Sleep Hacks
Getting quality sleep is crucial for managing a disability or chronic illness. Over the years, I’ve discovered some helpful tools and techniques to improve my rest. Here are my top sleep hacks:

Long body pillow
A body pillow supports your entire body, helping to align and relieve pressure on your hips, knees, ankles, and shoulders. For travel, I rely on a knee cushion with an elasticated strap that provides similar comfort in a localised areas and stays in place throughout the night.

Loop earplugs
Loop earplugs have been a gamechanger for me, mainly because they block out my partners snoring so can get some solid rest! They are also super comfortable and easy to use. Just be aware you might need to turn up your audiobook if you like to listen to one while falling asleep.

Meditation Apps
The Balance app has transformed my bedtime routine. Its guided meditations and sleep-specific programs help me relax and drift off more easily.

Assistive Tech for Audiobooks and Lights
Listening to audiobooks from Audible, Spotify, or BorrowBox helps me fall asleep and using the built in features like sleep timers ensure I don’t lose my place. Voice-activated smart lights and plugs also let me turn off the lights or my heated blanket without moving once I’m comfortable.

Weighted Blankets
While I found standard weighted blankets too heavy as someone with hypermobile Ehlers Danlos syndrome, I would fight it during the night and end up with a dislocated shoulder. But switching to a kid-sized version provided the calming effect I needed without causing pain.