It’s no joke that sleep deprivation is a major public health problem– and for older adults, the consequences of insufficient sleep can lead to serious health problems. For those of us who don’t or can’t get 7-8 hours of sleep a night, the search for sleeping aids can feel urgent or even desperate. In fact, there’s new research that underscores the serious problem of sedative overuse among the elderly, partly because of the search for sleep assistance.

In the realm of technology, there are constantly new products coming to market, promising help in the ongoing search for a good night’s sleep, but many of these products lack the science to back up their claims. Some products aim to relax you or, ironically, help you block out the harmful effects of using technology before you go to sleep. One recent review in The New York Times highlighted the benefits, and limitations, of advanced earbuds to gently put you to sleep with peaceful sounds while masking noises that may disrupt your sleep. The verdict? Unless that’s specifically your sleep problem they’re of little help. If sleep deprivation is an ongoing problem for you, there are sleep specialists who can evaluate your symptoms and determine if there’s an available remedy. Short of that, there are some tried and true techniques that may help you naturally fall asleep. So grab your blanket and find out more here.