5 Great Gadgets to Improve Your Sleep

What it is and how it works: This compact, travel-size sound machine helps you fall asleep by providing natural sounds (ocean, meadow, white noise, and more) that can be easily adjusted in richness and volume. There's an "Adaptive Mode" setting that will adjust the composition of your selected soundtrack so that it masks other noises. And, of course, you can set a timer so that the machine stops playing after 30 minutes or so .

Expert opinion: "By focusing on a relaxing sound that predominates the sleep environment, sleep onset can be improved, as well as made more consistent due to fewer awakenings from disruptive noises," says Dr. Surkin.

FITNESS snooze test: Sound machines are nothing new, but we liked this pint-size product because it was petite enough for our nightstand and genuinely seemed more effective than devices we've tried in the past. The proof: While testing this out in an NYC bedroom that's on a busy downtown street, the Rain setting helped the editor-sleeper fall asleep...instead of toss and turn from a bar's loud music.