This blog post is sponsored by Eight Sleep, creators of The Pod!
You can get $100 off at eightsleep.com using my discount code NICOLET at checkout.

1. Put away your phone.
That bright light will keep your brain awake! Instead, try reading a book, meditating, journaling, or stretching.
2. Keep work out of the bed.
You want your bedroom to feel like a retreat – a place you go to relax and wind down. If you like to work or study in a comfortable area, maybe set up an area in your living room so that you can work on the couch or a comfy chair. Leave your bed for sleep and sex only!
3. Ensure a comfortable temperature.
For most adults, the best temperature is between 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit, but adjust your temperature to what feels best for you.
4. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol before bed.
Of course there are those nights when you go out with friends and have some wine or mixed drinks – of course that’s ok! Live yo’ life! But on the regular, we should all avoid these things before bed.
5. Exercise regularly.
This makes sense, right?! Wear yourself out during the day and you’ll get a better nights sleep when you’re head hits the pillow.
6. Keep your bedroom dark.
Try to eliminate all sources of light, including covering phone charging lights and using black out curtains. This will signal your brain that it is time to sleep.
7. Set a consistent sleep schedule.
Sleep irregularity can result in difficulty falling asleep, lower energy levels during the day, and increased stress. Setting a consistent bedtime can help you get back on track.
I was recently gifted The Pod Mattress by Eight Sleep to review for you all. It’s been a game changer for sure! My favorite feature has been the temperature control, which allows 2 different temperature for 2 sleepers on either side of the bed – perfect for someone who is always cold (me) sleeping with someone who is always burning up (my fiancé).
The mattress responds very quickly to temperatures set in the app; it takes only minutes to cool down or warm up significantly. I felt like the temperature I set was maintained well through the night.
Let’s talk more details!
The Pod will arrive in two boxes. One will include the mattress, which you’ll unbox and set up like any bed-in-a-box. The Pod Pro’s Active Grid cover and Hub will arrive in a separate box.
The first thing you do when setting up your new Pod is download the Eight Sleep App, which will give you easy step-by-step instructions on how to set up your new bed. You’ll unpack the cover and zip it onto your bed. Then you’ll plug the cover into the Hub (which looks a bit like a computer modem) and plug the Hub into the wall. Next, the App will guide you through connecting the Hub to your phone and WiFi. I then left my bed alone for a few hours so that it could fully inflate. The hub will pump the Active Grid full of water and get connected with all the sensors in that cover. This process is not loud, but there is a soft hum as the water pumps through the active grid. Super cool!

The Pod comes with a 100 night sleep trial period, so you can be sure you love it before making your final decision!
Back to Eight Sleep’s app!
It’s compatible with IOS and Android phones, and it’s super easy to use. When you first set it up, you will take a short survey so that the app can suggest some optimal settings for you, including temperature. You can always change your settings! You can see all sorts of sleep data here, like your REM sleep, tosses and turns, respiratory rate, resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and sleep time. Partners can be invited to the other side of the bed, allowing them to control their side’s temperature and receive their own sleep data.
My second favorite feature
Ok, so my first favorite feature is the temperature regulation. My second is the GentleRise Wake Up technology! This mattress provides a gentle vibration at your chest level to wake each individual up without any sounds! You can also set it to warm or cool your side of the bed minutes before your wake up time… amazing!
Off gassing
Like most packaged mattresses, The Pod Mattress does have a plastic/rubber smell upon opening, however, this smell dissipated after a few hours. I just let the mattress open up and inflate fully before using it.
Overall impression
One of the coolest health technology items I have ever used! It is on the pricey side, so may not be in everyone’s budget. However, it does so much and compared to other health technology items. I mean, think about how much our fitness watches and smart scales cost. Thus, I think it’s priced appropriately.
This post is sponsored by Eight Sleep, however, all opinions are my own.
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