Get Better Sleep Now With These Bedroom Essentials

how to get better sleephow to get better sleep

The most wonderful time of year is almost here! March 14 marks daylight savings time (yay to longer days), which also coincides with National Sleep Awareness Week (March 14-20). Given that many people are sleep-deprived these days (COVID-somnia, anyone?), this is a good time to reevaluate and possibly redesign your sleep space for better sleep. Here are bedroom essentials plus snoozy tips to rock more restful zzzs this season.

Coop Home Goods Adjustable Pillow ($60)

Several Brit + Co staffers swear by this GREENGUARD Gold-certified (read: no harmful chems) customizable pillow. Adjust for just the right firmness + support by adding or removing the memory foam fill to suit your sleep style (side, back or stomach).

Puffy Mattress($800+)

A comfortable mattress can make all the difference in how you sleep. Check out the award-winning Puffy Mattress for an affordable memory foam mattress catered to all sleeper types. (Score a free pillow with every mattress purchase too).

Uncle Bud's CBD Sleep Gummies($35)

Level up your sleep wellness with flavorful melatonin and CBD gummies. (Two of these at night really did the trick;).

Luna Cotton Weighted Blanket ($90)

Get that bear-hug feel with a silky soft weighted blanket that keeps you perfectly cool throughout the night.

Molekule Air Mini Purifier ($399)

The Molekule Air Mini, designed to purify air in rooms up to 250 square feet, uses a technology that destroys viruses, VOCs, allergens, bacteria and mold so you can sleep and breathe more soundly. Comes in five fan speeds, from whisper quiet to boost, and a cute wool handle to bring with you anywhere.

Newgate Clocks The Fred Minimalist Alarm Clock ($39)

Removing electronics/your phone from your bedroom is key to a better night's sleep (no circadian rhythm disturbances). Make your bedroom a place for only sleep and instead invest in an old-school alarm clock. This one has a digital beep that doesn't scare you awake, plus the minimal design gets extra style points.

Papier Journal($27)

Write down your thoughts at the end of the day to clear the clutter in your brain and avoid the dreaded toss and turn. These personalized journals are perfect for scribbling ideas, reminders and general musings.

Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask ($48)

We're big fans of this full-coverage silky sleep mask. It doesn't mess with your hair and fully blocks out all the light so you can sleep soundly through the night.

B Yoga Mat ($96)

A relaxing before bed will release any anxiety or stress and can improve the quality and duration of your sleep. This ultra grippy mat will keep you grounded in your practice and is stylish enough to keep bedside.

Public Goods Lavender Vanilla Candle ($6)

This calming blend of lavender, vanilla, eucalyptus, and coconut will help you slip into full-on relaxation. Public Goods vegan candles are hand-poured in small batches and made without lead, dyes, BPA or phthalates.

Roller Rabbit Hathi Sleep Set ($118)

A PJ set that's as comfy as it is chic will make you feel good inside and out while hitting the hay.

Walden Meditation Cushion ($145)

is another pre-sleep practice that will prepare your body for some excellent shut-eye. This cushy seat will keep your mind on your breathe vs. any discomfort.

Danika Faux Fur Slippers($38)

Get your tootsies ready for bed with a comfy slipper, like these oh-so-cozy slipper boots, perfect for grabbing the paper on a chilly morning. Minnetonka moccasins are a fourth-generation company that started Minneapolis in 1946.

Vitruvi Essential Oil Stone Diffuser ($119)

Diffuse your favorite essential oils from this cool and compact device for relaxing scents and sleepy vibes.

Good night, y'all!


What's your sleep hack go-to? Share with us @BritandCo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

So, you've stopped asking "does makeup expire" and have become a pro at spotting unhealthy particles churning in your foundation. We're proud of you, but this TikTok video suggests there's two more things you're likely overlooking: your face wash and the mold that could be growing in it *insert music from Psycho.* If anything should be considered icky, it's this.

Usually we like to make a funny joke, but we've been telling our trusted cleanser we're not pleased with its sneaky potential to betray us. It's a good thing cosmetic dermatologist Courtney Allen, FNP-C is here to ease our fears! She's the founder of Canvas Skin (recently named Nashville’s top skincare center) who has over 10 years of skincare experience so her advice is one we can rely on!

Learn about why mold develops and what you can do before it makes your skin go haywire

I'm clueless. What causes mold to grow in face wash?

Tiger Lily/Pexels

We can agree face wash is meant to tackle skincare concerns like acne, dark spots, and extreme oiliness, right? Great, because it means we're confused about how mold can destroy the thing designed to help our skin. Thankfully, Allen has the answer to our burning question!
She says, "Mold can develop in face wash due to exposure to moisture, improper storage, expired preservatives, or contamination from dirty hands or water." If this made you question how you're currently storing your face wash, you're not alone!

Concerning preservatives, she said "most skincare products have preservatives to prevent microbial growth," but they're going to eventually "degrade." The only way Allen feels this is preventably is for us to "check expiration dates and replace face wash every 6-12 months (or sooner if it lacks preservatives or is organic)."

Noted, but how can I tell what the mold will look like?

Cora Pursley/Dupe Photos

We've probably seen mold growing on old fruit or food we've left uncovered in the refrigerator, but does it look the same in face wash? Allen says, "Mold in face wash may appear as discoloration (black, green, or white spots), texture changes (clumping or separation), or an unusual smell (musty or sour)."

Now that we think about it, we've used face washes in the past that looked like it was separating or had an awful smell whenever we used it. It just never occurred to us that they could've had mold in them!

The bottom line, Allen says, is "any change in consistency or scent should be a red flag!"

How would moldy face wash affect my skin?

Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

Imagine you think you've hit the jackpot because you found face wash that was hidden behind other beauty products under your skin. Without checking the expiration date, you eagerly start using it only to experience confusion when you have an allergic reaction.
The reason your skin's unhappy is because "using a mold-contaminated face wash can lead to skin irritation, breakouts, rashes, fungal infections, or worsening of conditions like eczema, according to Allen. Why? It's all "due to exposure to harmful bacteria and fungi," she adds. Oh and if you have sensitive skin? She feels you're "especially at risk."

What should I do if I notice a problem with my face wash?

KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA/Pexels

Stop, drop and roll! Just kidding — that's not the answer in this situation. Allen's advice is a little more than a suggestion, however. "Immediately stop using it, discard the product, and sanitize the area where it was stored," she advises. But this isn't the time to get to the internal root of the problem. "Avoid trying to 'scoop out' the mold, as contamination spreads deeper than what’s visible," she mentions.

If there's a chance you're experience irritation in the wake of finding mold in your face wash, Allen doesn't think your life will never be the same. Instead, she wants you to "wash the face with a gentle cleanser and apply a soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer."

In other words, keep it simple post-exposure to mold!

Kaboompics.com/Pexels

To be on the safe side, you should always stop using beauty products if you notice they're irritating your skin. It could be that the ingredients are too harsh OR mold has secretly found its way inside your daily cleanser. But as long as you follow Allen's advice, you'll be okay!

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The 2000s were a wild time for movies. It was an era of debatable fashion, even more questionable humor, and films that, looking back, we can't believe ever made it past a pitch meeting.

While certain movies from this nostalgic period remain classics, others haven't aged very well. Whether they're filled with problematic tropes or outdated stereotypes, here are the 10 cringey 2000s movies that wouldn't stand a chance in Hollywood today.

Scroll to see all the super cringe 2000s movies we wouldn't see today...

Summit Entertainment

1. Twilight (2008)

When Twilight premiered in 2008, it became an instant sensation and sparked a cultural obsession with supernatural romance. However, while it left an undeniable mark on pop culture, this film has some major underlying issues.

Once viewed as swoon-worthy, Bella and Edward's relationship feels problematic in hindsight. He was controlling, exhibited stalker-like behavior, and gaslit her into believing that she imagined his supernatural abilities.

Add in the fact that Edward is technically over a century old when Bella is a high schooler, and it's clear why Twilight might not resonate with audiences the same way in 2025.

Universal Pictures

2. Knocked Up (2007)

Directed by Judd Apatow, Knocked Up was initially well-received despite heavily leaning on outdated gender stereotypes. The movie follows responsible and career-driven Alison, who is forced to navigate an unplanned pregnancy with slacker Ben.

Even though Knocked Up delivers plenty of laughs, it also portrays women, especially Alison, as rigid and joyless. Katherine Heigl, the lead actress, criticized this, too, saying the film "Paints the women as shrews, as humorless and uptight, and it paints the men as lovable, goofy, fun-loving guys."

Dreamworks

3. Norbit (2007)

This movie might've showcased Eddie Murphy's ability to transform into multiple characters, yet Norbit is still more cringeworthy than comedic. The portrayal of Rasputia, an over-the-top and domineering woman whose character is built around fat-shaming jokes, is particularly offensive.

Moreover, Murphy also plays Mr. Wong, a wildly stereotypical caricature of an elderly Chinese man.

20th Century Fox

4. Shallow Hal (2001)

Shallow Hal may have set out to deliver a message about inner beauty, but it really missed the mark. Again, this film relies on fatphobic humor, with Gwyneth Paltrow's character serving as the target of the jokes.

It arguably reinforces stereotypes about weight and attractiveness, and Gwyneth (who wore a fat suit) actually called the movie a "disaster" in 2020.

Columbia Pictures

5. White Chicks (2004)

Featuring over-the-top humor and absurd disguises, White Chicks was a hit in 2004. Nonetheless, it's a tired portrayal of women as materialistic, shallow, and obsessed with their looks.

The premise involves two FBI agents posing as socialites during a Hamptons weekend, and it was always meant to be ridiculous. Even so, there are certain scenes that are especially questionable, like when an athlete at the club attempts to spike a woman's drink.

Universal Pictures

6. Brüno (2009)

Brüno was intended to be a bold satire, Sacha Baron Cohen's specialty, but it crosses the line of edgy humor. He plays an exaggerated, flamboyant Austrian fashion journalist, and the mockumentary was meant to expose homophobia.

Despite that, the movie incorporated a lot of outdated gay stereotypes and might've reinforced the notions as opposed to challenging them. In fact, Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) representative Rashad Robinson called the work "problematic in many places and outright offensive in others."

New Line Cinema

7. Wedding Crashers (2005)

Wedding Crashers revolves around two men who lie their way into weddings to manipulate women into sleeping with them. At its core, the film's plot is unsettling and questionable.

Aside from that, it features gay stereotypes, a racist grandmother, and scenes that blur the lines of consent. All that being said, t's obvious why this movie wouldn't fly today.

New Line Cinema

8. The Notebook (2003)

The Notebook is still one of the most favored romance movies of all time, so this may be an unpopular opinion, but some of its most iconic moments are more disturbing than anything.

There's no denying that Noah and Allie's love story is passionate, but his relentless pursuit of her is borderline manipulative. Remember when he threatened to let go of the Ferris wheel if she didn't go on a date with him?

Plus, once they actually get together, their relationship is filled with constant fighting, including scenes when Allie hits Noah. Female-on-male violence has traditionally been glossed over in films, but today, Hollywood is moving away from these problematic depictions.

Paramount Pictures

9. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

This movie follows advice columnist Andie Anderson, played by Kate Hudson, who wants to write an attention-grabbing piece. She finds Ben Berry, an advertising executive who's arguably creepy and manipulative.

While How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days may be a classic rom-com, it relies on gender stereotypes that can feel more offensive than humorous now.

Paramount Pictures

10. Mean Girls (2004)

Finally, we can't forget about Mean Girls, one of the most iconic teen comedies of the 2000s. Sure, it's filled with endlessly quotable lines and a sharp take on high school cliques, but it also has relentless body-shaming.

Many of the scenes would hit differently in today's more body-positive era, making Mean Girls a more cringey watch in 2025.

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Only two states in the United States don't observe daylight saving time, observing standard time year-round: Arizona and Hawaii. After all, they argue, these states already get plenty of sun. The other 48 states – AKA the rest of us – will spring forward our clocks by one hour on Sunday, March 9, at least for now. It's been reported that it's on the table for abolishing. While it's my favorite time of year (who doesn't love the longer days?), it comes with some not so good health news. Let's get into what you can expect this daylight saving time!

Here are 12 wacky facts you may not know about daylight saving time.

Canva Studio

1. Most of us are saying it wrong.

The correct term is actually "daylight saving time" — singular, not plural. Despite common usage, "saving" is used as an adjective describing the act of conserving daylight, not a plural noun.

Shutterstock

2. The time change has been linked to more hospital visits.

The American Heart Association found that the time change showed an increase in cases of heart attack and stroke. A scientific study found a rise in cases of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), a condition that resulted in irregular heartbeats with symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, and fatigue. The increase was more prevalent among women and occurred only during the spring daylight saving time shift, not with the fall clock change.

Shutterstock

3. There are more car accidents during this time.

Losing an hour of sleep can also impact your road safety. A study found that the spring daylight saving time transition increases the risk of fatal traffic accidents in the U.S. by 6 percent.

Andrea Piacquadio

4. DST can increase your cortisol and stress levels.

Losing sleep and disrupting your body’s natural rhythm can do more than just leave you feeling groggy — it can actually spike your cortisol levels, the hormone linked to stress. Research shows that sleep deprivation and circadian misalignment can trigger an increase in cortisol, along with inflammatory markers and cytokine imbalances. Since cortisol and inflammatory proteins are released in response to stress, chronic elevations could contribute to long-term health issues.

Shutterstock

5. We're at higher risk of depression.

Many people report mood disturbances during this time, but for those with bipolar disorder, the effects can be particularly destabilizing. For instance, a 2020 study found that the change impacts mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. An Australian study revealed a significant increase in male suicide rates in the weeks following the start of daylight saving time, compared to both the weeks after the return to standard time and the rest of the year.

Pixabay

6. Benjamin Franklin first suggested the concept.

He didn’t technically invent daylight saving time (as some have reported), but he did conceive the idea a century before it was credited to George Vernon Hudson, a New Zealand artist who formally proposed it in an 1895 paper. Benjamin Franklin observed that if people in France adjusted their schedules to sleep when it was dark and wake with the sunrise, they could save hundreds of francs on candles — making artificial lighting less necessary.

Andy Feliciotti

7. There's already buzz to make DST permanent.

The Sunshine Protection Act is a proposed U.S. law aiming to make daylight saving time permanent, eliminating the need to change clocks twice a year.

Anna Shvets

8. Farmers actually fought against it.

Contrary to popular belief, farmers have never supported daylight saving time. In fact, they opposed its implementation and, in 1919, an agricultural lobby even pushed for its repeal.

Max Vakhtbovycn

9. We may actually consume more energy because of it.

While many believe daylight saving time conserves energy, research suggests it may actually do the opposite. A University of California-Santa Barbara study indicated that daylight saving time might increase consumption. A 2017 study in the International Association for Energy Economics Journal further supports this idea, noting that longer daylight hours can lead to more air conditioning in summer and heating in cooler months.

Federico Respini

10. Daylight saving time was extended in 2007.

First started in Germany, the U.S. adopted daylight saving time in 1918 and standardized it across the country with the passage of the 1966 Uniform Time Act, which gave the federal government oversight over the time change. It originally called for the last Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October. President George W. Bush’s Energy Policy Act of 2005 extended it from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, starting in 2007.

Bhargava Marripati

11. About 70 countries observe daylight saving time.

Countries like Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and those in the European Union observe daylight saving time either nationwide or in select regions. Meanwhile, most African and Asian nations — including India, China, and Japan — opt out of the time change entirely.

Kaylah Matthews

12. You can beat the clock.

Despite the health risks and safety concerns of daylight saving time, you can take steps to combat fatigue and adjust within a week. Here are B+C's 5 Best Ways to Beat Daylight Saving Time Fatigue.

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Even if you didn't binge watch all of Nicole Kidman's The Perfect Couple when it premiered in September 2024, there's a very good chance you saw footage of Nicole, Dakota Fanning, Meghann Fahy, and the rest of the cast dancing on the beach on social media. The Netflix show, which got 75.1 million views after its premiere, follows Amelia, whose wedding into the affluent Winbury family — until a dead body appears on the beach. While the series was originally billed as a limited series, Netflix reportedly just decided to extend it into an anthology series. Here's everything we know.

Netflix is reportedly turning Nicole Kidman's The Perfect Couple into an anthology series. Here's what we know about season 2.

Netflix's 'The Perfect Couple' season 2 is following another Elin Hilderbrand novel.

Amazon

Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that The Perfect Couple is getting the American Horror Story treatment; we're getting a brand new story with a brand new cast for season 2. But one thing that would remain the same is its Massachusetts setting.

If Netflix does go through with a second season, The Bear co-showrunner Joanna Calo would reportedly adapt Elin Hilderbrand's Swan Song.

The 2024 book revolves around the beloved Richardson family, whose life in their $22 million Nantucket home is more than affluent. With their parties, yachts, and overall lives, they put "keeping up with the Joneses" to shame — until their mansion burns down and their most essential employee goes MIA.

Who's in 'The Perfect Couple' season 2 cast?

Seacia Pavao/Netflix

We don't have an official cast list for Swan Song yet, but it looks like Nicole Kidman would return as executive producer. The Swan Song characters include:

  • Bull Richardson, a wealthy movie producer who moves to the island of Nantucket.
  • Leslie Richardson, Bull's wife who woos everyone with parties.
  • Ed Kapenash, Nantucket's Chief of Police.
  • Colleen Coyle (“Coco"), an aspiring screenwriter.
  • Fast Eddie, a real estate agent.
  • Blond Sharon, the local gossip.

When is the show coming out?

Seacia Pavao/Netflix

Considering we don't have an official greenlight yet, we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves. But if Netflix chooses to move forward with the series, there's a good chance we could see it in 2026.

You can watch all of The Perfect Couple season 1 on Netflix now!

Here are the best Tana French Mystery Books For The Girls Who Binged The Perfect Couple. Add them to your TBR now!

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Just like green cocktails, shamrock-inspired treats, and incorporating Baileys and Guinness into just about any dish, serving corned beef recipes on St. Patrick's Day is part of Irish-American tradition. But just because it's expected doesn't mean it has to be boring.

Here are 18 brand new ways to eat corned beef that you've probably never tasted before!

Corned Beef Brisket

Brit + Co

To get you started with these corned beef recipes, here's our guide to cooking the ultimate St. Patrick's Day feast. You can use this to inform the rest of recipes, or stick to the basics! The brine features ingredients like salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, and ginger. As good as it is fresh, dressing up the leftover sandwich however you see fit might just be the best (and most unique) part. (via Brit + Co)

Guinness BBQ Corned Beef & White Cheddar Sliders

Dixie Chik Cooks

When you want to make an American dish even more American, you barbecue it! This beer-based BBQ sauce has to be tasted to be believed. (via Dixie Chik Cooks)

Corned Beef Tacos with Beer-Battered Fries

Half Baked Harvest

This Mexican-American-inspired riff on the original is epic. And the creamy Greek-yogurt cabbage slaw is like nectar of the gods. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Cheesy Naan Reuben Pizzas with Thousand Island Drizzle

The Curious Plate

It was only a matter of time before some enterprising American chef took the humble reuben and turned it into a pizza. TBH, we'll eat anything with naan in it. (via The Curious Plate)

Reuben Poppers

The Beach House Kitchen

This crazy-good concept takes the grilled Reuben and whips it up, popper style. These make perfect food for snacking. (via The Beach House Kitchen)

Irish Nacos with Beer Sauce

The Salty Marshmallow

If you're looking for some over-the-top pub food, check out these Irish nachos. Instead of tortilla chips, it calls for thinly sliced potatoes and the queso is a homemade cheddar-beer sauce! (via The Salty Marshmallow)

Reuben Stuffed Potato Skins

Cooks With Cocktails

This one's for the gluten-free folks in the house. What better vehicle for all those yummy reuben stuffings than a crisp potato jacket that's simply oozing melted cheese. (via Cooks With Cocktails)

Corned Beef Grilled Cheese

Spicy Southern Kitchen

If you like emphasis on cheese, this one's for you. This sammie is spilling over with thinly sliced corned beef, caramelized onions, and oodles of melty Fontina cheese. What's not to love? (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)

Reuben Po’ Boys

The Cooking Bride

The original Louisiana po' boys were stuffed with either fried seafood or thinly-sliced beef, so this sammy is an American original in more ways than one. Stuffed with bourbon glazed corned beef, this corned beef sandwich is topped with a vinegar-based cabbage slaw that really pops. (via The Cooking Bride)

Spicy Reuben Chowder with Brown Butter Rye Croutons

The Curious Plate

If there's such a thing as *leftover* corned beef at your house, lucky you! For the rest of us, a cabbage chowder like this one topped with just a pinch of corned beef crumbles totally satisfies the craving. Pro tip: if you really have zero St. Paddy's leftovers, bacon crumbles will taste just as good and no one at the table will be the wiser. (via The Curious Plate)

Reuben Eggs Benedict

Crunch Time Kitchen

Those new to cooking will love that this is a beginner-style eggs Bennie. Corn the beef yourself (click through for the recipe) — or you could just pile on some corned beef and sauerkraut from your local deli and it will be just as good. (via Crunch Time Kitchen)

Corned Beef Breakfast Hash

Fed & Fit

This one's for all the clean eaters in the house. This corned beef hash is made with all wholesome ingredients — as if you needed a second reason to celebrate! (via Fed & Fit)

St. Paddy’s Corned Beef Burgers with Irish Cheddar Cheese

The Curious Plate

These burgers made of a combo of ground beef and corned beef mixed with Guinness are practically worthy of Irish-American sainthood. To be sure, even St. Patrick himself would give 'em three clovers up. (via The Curious Plate)

Reuben Waffle Fries

Melanie Makes

This version of a Reuben casserole takes it up a notch with crispy waffle fries. The cast iron skillet ensures that the fries stay crunchy while the cheese melts into every crevice. (via Melanie Makes)

Slow Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage Sliders with Guinness Mustard

The Cookie Rookie

The meat for these sliders comes together easy peasy in your slow cooker or crockpot. This is one dinner tray that's guaranteed to come back to the kitchen licked clean. (via The Cookie Rookie)

Hot Reuben Dip

Culinary Hill

Anyone in your family who loves Reuben sandwiches will love this dip. You'd best make two and place one at each end of your dinner table — to avoid the inevitable traffic jam when everyone lines up behind this. (via Culinary Hill)

Reuben Sliders

Countryside Cravings

These hearty sliders on ciabatta bread are sure to be a fave, but why wait? They'd be equally great at your next family dinner, movie night, or an evening flying solo. (via Countryside Cravings)

Corned Beef Hash, Cajun Style

Chili Pepper Madness

The good thing about slow cooking your own corned beef is you might just have enough left over the next day to make hash for breakfast. This version takes it to the next level, with spicy peppers, Cajun seasonings, and hot sauce that runneth over. (via Chili Pepper Madness)

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This post has been updated.