Everyone jokes about new moms not getting enough sleep, but you know what the real joke is? The belief that a mother’s sleep is only affected during the newborn period. In fact, our mother’s battle to get a good night’s sleep begins with pregnancy and ends with, well, we’ll let you know if we get there. Sleep regression, lying in bed stressing out about teenagers making it past curfew, waking up in the middle of the night to take the dog out or comfort a nightmare, stubbing your eye with a little elbow at 2 a.m.—the list of distractions is endless. wait). In other words, we need all the help we can get to make our sleep as restful as possible.
Luckily, if you’re looking for the perfect gift for the mom in your life who needs a little more sleep, you’ll find plenty of options. And, as sleep-deprived moms themselves, the editors at Horror Mom have tried, tested, and fallen in love with many of these moms. Maternity pillow? God’s gift to the tired body of a 30-something. An oversized sleep hoodie with a pull-down eye mask? Shut up and take our money.
So if you want to support your favorite mom who, yes, is tired, check out the list below to see if she’s really, ahem, dream of.
basic knowledge
A good quality down comforter (or down substitute)
A soft comforter on your bed will make you feel like a real adult. This quilt from Brooklinen was named one of the best quilts of the year beautiful house Editors, yes, can confirm: It’s like sleeping wrapped in a cloud.
Sheets that help regulate body temperature
Maintaining the right temperature throughout the night is important for a good night’s sleep, but many sheets fail the test. These organic sateen sheets pass all the tests, though. They’re nice and soft, plus they’re super breathable, moisture-wicking, and cool. They keep you from getting too hot or too cold.
a full body pillow
Do we care that these pillows are technically for use during pregnancy and only pregnancy? No, we don’t do that. Do you know why? Because the way this thing contours to your body makes sleeping so much more comfortable, especially if you’re over 30 and suddenly need leverage between your knees at night lest you wake up with debilitating hip pain (rude).
She probably won’t buy herself a luxury pillow
If you upgrade from a basic pillow to a latex pillow, you’ll know firsthand that they are truly superior. Saatva’s version comes highly recommended by the Sleep Foundation (it won “Best Overall Pillow” in 2024) and Reddit users for its breathability, support, and balance.
The world-famous Baloo weighted blanket
Look, we’ve all been burned by falling for some internet “viral” product that didn’t live up to the hype. I’m happy to report that that’s definitely not the case with the Baloo Weighted Blanket (you’ve probably seen Kendall Jenner rave about it). You can feel the difference in quality, so it makes sense that this is more of an investment.
science and technology
Stylish humidifier
Sleeping in a room that is too dry can affect your breathing and sleep. Most humidifiers are large and take up a lot of space. This humidifier from Dewy is small enough to fit on a side table or even taken with you, and it will really help you breathe easier throughout the night.
Dual purpose audio machine
While an alarm clock may sound antithetical to getting more sleep, this alarm clock is about much more than that. It’s filled with soothing sounds (think “calm ocean” and “cozy campfire”) and background noise to help you sleep deeply. The clock can be dimmed to keep your room dark, plus the alarm clock is sunrise, supporting your natural circadian rhythm and gently waking you up.
Soothing essential oil diffuser
Between the steady aromatherapy mist, the soft sound of circulating water, and the soft ambient glow, this diffuser is blissfully calming, and you can further enhance the relaxation effect by choosing a sleep-inducing essential oil like lavender . Our editors really liked the timer setting, which lets you easily choose whether you want it to run all night or just until you fall asleep.
tonic
High quality magnesium capsules
Magnesium is widely praised for its ability to relieve stress and insomnia, and this product does exactly that. One of our editors gifted a bottle to her parents after becoming a fan, and her mom swore she’d never slept so soundly. Many Amazon reviewers note that their doctors actually recommended this particular supplement.
calming balm
Leg cramps and muscle tension (especially for those who stand on their feet all day at work) are well-known nighttime distractions. Wholesome Hippy, a beloved brand good morning americaadds vitamin D3, melatonin, valerian root, magnesium chloride, organic butter, turmeric and arnica extracts, and soothing chamomile to its magnesium-based balm to create a powerful relaxing formula.
A little CBD
Research shows that if you struggle with anxiety or chronic pain, CBD gummies may help you sleep longer and wake up feeling more rested. These low-dose gummies are an easy way to get a little CBD before bed without THC.
Or maybe you prefer mushrooms?
These little chocolate bars are packed with powerful nootropics and other all-natural ingredients that promote sleep: Reishi mushrooms, which down-regulate the nervous system; L-theanine, an amino acid that helps relieve stress; Chamomile, which Induces drowsiness and calms the mind (really, what mom doesn’t need that?); magnesium and zinc have been shown to increase the body’s naturally circulating melatonin. Don’t worry—they’re not psychedelic. As one of our editors put it, “The effect is subtle…worst case, you’re eating a bar of chocolate.”
Extra content
a wearable blanket
Of course, some people have trouble falling asleep at night because they are overheated. But for many of us, chronic cold can keep us awake many nights. While Big Blanket Co.’s giant blankets are great but can still be stolen by your taco-blanket-clad bedmate, the brand’s Hideout hoodie will stay with you/on you. Pros: It has a built-in sleep mask that blocks light.
The dreamiest bath salts
A good night’s sleep starts before you go to bed, and taking a warm bath with lavender bath salts is scientifically proven to calm you down and prepare your body for sleep. These products from Badesofa will leave your skin super soft! Plus, the scent isn’t as strong as other brands.
sleep diary
Papier’s products are always beautiful, and this adorable “Quilted Daydreams” sleep diary is no exception. Created by board-certified behavioral sleep psychologist Dr. Jade Wu, it encourages you to explore your sleep patterns, dreams, and more so you can understand what keeps you up at night (and vice versa, and what doesn’t).
