Having trouble sleeping? Try this weighted blanket
Who knows why a hug works wonders? Most likely it’s an instinct that goes back to infancy, or perhaps even the womb. All we know is that research has shown a little embrace now and then can yield health benefits across the board.
Those results are the basis for a recent sleep trend you may have heard about — weighted blankets. We all know a thick blanket can be a wonderful thing to curl up under, especially on a chilly winter night.
Recently, some manufacturers have added tiny weights into the fabric of their blankets, weighing them down just enough to replicate that feeling of being hugged or swaddled.
It should go without saying that this sensation can help you fall asleep better. And if you’re looking to test the theory, Cushion Lab’s Calm Embrace Weighted Blanket is a great place to start.
Where some weighted blankets simply add some weights to the fringes or corners, the Calm Embrace blanket achieves the weighted effect with hundreds of tiny nanobeads. These lead-free, medical-quality beads are sewn into small pockets throughout the blanket, distributing that weight evenly.
Lay under the cover and you instantly feel a gentle pressure that practically tucks you into bed. In total, the blanket weighs in at 15 pounds — enough for you to feel the pressure, but not so much that you feel restrained.
Scientifically speaking, the effect is called “deep touch pressure stimulation.” Essentially, the body perceives it as an ultra-passive massage. It’s designed to release a cocktail of chemicals in your body that are ideal for bedtime: Serotonin (for a feeling of well-being) and melatonin (the hormone that regulates your sleep cycle).
In layman’s terms, the blanket just feels like one big hug. And, lest we forget, the material is pretty comforting all its own, made from a blend of cotton, polyester and smooth Minky fabric.
Right now, Komando readers can get the Calm Embrace Weighted Blanket and take advantage of a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty – not to mention a 44% discount off the original store price.
Luxury noise-canceling headphones at a fraction of the price
Audiophiles can argue (and have argued) for years about what sound system is best. As technology has improved, those arguments have only gotten more heated.
Digital audio is the norm these days, and as convenient as it is, it comes with its own set of reproduction challenges — just like the CDs, cassette tapes and vinyl formats before them.
4 sleep masks that do more than just keep you in the dark
For too may of us, a good night’s sleep is not a given. One solution to restless nights is a sleep mask to block out ambient light. It’s certainly better on your system than sleeping pills or other medication, but let’s face it: Sometimes a simple blindfold just won’t do the trick.
Never lose a charge again with this versatile power bank
Charging your smartphone or other devices is simple. We don’t even think about plugging into one of the many outlets available pretty much everywhere. And wireless charging has made it even easier to top off your battery.
This wireless sleep mask even sings you lullabies
Sleep comes easier to some of us more than others, but it’s equally important for everyone.
If you’re struggling to get the rest you need, sleep masks can help; but blocking out a little light only helps settle down one of your senses. For a more full-spectrum approach, we found a better solution: The Dreamlight Muse.
So long, jingle: This organizer keeps your keys fumble-free
Keychains are one of those daily hassles that become so constant we barely think about it. When you actually do stop to consider, it becomes obvious the way we carry our keys is a mess.
They make noise, they jab us in the thigh and good luck finding just the right one quickly — especially in the dark. Luckily, somebody’s thought about the problem. And the solution is elegant and somewhat familiar: The KeySmart Flex.
This tasking tool isn't a day planner – It's a life planner
Every day, there’s a new gadget or a supposedly better version of an old one. We’re surrounded by widgets and programs promising to make it easier for us to commute, communicate, clean and more.
But technology hasn’t really answered the big-picture question: With all these time-saving devices around, why are we still so busy?
Start 2020 right with the Komando Community
The internet is a dangerous place. Hackers and scammers are everywhere, and big tech companies thrive on collecting and selling your data.
That’s why Kim and the team created the ad-free Komando Community. If you’re looking for a safe place to get answers to your digital questions, meet others who share your interests and get exclusive access to Kim’s trusted advice, look no further. The best part? We’ll never sell your data to advertisers.
Is note-taking becoming tiresome? Try this virtual assistant
Ask any student: The worst part of any project is the notes. The endless pages of notes. Sometimes it’s a whole separate job just making sense of and — transcribing — the scribbles you wrote a few hours ago.
That’s true whether you’re talking about a thesis paper or a research-heavy work project. But as they say, you’ve got to work smarter, not harder.
Say goodbye to aches and pains with this discounted massage gun
With no work to think about, it should be easy enough to relax in the company of family and friends over the holidays. Fast forward to the New Year, and things might get a little more hectic.
Before you settle back into the daily grind, it might be worth investing in the ExoGun DreamPro Percussion Massage Device. By stimulating your muscles with small vibrations, this versatile massage gun is able to relieve pain and stress. It also helps you recover faster after workouts.
You can back up handwritten notes online with these erasable notebooks
Although apps like Evernote and Google Docs are great for storing text, they cannot replace a pen and paper. There is something more intuitive about scribbling notes, and you have the option to sketch your ideas.
The Rocketbook Everlast Mini is a notebook that offers the best of both worlds. It works just like a traditional notebook, but you can back up every page to the cloud using your smartphone. Better still, you can easily erase the whole thing and start again.
Best after-Christmas and year-end sales to shop
After weeks of shopping for others, it’s about to be your turn. And the timing couldn’t be better for self-gifting.
The days between Christmas and New Year’s Day are full of sales, as retailers know shoppers will be dropping in to make returns. Stores are also motivated to offload everything that didn’t get sold as gifts.
This portable power bank doubles as a wireless phone charger
When you rely on your phone or tablet to stay connected, carrying a power bank is a wise move. Most are pretty lightweight, and they can restore your devices to full battery.
But what happens when you leave your charging cable at home? With the HyperCharger X Wireless Charger, that won’t be a problem. This power bank is no bigger than an iPhone X, and it doubles as a wireless charging pad.
Want to protect your privacy? Here's what to buy and what to skip
With new tech items hitting the market all the time, it’s opened a whole new world for gift-giving. Kids and adults alike would rather have the latest and greatest gadgets and video games than the old-school board game or necktie.
Buying guide: Best smart speakers on sale right now
Ready to get new smart speakers for your home or office? Luckily, there are always tons of sales going on, and we’ve got the inside scoop.
Gone are the days of paying full price for smart speakers and other tech. If you’re a savvy shopper, you know how to hunt down deals. Tap or click for the best tech deals to upgrade your business.
Buying guide: Best TVs on a budget
It doesn’t matter what time of year it is — a new TV is a new TV! And who doesn’t want a new television to stream content and watch sports?
Everyone seems to want a new TV, but how do you know which sets are worth the money? Here’s a simple guide to the best TVs you can buy on a budget, so you’ll have enough leftover cash to spend on yourself or to take the family out for a nice meal.
Save money with this shopping tool that alerts you when prices drop
If you regularly shop online, this tool could help you save a bundle each time prices drop.
Streaming devices compared
There are two types of steaming gadgets: set-top boxes and HDMI sticks. Streaming boxes are larger and more expensive but tend to be more powerful. HDMI sticks are the size of USB drives and plug right into your TV’s HDMI port. That means less clutter in your entertainment center and less impact on your wallet.
6 big screen 4K TVs worth buying right now
This time of year is a paradise for sports fans. College and pro football are underway, baseball playoffs have just begun, hockey hits the ice this week and we’re only a couple of weeks from tip-off for the new basketball season. Talk about needing more hours in a day.
6 fitness gadgets that you'll actually use
When it comes to losing weight and staying healthy, there’s a long history of snake oil. They’re still out there, but technology is shaking things up for the better.
If you do your homework and are prepared to do the physical work as well, you’ll be sure to find high-tech gadgets that will help you get healthy. Some of the gadgets are wearable, others get you moving, but all are aimed at keeping you fit.