In the Spotlight Science & Research

5 Ways to Hack Your Sleep

The no-stress guide to better zzz’s, starting tonight.

By Team OLLY | 2 minute read

Sleep isn’t just about going to bed earlier anymore. In 2026, rest has officially entered its optimization era—and we’re here for it. From sleepmaxxing routines to cortisol-lowering rituals and bedroom “sleep caves,” people are getting smarter (and more intentional) about how they wind down.

The Goods Inside

  • Hello (OLLY Sleep Gummies), My Old Friend
  • The Age of the Sleep Cave
  • Low Stimulation Wind-Down Rituals
  • Magnesium to the Rescue
  • The Sleep Hack That Starts in the AM

The good news? You don’t need a spreadsheet, wearable overload, or a dozen steps to sleep better. With the right tools—and a few science-backed habits—you can improve sleep quality, fall asleep faster, and wake up feeling genuinely refreshed.

OLLY Sleep products lying on a bed
Find us in the vitamin & supplement aisle.

Here are five hacks (and products) you need to upgrade your sleep, featuring our OLLY Sleep suite, of course.

1. Set the Stage for Better Sleep

Establishing consistent pre‑sleep rituals is one of the simplest ways to signal to your body that rest is approaching (cough cough, same bedtime every night). We know, we know it’s the oldest trick in the book. But it works.

And when you need a little extra support, OLLY Sleep Gummies are designed to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. They combine melatonin, L-theanine, and botanicals like chamomile and lemon balm to support your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.1

Why it works:
Today’s sleepers aren’t just chasing knockout sleep—they want gentle support that works with their circadian rhythm, not against it.

Quick-start guide:

  • Choose a consistent bedtime that allows for seven to nine hours of sleep, even on weekends. Consistency is one of the most underrated ways to improve sleep quality.2
  • If using a sleep supplement, take it 30 minutes before bedtime

2. Create Your Dream “Sleep Cave” Situation

Welcome to the age of the sleep cave—a dark, cool, sensory-minimized bedroom designed for deep rest.

Two simple environmental shifts make a huge difference here:

  • Blackout conditions: Use a quality sleep mask to block even small light disruptions4 5
  • Cool room temperature: Keep your room around 65–67°F to support natural melatonin production6 7

Why it works:
Light and temperature are two of the strongest cues your brain uses to decide whether it's time to sleep.8 Environmental tweaks represent one of the most accessible ways to improve sleep quality—no tech required.

Sleep Cave Cheet Sheet
All the factors involved in making your sleep situation a dream come true.6 7 8
Sleep Cave Cheet Sheet
All the factors involved in making your sleep situation a dream come true.6 7 8

3. Meet Your Low-Stim Wind-Down Ritual

Can’t fall asleep remedies often overlook the real culprit: stress hormones, especially cortisol.9 10 11

Understanding the cortisol connection
When cortisol stays elevated into the evening, your body thinks it’s still go-time—even if you’re exhausted. This creates a frustrating disconnect between feeling tired and actually being able to sleep.

Why it works:
Better sleep starts before you hit the pillow. Supporting relaxation and stress response is now considered essential sleep hygiene—not optional.

Quick-start guide:

  • Set a “wind-down alarm” 60 minutes before bed
  • Switch to warm, dim lighting (hello, red light therapy)12 13 14
  • Avoid doomscrolling 30 minutes before bed (permission to throw your phone in another room)3
  • Practice gentle stretching or breathwork
  • Take your sleep supplement, as needed

4. Call in Magnesium for Bedtime Backup

If your body feels tense even when your brain is tired, magnesium may be the missing piece in your routine.

Magnesium plays a role in:

  • Muscle relaxation
  • Nervous system regulation
  • Stress response modulation

OLLY Relaxing Magnesium provides targeted support for muscle relaxation—not just for calming everyday stressors. You can also incorporate magnesium through topical sprays, or food sources like dark leafy greens, nuts and seeds.15 16 17

Why it works:
Sleepmaxxing isn’t about stacking endlessly—it’s about targeted support. Magnesium has become a cornerstone ingredient for people looking to lower evening stress.

Quick-start guide:

  • Add magnesium to your wind-down routine
  • Combine with your “no screens” window. Even 20–30 minutes can make a difference.17
  • Consider pairing with a warm bath for enhanced absorption
  • Stay consistent for at least two weeks to notice effects

5. Bask in the Morning Sunshine

Here’s the counterintuitive truth: one of the best ways to sleep better at night is to get light early in the morning.

Exposure to natural (or simulated) sunlight shortly after waking helps reset your circadian rhythm, making it easier to fall asleep later that night. This has become a major focus as people look for accessible ways to regulate sleep schedules—especially after travel or late nights.18 19

Why it works:
Your body runs on rhythm. Morning light tells your brain when “day” starts, which helps it know when “night” should begin, too.18 19

Quick-start guide:

  • Within an hour of waking, step outside or sit near a bright window
  • Aim for 10-20 minutes of exposure
  • Skip the sunglasses (if possible)
Woman waking up refreshed
Nothin’ like the feeling of waking up refreshed.

The Bottom Line: Sleep Smarter, Not Harder

Better sleep in 2026 isn’t about doing the most—it’s about doing what works. With a few intentional products, a supportive environment, and science-backed routines, you can fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling like yourself again.

At OLLY, we believe sleep is foundational wellness. Our Sleep suite is designed to meet you where you are—whether you’re building better sleep hygiene, recovering from stress, or simply trying to wake up refreshed.*

Because your best days start with better nights.

References
1. Payne ER, et al. “Tea/Ltheanine on cognition, mood, and sleep: Systematic Review & Metaanalysis of RCTs.” Nutrition Reviews (2025). [academic.oup.com] - New Window

2. Bulman A, et al. “The Effects of LTheanine Supplementation on Quality of Sleep: A Systematic Review.” MDPI Proceedings (2023). [mdpi.com] - New Window

3. “Blue light has a dark side.” Harvard Health Publishing (2024). [health.harvard.edu] - New Window

4. Zhou E. “Does sleeping with an eye mask improve learning and alertness?” Harvard Health Blog (2024). [health.harvard.edu] - New Window

5. “New Sleep Mask Benefit Unlocked: Improved Brain Function.” Sleep Foundation (2024). [sleepfoundation.org] - New Window

6. Drerup M. “What’s the Best Temperature for Sleep?” Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials (2021). [health.cle...clinic.org] - New Window

7. “The Best Temperature for Sleeping Is a Cool 65.” Health.com (2025). [health.com] - New Window

8. Walch O, et al. “Beyond phase shifting: targeting circadian amplitude for light interventions in humans.” SLEEP (2025 research letter). [academic.oup.com] - New Window

9. Liu PY. “Rhythms in cortisol mediate sleep and circadian impacts on health.” SLEEP (2024 editorial/review). [academic.oup.com] - New Window

10. Leproult R, et al. “Sleep Loss Results in an Elevation of Cortisol Levels the Next Evening.” Sleep (1997). [researchgate.net] - New Window

11.“Cortisol and Sleep.” Healthline explainer (2025). [healthline.com] - New Window

12. “Is Red Light Good for Sleep?” Sleep Foundation (2025). [sleepfoundation.org] - New Window

13. “How Electronics Affect Sleep.” Sleep Foundation (2025). [sleepfoundation.org] - New Window

14. “Screens and Your Sleep: The Impact of Nighttime Use.” Sutter Health (2024). [sutterhealth.org] - New Window

15. Breus MJ, et al. “Magnesium supplementation crossover pilot on sleep & mood.” Medical Research Archives (2024). [esmed.org] - New Window

16. Hausenblas HA, et al. “Magnesium Lthreonate improves objective/subjective sleep metrics: RCT.” Sleep Medicine: X (2024). [accurateclinic.com] - New Window

17. Lopresti AL, Smith SJ. “Magnesium Lthreonate RCT: cognition & sleeprelated outcomes.” Frontiers in Nutrition (2026). [frontiersin.org] - New Window

18. MenezesJúnior LAA, et al. “Morning sunlight exposure associated with earlier sleep midpoint & better PSQI.” BMC Public Health (2025). [link.springer.com] - New Window

19. Figueiro MG, et al. “Higher morning circadianeffective light → improved sleep outcomes in office workers.” Sleep Health (2017). [sleephealt...ournal.org] - New Window

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.