks and methods to fall asleep fast. However, the new 'alpha bridge' method hadn't crossed my path until now. I put it to the test for Sleep Awareness Week to see if it would stop the Sunday scaries, here's how it went.

Quitting drinking helped me get better sleep night after night — I'm sharing my story for Sleep Week

Quitting drinking helped me get better sleep night after night — I'm sharing my story for Sleep Week
If you’re curious about the effects of alcohol on sleep and how your slumber can change when you quit drinking, I'm sharing the bad, the ugly, and, ultimately, the good of my personal experience for Sleep Awareness Week 2025.

Long-term sleep deprivation has serious health risks — but they can be reversed, says expert

Long-term sleep deprivation has serious health risks — but they can be reversed, says expert
Long-term sleep deprivation negatively impacts mental, physical and even social wellbeing. With roughly one-third of us failing to sleep for at least seven hours every night, that’s a concern. For sleep awareness week, we’re exploring the risks of long-term sleep deprivation and how to recover from bad sleep.

My anxiety is worse at night — I asked a neuropsychologist why and how to cope

My anxiety is worse at night — I asked a neuropsychologist why and how to cope
Plagued by every embarrassing moment, bad mistake and upcoming decision as soon as your head hits the pillow? Nighttime anxiety can make going to bed a source of stress, so I’m sharing my own journey with pre-bed anxiety, plus what I’ve learned about easing worry before sleep.

Forget sleepmaxxing — mindfulness is the key to better sleep, says expert

Forget sleepmaxxing — mindfulness is the key to better sleep, says expert
“Practice not perfect” — that’s Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts' mantra for a good night’s sleep. Her mindful approach to snooze encourages ditching the pressure of sleepmaxxing and biohacking in favor of a sleep routine that suits you (and can adapt to any change life throws.) I spoke to her to find out more.

"Ever noticed how everything feels harder to process after a bad night’s sleep? That’s your brain struggling without enough REM"

"Ever noticed how everything feels harder to process after a bad night’s sleep? That’s your brain struggling without enough REM"
For Sleep Awareness Week 2025 we’re going to explore more of the research around REM sleep and speak to experts about what it is, why it’s so important for our brains and bodies, how much we really need and how we can ensure we get it. Read on for everything you need to know about REM sleep…

Forget mouth taping — experts share 5 better tips for reducing snoring and sleep apnea symptoms

Forget mouth taping — experts share 5 better tips for reducing snoring and sleep apnea symptoms
This Sleep Week, we've spoken to three sleep experts to set the record straight on whether mouth-taping works, and if there's a more effective way to treat snoring and sleep apnea, Here's what they had to say...

Intrusive thoughts keeping you awake? Try this ER doctor ‘brain hack’ to fall asleep quickly

Intrusive thoughts keeping you awake? Try this ER doctor ‘brain hack’ to fall asleep quickly
Dr Joe Whittington’s “number one sleep technique to help you fall asleep when intrusive thoughts won’t leave you alone” has recently resurfaced on social media and it’s a method our sleep team has tried and loved too. For Sleep Week, we're sharing this effective 'brain hack', so you can fall asleep fast.

Sleep expert reveals her secret weapon for falling asleep fast— and you can do it in 15 minutes

Sleep expert reveals her secret weapon for falling asleep fast— and you can do it in 15 minutes
This Sleep Week, we spoke to Dr Leah Kaylor, psychologist who specializes in sleep and trauma, to understand the wonder trick which has helped her get a cozy night’s rest for the past one year. This 15-minute method will relax your mind and body and get you in a calm and sleepy state, ready for bed. Read on to find out more…

Sleep apnea could be diagnosed while you're awake, new research finds — here's what that means

Sleep apnea could be diagnosed while you're awake, new research finds — here's what that means
It's estimated that around 80% of sleep apnea cases in the US are undiagnosed. New research is exploring the connection between sleep apnea and brain signals, so we're taking a closer look at what this means for your diagnosis and treatment.

Deep sleep repairs the brain and body — but do you get enough? Experts weighs in

Deep sleep repairs the brain and body — but do you get enough? Experts weighs in
For Sleep Awareness Week 2025, we've spoken to a variety of sleep experts and explored the research on the stage known as 'deep sleep' to answer everything there is to know. What it does and how much we need, what happens if we don't get enough, and more...

Doctor explains difference between REM sleep and deep sleep — plus how to get more of each this World Sleep Day

Doctor explains difference between REM sleep and deep sleep — plus how to get more of each this World Sleep Day
Among the various sleep stages, two of the most well-known are REM sleep and deep sleep. We’re diving into all things REM sleep vs deep sleep for Sleep Awareness Week 2025 — including what happens during each stage, when they occur, how much of each we need. Plus, we'll offer our top tips on how to get more of both.

Your body clock controls more than you think — sleep expert explains how circadian rhythm works

Your body clock controls more than you think — sleep expert explains how circadian rhythm works
For Sleep Week we look at the latest research and ask the experts what happens when your circadian rhythm gets disrupted and, more importantly, how to reset it through light exposure, meal timing, and lifestyle adjustment so you can reclaim a good night's sleep.

9 expert tips for falling asleep faster, easier and for longer this World Sleep Day

9 expert tips for falling asleep faster, easier and for longer this World Sleep Day
This Sleep Week, we’ve decided to simplify all the advice and break down the 9 easy tips to fall asleep faster, easier and for longer, so you wake up feeling rested and refreshed. We reached out to some of the top sleep experts in the world who shared their valuable insights for transforming your sleep and getting quality rest, night after night

Tired all the time? 7 tips to help you get enough sleep

Tired all the time? 7 tips to help you get enough sleep
My favorite tips for practicing good sleep hygiene have accumulated from my time reporting on innovative studies and interviewing various sleep experts — from clinicians to psychologists. And what better time than Sleep Awareness Week 2025 to share them?

I took part in a gold standard sleep study to find out what happens during a sleep cycle — here are my results

I took part in a gold standard sleep study to find out what happens during a sleep cycle — here are my results
The key to getting good sleep is understanding how it works. But it's a complicated thing. To understand our sleep cycles further, I traveled to London to take part in a gold standard Sleep Study. For Sleep Week 2025, I'm sharing my results.

Screaming in the night? Expert reveals 5 causes of night terrors — plus how to stop them

Screaming in the night? Expert reveals 5 causes of night terrors — plus how to stop them
Night terrors can be a frightening sleep problem — whether you experience them or you see a partner suffering from them. But what exactly are they? For Sleep Awareness Week 2025, we dive into the research and ask sleep experts what causes night terrors, how to prevent them and ways to cure your night terrors for a peaceful slumber.

I'm an ex-insomniac turned sleep coach — my 3 top tips to fall asleep quickly

I'm an ex-insomniac turned sleep coach — my 3 top tips to fall asleep quickly
To mark the end of Sleep Week 2025 I'm sharing the top three tips I swear by for preparing your brain and body to fall asleep quickly, plus the two best ‘sleep fast’ methods I've tested and still use to this day.

Sleep Awareness Week: Bedroom environment

Trouble sleeping? 5 things in your bedroom that could be sabotaging your sleep

Trouble sleeping? 5 things in your bedroom that could be sabotaging your sleep
Through my work as a Sleep Science Coach I’ve discovered five sleep saboteurs lurking in the average bedroom that can derail a person's sleep. And, for Sleep Awareness Week, I’m sharing them so you can upgrade your bedroom and your rest.

Ditching the bed this World Sleep Day? 3 things you need before putting your mattress on the floor

Ditching the bed this World Sleep Day? 3 things you need before putting your mattress on the floor
You might be thinking of getting rid of your bed frame for aesthetic or practical purposes. While there's no danger associated with sleeping on a mattress on the floor, there are some handy accessories worth snapping up to make sure your mattress remains supportive, comfortable and clean.

Sleep Awareness Week: Mattress and bedding

5 DIY mattress cleaning jobs to do now to lower your risk of mold, bed bugs, allergies, and dust mites

5 DIY mattress cleaning jobs to do now to lower your risk of mold, bed bugs, allergies, and dust mites
Spring may be the season for cleaning but it’s also a prime time for dust mites, bed bugs and mold to thrive within your mattress. That's why we've compiled the 5 DIY mattress cleaning jobs you can do right now to refresh your bed and improve your sleep hygiene.

How to recreate a luxury hotel mattress, pillow and bedding setup for under $1,000

How to recreate a luxury hotel mattress, pillow and bedding setup for under $1,000
Investing in a bed set-up that suits you and your sleep needs can pay you back with high quality snooze every night. We’ve rounded up the best deals of sleep awareness week 2025 (so far) to help you get started creating the bed of your dreams.

I tried the viral toothpaste and warm iron DIY mattress cleaning hack for brown stains — these are my results

I tried the viral toothpaste and warm iron DIY mattress cleaning hack for brown stains — these are my results
We love trying all the latest mattress cleaning hacks here at Tom’s Guide, so of course we were going to experiment with toothpaste on our bed. This strange hack proved surprisingly effective at stain removal — learn how we got on.

I tried this $50 mattress steam cleaner to improve my sleep hygiene — here’s what happened

I tried this $50 mattress steam cleaner to improve my sleep hygiene — here’s what happened
Steam kills off bed bugs, bacteria and dust mites, making it an effective mattress cleaning tool. And after trying this budget-friendly steam cleaner, we're impressed. Find out how we got on.

3 tricks professional mattress cleaners swear by for getting rid of urine and sweat stains

3 tricks professional mattress cleaners swear by for getting rid of urine and sweat stains
Sweat and urine can compromise both your mattress and your sleep quality. So, knowing how to these stains out of your mattress is an essential skill. For Sleep Week, we're sharing the professional mattress cleaning tips we've learnt over the years that actually work to remove urine and sweat stains.

Can’t sleep through the night? A new mattress could be the solution — here’s why

Can’t sleep through the night? A new mattress could be the solution — here’s why
If you're waking up at night and you don't know why, your old mattress may be to blame. Whether it's lack of support, sagging or poor motion isolation, an unsuitable mattress can harm the quality of our sleep. For Sleep Week, we're sharing how a new mattress can transform your rest.

I've tried all the latest sleep hacks but if you really want better rest, it's time to change your mattress

I've tried all the latest sleep hacks but if you really want better rest, it's time to change your mattress
I've been working as a mattress writer for a while now and in that time I've seen a marked improvement in my sleep. So for Sleep Week, I want to share the one big hack that ensures I regularly enjoy a quality eight hours (and it's not from TikTok) — getting a mattress that suits me.

You need a new mattress but don't have the budget — is a new topper worth buying this World Sleep Day instead?

You need a new mattress but don't have the budget — is a new topper worth buying this World Sleep Day instead?
This Sleep Awareness Week 2025, you might be wondering whether it's time to replace your mattress. But in some cases, investing in one of the best mattress toppers instead could be the answer.

Buying your first mattress? Here's 9 things you need to know

Buying your first mattress? Here's 9 things you need to know
Thinking of getting your first mattress? You’re just in time as we see some great deals landing as part of Sleep Awareness Week 2025. To make your search easier, we have created a list of questions to ask yourself before choosing the best mattress for your preferences and needs.

5 signs your mattresses no longer suits your sleep position — and what to pick instead

5 signs your mattresses no longer suits your sleep position — and what to pick instead
How long does it take you to get comfortable in bed? If you used to settle within seconds but now you're tossing and turning half the night, your mattress is probably no longer right for your sleep position. So how do you find one that is? We're sharing all you need to know.

I’m a mattress cleaning expert — the 5 products I swear by for getting rid of urine, stains, smells and bed bugs

I’m a mattress cleaning expert — the 5 products I swear by for getting rid of urine, stains, smells and bed bugs
This week we are celebrating Sleep Awareness Week 2025 and looking at ways in which we can improve the quality of our sleep — and making sure your mattress is clean and fresh is a great place to start. So, I've compiled my top product recommendations for stains that won’t shift 

Sleep Awareness Week: Sleep tech

5 gadgets I use to fall asleep fast and get better sleep — Sleep Week deals from Hatch, Oura and Rise and more

5 gadgets I use to fall asleep fast and get better sleep — Sleep Week deals from Hatch, Oura and Rise and more
As a sleep tech writer, I've been putting gadgets to the test to see if they can really enhance sleep the way they promise to. As a result, there are a handful of products I now rely on to fall asleep fast, sleep better than ever and wake up refreshed (the Hatch sunrise alarm clock, Oura Ring and SOMO sleep mask included.)

Good sleep makes you happy: Sleep in America Poll findings 2025

  • Nearly 4 in 10 adults have trouble falling asleep 3 or more nights per week
  • People who get NSF-recommended amount of sleep are more likely to be flourishing
  • Three out of every four adults say that good quality sleep has a positive impact on their flourishing

The National Sleep Foundation’s focus on flourishing refers to achieving success in all aspects of life.

“Importantly, just as sleep health is more than the mere absence of a sleep disorder, so too is flourishing more than the simple absence of negative states, such as depression and anxiety, and instead represents positive functioning and achievement,” the report states.

And sleep can be the key in achieving this.

A woman falls asleep after eating melatonin gummies

(Image credit: Getty Images)

When digging deeper into the correlation between sleep quality and wellbeing, the report found that those who struggled to fall asleep or stay asleep for more than 1 night a week were less likely to be flourishing.

Only 5% of people with good sleep health did not report being happy, compared to 21% of individuals with poor sleep health

72% of people who never struggled to fall asleep described themselves as flourishing, whereas only 49% of people who struggled to fall asleep three or more nights a week were flourishing.

A similar correlation was found when looking at happiness.

“Only 5% of people with good sleep health did not report being happy, compared to 21% of individuals with poor sleep health,” the report states.

Two pie charts side by side showing 68% of people satisfied with their sleep were flourishing compared to only 47% of people who were not satisfied with their sleep

(Image credit: National Sleep Foundation)

On top of this, when looking at specific areas of people’s lives, an overwhelming 90% said getting enough sleep impacted their work productivity.

A similar trend was noted for a fulfilling social life, goal achievement and home productivity, proving how integral good sleep is to every aspect of our lives.

For this reason, the NSF are calling for wider awareness of sleep in improving wellbeing and mental health.

How we’re marking Sleep Awareness Week 2025

Every year, our team comes together to celebrate this important week and this year, one of our focuses will be on how different people experience sleep.

From exploring the gender sleep gap to the neurodiverse experience of sleep, everyone has a different relationship with the rest they get, and we’ll exploring this further through conversations with doctors, sleep specialists and hearing from real people and their struggles.

A woman in yellow pyjamas dancing as she wakes up in naturally light room

(Image credit: Getty Images)

With the ever increasing use of wearable sleep trackers, from rings to watches, people are becoming more aware of the different stages of sleep and how much REM sleep, deep sleep and light sleep they get.

For this reason, we’ll also take a closer look at sleep architecture and what actually happens while we sleep, breaking down the sleep cycle and looking into the roles the different sleep stages play in our physical and mental health.

And, as ever, we’ll be trying out new sleep methods, hacks and tricks to fall asleep fast and stay asleep throughout the night, reporting on how effective these are with help from the experts so you can find new and innovative ways to improve your sleep.

How to sleep better in 2025

So, with the National Sleep Foundation uncovering such a strong relationship between sleep and wellbeing, it’s time to prioritize your sleep health.

The first place to start? Sleep hygiene. This refers to the habits you keep during the day and evening that can impact the quality of sleep you get. This can include your diet, activity levels, screen time and more.

So, assess your lifestyle and see if you’re doing anything that might jeopardize your sleep. For example, eating three balanced meals throughout the day is a great way to regulate your energy levels, but sugary snacks in the evening might be throwing your glucose levels off, making it difficult to fall asleep.

A woman relaxes in bed while performing the 4 7 8 sleep method breathing technique to fall asleep fast

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Another key area the NSF highlighted is work life balance. Keep work out of your bedroom and ensure you have adequate time to wind down in the evening. A regular nighttime routine as well as a consistent sleep schedule will help keep your circadian rhythm (or internal body clock) working as it should.

For more expert advice, check out the following resources:

Lauren Jeffries
Sleep Features Editor

Lauren is an experienced writer and editor in the health and lifestyle industry and has led many campaigns and projects that deliver news, advice, and research on all things sleep. As the Sleep Features Editor for Tom’s Guide, Lauren writes, commissions and edits sleep and mattress content, from in-depth how-tos in sleep and mattress health to interviews with doctors and neuroscientists on the latest news in sleep. Lauren regularly tests new sleep tech and accessories to evaluate their effectiveness for getting good quality sleep and easing specific sleep struggles like nighttime anxiety. Alongside this, Lauren reports on the best mattress brands out there, like Helix, Saatva, and DreamCloud, helping readers find the right mattress for them and the best deals on them.