Sleep Like—Actress & Stripes Beauty Founder Naomi Watts
Sleep Like is a column in which Forbes Vetted asks entrepreneurs and tastemakers to reveal the go-to sleep essentials that help them rest, recharge and ultimately conquer their busy days.
Naomi Watts was in her early forties when she began experiencing the intense, persistent, and yes, mystifying symptoms of menopause. She had recently welcomed her second child and suddenly found herself tossing and turning for hours each night. 'It was night sweats and hot flashes all bundled into one,' she says. 'I could not sleep. It felt, in fact, like I had never slept in my entire life.'
Though weary from her bedtime struggles, the actress began searching for answers and found that there was little information available—let alone trustworthy products—for women going through similar changes. 'No one was marketing to women in midlife; we were completely ignored,' she says. 'There was also a taboo surrounding the topic that seemed ridiculous, especially since half of the population will experience the symptoms of menopause for a third of their lives. I knew I needed solutions that actually worked and a community where I could talk openly about these issues.'
More than a decade later, Watts officially launched Stripes Beauty in 2022, a wellness company that aims to fill that void and help women address confusing hormonal changes head on. The brand offers everything from skincare to supplements that are science-backed and prioritize natural, sustainable ingredients. They also produce expert-led menoguides on topics like insomnia and brain fog to educate and inspire customers to open up about their own experiences and tips.
Watts, now 56, is also quick to share what has worked for her, especially when it comes to getting quality rest. 'Hormone therapy hasn't completely solved my sleep problems, though estrogen has pretty much eliminated night sweats and progesterone helps calm me down,' says Watts, who recently released a book, Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I'd Known About Menopause, detailing her personal wellness journey.
She also relies on Stripes Beauty's The Dream Date supplement before bed and surrounds herself with naturally cooling sleep products like airy cotton nightgowns and organic linen sheets to stay more comfortable throughout the night. 'Temperature plays such a huge role in sleep quality that I've banned my husband [actor Billy Crudup] from touching the thermostat,' she laughs. 'In my ideal world, it would be locked at a strict 68 degrees Fahrenheit. But since it can still get hot and sweaty at times, anything light and breathable is a must.'
Ahead, shop all of Watts' top sleep and wellness favorites that helped get her rest back on track throughout menopause.
Keetsa
'I swear by my Keetsa mattress—it's the perfect mixture of soft and firm for me to have a good night's sleep,' says Watts. 'Whenever my friends come to stay, they say how much they love it.'
Four Seasons
'I'm not sure what they're made of, but wow, the Four Seasons pillows are incredibly comfy. I never want to leave their beds.'
Coyuchi
'Good sheets are key to a great night's sleep and I love the Organic Relaxed Linen Sheet Set from Coyuchi. They're made from a beautiful French linen and the material is soft on the skin. I use linen sheets because they're cooling, too—god knows we need that during menopause!'
Dôen
'I love these nightgowns from Dôen. They're airy and lightweight, which is perfect for fighting night sweats and a must-have as the weather starts to get warmer.'
Coyuchi
'I love the throws from Coyuchi. The fabric is so luxe and cozy, it's a great addition to the bed and I also have one on my couch. It's made from alpaca fibers, so it's super soft and bound to help you get a good night's sleep.'
Oura
'The Oura ring has earned its love and it's well deserved. I love being able to track the quality of my sleep and monitor my overall health and recovery. But let me tell you, if you're in menopause, the sleep will be looking low and sometimes I prefer not to know!'
Amazon
'The Dream Date is our sleep supplement at Stripes, and it's a game changer. It contains melatonin, magnesium, GABA and L-theanine, which all help with relaxation, as well as red clover, which helps fight those night sweats. It does an excellent job of relaxing me before bed and ensuring I get a peaceful, rejuvenating night's sleep.'
Eberjey
'I love a silk eye mask—it's a lifesaver when traveling and you need to sleep on a plane. The silk is incredibly soft on the skin, so it won't tug or damage your lashes.'
Calm
'I use the Calm app to relax, meditate and get in the right mindset for quality sleep. When I'm stressed my sleep suffers, so I really enjoy this one.'
Therabody
'I love all the Therabody products, especially the Theragun, which gives the most wonderful massage. I always feel so relaxed afterward and ready to fall asleep—and the best part is, you can enjoy it from the comfort of your own home.'
Amazon
'Our Stripes Beauty Play Oil, Oh My Glide, is an essential on my nightstand. When you're comfortable and having fun with your partner, it makes your evening that much better.'
Apple
'A travel day without headphones is not for the weak. My AirPods are the best way to tune out everything around me.'
Diptyque
'After a busy workday, I love a cup of Sleepytime Tea, a bath and a candle—that's the ultimate relaxing night for me.'
Lowe's
'Air conditioning never does me wrong! I like a consistent 68 degrees Fahrenheit to keep those night sweats at bay. Also, hormone replacement therapy has truly been a game changer and has helped regulate my sleep. It's not for everyone, but if it's safe for you, I highly recommend it. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and medical history to make the right decision for you.'
The actress, author and Stripes Beauty founder sounds off on how she tackles hot flashes, sleepless nights and other menopause challenges like a pro.
What's your top tip for achieving quality sleep during menopause?
'There are many factors that contribute to a good night's sleep,' says Watts. 'I notice a big difference in my sleep when I drink, so I'd recommend avoiding alcohol if you need restful sleep. A healthy diet, stress management and regular exercise are also key factors. Also making sure that I am not eating too late is a big thing for me.'
What regular wellness practice improves your routine the most?
'When everything in my life is going well and I'm as stress-free as possible, I sleep better. I love a bath before bed to wind down and having happy and healthy kids makes all the difference, as there's less to keep me up at night worrying.'
How is Stripes Beauty helping women improve their sleep health during menopause?
'We are dedicated to educating our community and opening up the conversation so people can talk with one another and share advice. Our sleep supplement The Dream Date was designed out of my frustrations with my sleep—something I knew so many people shared. The Dream Date helps to ease the sleepless nights and calms the mind. It contains red clover which helps fight hot flashes, plus a low dose of time-released melatonin to help you fall asleep and stay asleep, as well as a blend of magnesium, GABA and L-theanine to help you get a better night's rest. I absolutely love it.'
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