Eight Sleep reviews: Do the benefits justify the hefty price?

Over the last few years, Eight Sleep has gained attention, with promotions from high-profile celebrities like Mark Zuckerberg, Joe Rogan, and Bryan Johnson. This product, marketed as an “intelligent sleep system,” is designed to improve the quality of your sleep and prevent night sweats and snoring. 

Eight Sleep is the most advanced sleep aid available, offering everything from temperature control to sleep tracking. Naturally, such a feature-packed product is also expensive. 

Before setting aside thousands of dollars for it, check out this breakdown of Eight Sleep reviews. You’ll discover user opinions of its efficacy, ease of use, and customer service — all you need to decide whether Eight Sleep is the right choice. 

As a bonus, we’ll introduce you to Nucleus, a DNA platform that can help you understand the cause of your sleeplessness and guide you toward better sleep and health.

Important note: If you’re experiencing severe sleep issues, such as insomnia, consult a sleep specialist or another healthcare provider as no sleep aid can replace professional diagnosis and therapy. Sleep tracking, in particular, can worsen sleep-related anxiety and exacerbate the condition. 

What is Eight Sleep, and how does it work?

Eight Sleep is an all-in-one sleep system that comes with a broad range of features to transform your sleep environment and quality, the main ones being:

• Automatic climate control

• Snoring mitigation

• Sleep tracking and coaching 

The main element of Eight Sleep is the Cover, which fits over your mattress and comes with a water-based cooling and warming system. The most recent model also includes the Base, an under-mattress frame that adjusts the elevation of your head and feet to stop snoring. The entire system is powered by the Hub, the control unit you can place next to your bed.

Source: Eight Sleep

Features and technology vary across models, though they all offer temperature control, sleep tracking, and automation. The company currently sells three models:

| Model name  | Technology          | Features                                                                                                                                    |
| ----------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Pod 3       | Previous generation | • Climate control<br> • Sleep tracking<br> • Snoring detection<br> • Vibration<br> • Thermal alarm<br> • Autopilot                                            |
| Pod 4       | New generation      | • All Pod 3 features<br> • More comfortable design<br> • Higher cooling power<br> • Two zones<br> • 40% less noise<br> • Tapping control                      |
| Pod 4 Ultra | New generation      | • All Pod 4 features<br> • Adjustable elevation

You can choose the size of your Pod to fit your mattress and bed, though options vary depending on the model. Besides the Pods, Eight Sleep sells proprietary mattresses, pillows, Pod protectors, and sheets. 

A deeper review of Eight Sleep: Zooming in on 5 crucial aspects

Now that you understand the basics of Eight Sleep, we’ll examine how it performs in everyday life, drawing insights from real-life users. We’ll analyze it against the following factors:

1. Variety of features

2. Scientific background

3. Efficacy and comfort

4. Setup, use, and maintenance

5. Pricing and value for money

1. Variety of features 

When it comes to the number of functionalities, Eight Sleep has no direct alternative. Its latest model, the Pod 4 Ultra, offers more features than any other sleep product available today. Check out what it can do:

• Track your vitals: The Pod has sensors that can measure your heart rate, breathing rate, body temperature, and many other markers.

• Make automatic adjustments: The Autopilot is an algorithm that uses your biofeedback, your preferences, and reference data to create a personalized blueprint. It can then adjust your sleeping environment during the night for optimal sleep.

• Detect and stop snoring: The Pod can recognize snoring by detecting vibrations and notify you via the app. If you choose the 4 Ultra version, the Pod automatically elevates the frame’s head area to stop your snoring.

• Wake you up gently: Eight Sleep can identify the best time to stop sleeping and then wake you up with a mild vibration and temperature shift.

• Provide sleep reports and coaching: Once you wake up, you can review your sleep quality score, sleep stages, and other data in the app. The app also lets you track your sleep over time, detect pattern changes, and get guidance from its AI sleep coach.

While the Ultra is the most feature-packed model, key features like Autopilot, thermal alarm, and sleep reports are available with all models.

Source: Eight Sleep

Bonus read: Check out our thoughts on two well-known wearable trackers, Oura Ring and Whoop, and our top list of Oura Ring alternatives.

2. Scientific background 

Eight Sleep is backed by science, including over 500 million hours of sleep data and a few studies proving its efficacy. According to the company’s findings, Eight Sleep can:

• Increase deep and REM sleep

• Decrease the sleeping heart rate

• Reduce snoring by up to 45%

• Improve heart health and speed up recovery

• Enhance your focus and cognition

• Boost your energy levels

Still, these studies are small and funded by Eight Sleep, so the results may not fully reflect reality. It’s also worth noting that some experts are skeptical about particular sleep insights that trackers such as Eight Sleep provide. 

For example, while the company claims its algorithm can identify your sleep stages through biofeedback, the truth is — its accuracy doesn’t come close to that of brain wave recordings. Some experts also question the value of metrics such as sleep fitness scores, stating that they’re not grounded in science and their connection with health outcomes isn’t known.

Source: Eight Sleep

That said, Eight Sleep is committed to continuous innovation and improvement. It has recently added three well-known health experts to its Scientific Advisory Board, namely:

1. Andrew Huberman, Ph.D, a neuroscientist and Stanford professor 

2. Peter Attia, MD, a physician and longevity expert

3. Matthew Walker, Ph.D, a neuroscientist and UC Berkeley professor

3. Efficacy and comfort

According to the company, Eight Sleep is highly effective at improving your sleep and superior to other sleep aids. Besides offering more functionalities, Eight Sleep is more comfortable than wearables. It’s also safer than prescription drugs and supplements. That said, user experiences vary:

• Efficacy: While many users are satisfied, some state that Eight Sleep improved their sleep only slightly. Some users also report that the Cover’s cooling isn’t sufficient and can’t go much below room temperature, so you may sometimes need to use it alongside an AC or cooling sheets.

• Accuracy: Some users found their tracking and reports inaccurate compared to other devices. They believe that Eight Sleep may sometimes overestimate the quality of your sleep to convince you it works. 

• Comfort: Numerous Eight Sleep Pod 3 reviews state that the cover changed the feel of their carefully chosen mattress, was too firm, and even hurt. Reviews indicate that the Pod 4 is much less noticeable and more comfortable, though. 

• Noise: Although many users found the Pod 3’s vibration and sound bothersome, the Pod 4 seems quieter, usually emitting a low sound that resembles humming. Still, some users shared that their Pod’s fan was loud when cooling the bed in high room temperatures.

Bonus read — If you want to improve other aspects of your life besides sleep, you may find these guides useful:

• Biohacking

• Adaptogens and nootropics

• Biohacking diet

• NAD benefits

4. Setup, use, and maintenance

Eight Sleep systems are not compatible with every bed setup. While you can choose the Pod size to match your bed and mattress, some users still experience issues with the fit.

As per user reviews, Eight Sleep’s setup has many steps and can be long and exhausting. Filling the Pod with water or priming alone may take up to a few hours. For some users, technical issues required additional time and effort.

Although the initial setup can be difficult, using Eight Sleep is simple and intuitive. You can control your Pod 4 system via the app or by tapping on the sides of your Cover.

Source: Eight Sleep

Maintenance of the Pod 4 is fairly simple — you only need to refill the tank every couple of weeks. Still, Pod 3 users will need to be careful not to puncture the Cover as it’s prone to leaking and could damage the bed and mattress, as many users report.

In the case of a leak or another issue, such as pump malfunction, you’ll need to contact customer support and wait for a replacement before continuing to use your Eight Sleep. Most users say that the company responded and resolved the issue within an appropriate time frame, but experiences vary.

5. Pricing and value for money

Eight Sleep offers a money-back guarantee, so you can try it out for 30 days to see if it works for you. If you decide to purchase the system and its compatible accessories, here’s how much you’ll need to set aside:

| Product                                                              | Non-discounted price (December 2024) |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| Pod 3                                                                | $2,295*                             |
| Pod 4                                                                | $2,649*                             |
| Pod 4 Ultra                                                          | $4,699*                             |
| 5-layer Mattress                                                     | $1,999                               |
| Sleep Essentials Bundle (sheets, Pod protector, and two Air Pillows) | $416                                 |
| Leg kit (to use the Base as your bed frame)                          | $99

*Pod prices refer to the queen bed size — other options may entail a different price.

Besides the price of the hardware, you’ll need to pay a monthly membership fee to use the Autopilot feature. Eight Sleep offers two membership plans:

1. Standard ($17/mo), which includes a two-year warranty

2. Enhanced ($25/mo), which includes a five-year warranty

User opinions of Eight Sleep’s value are divided. While most people agree that it’s expensive, some users claim that it was worth the cost and even the potential cost of replacements. Some went as far as to say that the product helped them save money in the long run as it reduced their AC usage and electrical bill. 

Check out what one happy customer said:

[Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/EightSleep/comments/1cxtvtl/comment/l55vlhj/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)

Bonus read: Discover how Eight Sleep compares to BedJet, a more economical sleep climate control system.

Final thoughts: Should you invest in Eight Sleep?

Here’s an overview of Eight Sleep’s benefits and limitations:

| Pros                                                                                                                                                                                                   | Cons                                                                                                                                                                                              |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| • Wide range of capabilities<br> • Automatic temperature and elevation adjustment<br> • Many satisfied users<br> • No comparable product on the market<br> • Major improvements with the newer model | • Expensive, especially with the membership<br> • Not compatible with all beds<br> • May change the comfort of your mattress<br> • Lengthy and difficult setup<br> • Potential technical issues

Eight Sleep, particularly the latest version, can be an effective sleep aid. At the moment, Eight Sleep is the only product offering such a broad selection of features, which is why so many users swear by it despite experiencing problems. 

Still, Eight Sleep can’t replace healthy sleeping habits and a consistent sleep routine that works for you. While your environment is important for your sleep quality, various other factors can influence it, including genetics.

How genetics affect your sleep and what to do about it 

Research has shown that genetics can determine your sleep preferences and predispose you to insomnia and other sleep disorders. For example, some family and twin studies indicate that genes can contribute to about a third of your risk for insomnia. 

To address your sleep problems, you must first understand their causes — this can be as easy as taking a DNA test. With a comprehensive test like Nucleus Premium, you can understand your risk for not only insomnia but various diseases and conditions that can disturb your sleep. 

If you opt for Nucleus, you’ll be able to take the test and access your results without having to leave your home. You’ll also get personalized and actionable lifestyle recommendations to improve your sleep and overall health. While no doctor’s input is required, Nucleus is physician-approved and can connect you with a genetic counselor through SteadyMD if you need additional guidance.

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Nucleus: Accessible insights for better sleep and healthier living

After you mail in your sample, Nucleus will analyze nearly 100% of your genetic code, including rare genetic variants, the tiny differences that make your DNA unique. Nucleus will screen for insomnia and hundreds of other diseases and conditions that can cause sleep difficulties, such as:

• Alzheimer’s disease

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Schizophrenia

• Various types of cancer

• Asthma

• Arthritis

Besides your genetic factors, Nucleus will consider your lifestyle to provide absolute risk scores and help you understand how your habits can affect your sleep and health. With the same test, you’ll also get an analysis of traits like your intelligence and longevity. 

Your reports will be detailed, but the findings will be outlined clearly and in an understandable way. While your results will include actionable advice, you can also take them to a sleep specialist or another medical professional. 

Whether you’re interested in your risk for insomnia or other diseases and conditions, Nucleus can offer reliable insights as it uses the latest whole-genome sequencing technology. Its labs are located in the U.S. and are fully regulated, so they follow the highest standards for timeliness and accuracy of testing. 

Understand your unique genetic composition with Nucleus

Although one of the most advanced DNA tests available, Nucleus Premium is only $399 and eligible for HSA/FSA payments. For the price, you’ll get the testing kit, free two-way shipping, and all available health and trait reports. Nucleus can also provide updates in light of genetics science advancements and new information. 

To get your all-in-one DNA analysis, you should:

1. Sign up for Nucleus Premium

2. Provide your personal information

3. Order your test kit

You’ll get all the equipment and instructions you need with the kit. The testing process is fast and simple — you only need to swab your cheeks. Once your sample arrives at the lab, you’ll get your results online in six to eight weeks. 

Nucleus is HIPAA-compliant, so you can trust it to handle your sensitive data with diligence and protect it with top-notch security measures.

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