'Sleep' Like a Champion
Why I swear by earbuds, gels, an app, CBD, and compression to maximize my sleep...
I’m passionate about sleep. And given it’s National Sleep Awareness Week, if you asked me what the best source of recovery is, my (and experts’) answer is always the same: sleep.
Every. Single. Time.
Just like carbs and sodium are no-brainers for performance, sleep is the ultimate performance enhancer. A total non-negotiable.
Over the years, I’ve tested plenty—some gimmicky, some game-changing; and I’ve landed on these go-to products that actually help me get better rest.
Ozlo Sleepbuds: Tiny Tech for a Big Sleep Upgrade
Best for: Not hearing a damn thing and lulling you to sleep without discomfort.
Have you tried to sleep with your AirPods in?
It’s a totally crappy and uncomfortable experience. It’s as if they were not designed for sleep (duh). My ear canals get exhausted and given their shell casing is hard plastic, I never can get as comfortable as I want to on my pillow.
Enter the Ozlo Sleepbuds. These tiny (and I mean tiny) buds are built for sleep and are comfortable enough to wear all night and are loaded with relaxing soundscapes. You can also play Spotify, etc. too. I was skeptical at first but they caught my eye a while back.
Let’s get to the ergonomics of these. They’re legit tiny and when I first opened them and placed them in my ears, it reminded me of a spy movie, a hidden earpiece tucked away. You don’t need to worry about these falling out, yet have no concern that you’ll be able to get them out. Sleep tech in the past has gotten mixed reviews and so did early reviews of Ozlo. People kind of hated the app experience. But I honestly didn’t. So, maybe updates were had, because I found that these actually deliver. They’re super lightweight and when I really want a good sleep on the road, or if I’m car camping, I was surprised by how much they mask disruptive sounds. They come with all the proper ear accessories to get a great fit and a rechargeable “tin” to store them in. The tin slides open and reminds me of and is about the size of a Copenhagen long cut chew tin. Pretty small. But more useful. Overall, these sleepbuds check all the boxes I want. Great sleep. Great options - peaceful sounds or my music. And no inner ear exhaustion.
Cons: While they do a great job of blocking out noise, when I’m home, they almost do too good of a job. Especially as a parent who needs to be aware of my surroundings at night, I find myself in the deep end of the zone, the sleep zone. But if that’s not an issue for you, no worries.
Where to Purchase: Ozlo and get an extra $10 off at check-out.
Kiva Camino ‘Sleep’ Gummies: A Favorite Nightcap
Best for: Putting your ass too sleep quickly without the next day grogginess.
I’ll write about this in more depth later down the line but a lot of sleep supplements promise to knock your ass out, but I don’t want to be knocked out. I’m in bed, not the boxing ring. Few help you drift off naturally and wake up feeling refreshed.
Kiva’s ‘Sleep’ gummies different. They are infused with THC and CBN (a lesser-known cannabinoid known for its sedative properties), designed to promote deep, restorative sleep. I’m not a cannabis guy at all so don’t ask me to get super scientific, but as a user of these, I will tell you. They’re awesome.
From what I hear, everyone is different. But for me, I really like these because they don’t hit me like a melatonin hammer—no weird dreams, no waking up feeling like I got tackled in my sleep and no sluggishness. Every time I take one and get into bed, I’d say, within 15 minutes I am out. So do not take one and then expect to watch a 3-hour Scorsese movie. I’ve tried to fight the sleep angels but like I said… 15 minutes and I’m out like a light. Ahead of falling asleep, these provide a gentle, relaxed feeling that eases you into sleep rather than forcing it.
Cons: It’s dumb but some people might hesitate to try these because of the stigma around THC and CBD. So if you’re new to it or just cannabis-based sleep aid curious, start slow, as the effects can vary from person to person.
Where to Purchase: KIVA Confections
ASSOS Skin Repair Gel - After Ride
Best for: Keeping saddle sores at bay + promoting recovery.
If you’re putting in serious saddle time, you already know that prevention is key when it comes to chafing and saddle sores.
Like myself, most cyclists swear by Chamois Butt’r or similar creams before a ride, but what about after? You can’t simply have your peanut butter. You gotta add the jelly too!
That’s where ASSOS Skin Repair Gel comes in—it’s the perfect post-ride complement, soothing irritated skin and helping you recover before your next session.
A year ago, my buddy got saddle sore surgery and introduced me to this gel which was recommended by his surgeon. I naturally started using this after every ride, and it’s been a game-changer. It absorbs quickly, cools the skin, and helps keep any chafing from turning into something worse. Like … SURGERY!
Cons: Is the post shower/before bed skin recovery gel necessary? Maybe. Maybe not? But I know that I’ll pay a little extra to make sure I’d doing everything possible to keep my private areas in tip top shape. The tube is on the smaller side and there might be other options out there.
Where to Purchase: Amazon
Hyperice Normatec 3 Leg Compression Sleeves: Recovery and Relaxation in One
Best for: Boost circulation, and ease soreness before bed.
Nothing sabotages sleep like heavy, tired legs after a big workout. That’s where the Normatec 3 leg compression sleeves come in. You don’t need to be an elite athlete to own these, us normal guys own them too. And if you’ve lived under a rock, these sleeves use dynamic air compression to massage your legs, helping flush out lactic acid and reduce muscle soreness.
I first tried these at a recovery lounge a few years back, and after one session, I wanted more. I couldn’t afford them but finally pulled the plug when they became HSA eligible. Now after two years, I use these on the regular before bed. They mimic the feeling of a deep tissue massage, but without the pain and you can set the zone to really focus on whats most sore. Have I fallen asleep in them. Absolutely. Do I recommend that. Absolutely.
Cons: They’re not exactly subtle—these things are loud, and if you’re trying to keep the mood romantic, wearing full-leg compression sleeves in bed isn’t the best look. Plus, you’re completely immobile while using them, so make sure you have your water and remote close by before you start a session.
Where to Purchase: Amazon
Better Lab App: A Personalized Guide to Changing Sleep Habits
Best for: Pinpointing lifestyle changes that improve sleep quality.
If you’ve ever wished for a sleep coach in your pocket, Better Lab is the next best thing. Unlike everything else I’ve highlighted, this app helps you track sleep patterns, assess lifestyle habits, and provides tailored recommendations for improving your rest.
Unlike basic sleep tracking apps, Better Lab dives deep into factors like stress, nutrition, and exercise, offering real insights beyond just telling you how many hours you slept.
I’ve been using it since Q4 2024 and appreciate how actionable and accountable the app is. It helps connect the dots between my daily routines and my sleep quality; making meaningful adjustments that actually work.
Cons: This app only works for you if YOU put in the work and truly want to change your personal habits. It requires consistent input to get the best results so if you’re lazy, you might have a hard time with it. But if you’re on your last straw sleep wise, have a go at it.
Where to Download: Apple App Store
Sleeping Rules
Better sleep isn’t about one magic product (or five) —it’s about building a routine that works for you. Whether you need help drowning out noise, easing your mind, recovering faster, or taking care of your skin after long days in the saddle, these products have been game-changers in MY routine.
Got any go-to sleep hacks or products you swear by? Let me know. I’m always up for testing some new things.
Stay moving ✌️
SB