The Sleep Optimizer's Checklist 12 Products That Actually Work

Rick has tried 23 sleep products this year. His Oura sleep score moved 4 points. He calls it progress. These are the 12 that actually had evidence behind them — ranked by sleep stage impact, not price tag.

Rest Test Tuesdays and Sleep Verdicts — free.


What's in the Checklist

Blackout & Environment (3 products) The $18 blackout solution that beats $200 curtains. Data from 847 r/sleep threads.
Temperature (2 products) The cooling method that beats expensive pods at 1/10th the cost.
Sound (2 products) Pink noise vs white noise: the data on which one keeps you in deep sleep longer.
Timing & Light (2 products) The sunrise alarm that moves sleep onset by 23 minutes on average.
Supplements (3 products) The one supplement with consistent evidence. The two Rick takes that Dr. Chen approved.

Page updated June 2026