Do you have trouble falling asleep or suffer from insomnia due to stress, restless thoughts, feelings of agitation or jet lag? The NightWave Sleep Assistant ($60) is a cool new natural solution to the endless tossing and turning. Simply place the Nightwave on your nightstand, turn off the lights, lie down in bed and watch as the luminance of the soft blue light projected on the ceiling slowly rises and falls. As you lie there with your eyes open, try to synchronize your breathing with the rythym of the blue illumination as its movement becomes slower and slower. This is an effective method to help you practice deep breathing, reduce mental activity and hopefully fall asleep. It automatically shuts off a short time later, so you can dose peacefully.

Sure you could just read a few chapters of a book while enjoying a cup of chamomile tea to make your eyelids heavy, but this gadget really seems like an innovative alternative. It's silent, completely natural, non-invasive, doesn't disturb others and requires no goofy masks, headphones, wires or other contraptions. According to the manufacturer, research shows that blue light in this wavelength helps reset the body's biological clock or circadian rhythm. It's less expensive, less risky and more supportive of overall health than prescription sleep medications and if nothing else, it's a relaxing light show. (via Michael Kiely)