# Alternative Aid Sleep-enhancing products come in new and unfamiliar forms. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Mar 13, 2019 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/alternative-aid ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.0/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Alternative Aid trend? **Alternative Aid:** Brands are expanding outside of simple white noise apps or supplements to aid in the process of enhancing sleep, and are instead helping consumers enhance their nighttime ritual in unusual ways. These products/services come in different forms, including platforms that explore alternative sleep cycles, or in desserts that induce sleep. ## The consumer insight behind the Alternative Aid trend Consumers' rituals are often formed overtime and turned into a routine, but for individuals who operate on schedules separate from the traditional 9-5, or for those who prefer to do things differently in general, establishing rituals that work for them specifically is crucial. These individuals seek out products and services that cater to their more quirky needs or preferences. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 20, 2018 to Mar 13, 2019 - Published: Mar 13, 2019 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Alternative Aid trend ### Alternative Sleep Cycles Consumers seeking to hack their lifestyles want to explore different sleep cycles, which represent an opportunity for businesses to provide products and platforms that help them customize their nightly rituals. ### Unusual Sleep-Enhancing Products As consumers look beyond white noise apps and supplements to enhance sleep, businesses have an opportunity to develop products that offer alternative solutions, such as sleep-inducing ice creams, sleep dolls, and conceptual revolving beds. ### Customized Sleep Solutions Consumers who operate on nontraditional schedules or seek personalized products and services represent a market opportunity for businesses to cater to their unique needs and preferences in the sleep industry. ## What the Alternative Aid trend means for industry ### For Consumer Electronics With the rise of alternative sleep cycles and unusual sleep-enhancing products, consumer electronics companies have the opportunity to develop gadgets and technologies that can aid sleep or monitor its quality. ### For Food and Beverage Companies in the food and beverage industry can respond to the trend of alternative sleep cycles and offer customized, sleep-friendly products that cater to different sleep needs and preferences. ### For Furniture and Home Goods As sleeping patterns and preferences vary among individuals, furniture and home goods companies can provide solutions for personalizing sleep environments, such as conceptual revolving beds or customized bedding products. ## Workshop question How can your brand find unique alternative solutions to the traditional problems it’s looking to resolve? ## Trend signals for Alternative Aid Trend score 4.0 out of 10, from popularity 65%, activity 46%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 65% - Activity: 46% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Alternative Aid trend 4 featured examples from Dec 20, 2018 to Mar 13, 2019. - [Sleep-Friendly Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sleepfriendly-ice-creams): Nightfood is Using the Popularity of Ice Cream to Promote Better Sleep (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can benefit from developing sleep-friendly products that promote health and wellness. - [Next-Gen Sleep Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lulla-doll): Lulla Dolls are Comforting Sleep Aids for Babies and Pre-Schoolers (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The Lulla doll is a sleep aid product targeted at babies and preschoolers, suggesting an opportunity for baby product companies to explore innovative sleep aid solutions. - [Conceptual Revolving Beds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lane-keeping-bed): Ford's Lane-Keeping Bed Takes Inspiration from Its Driver-Assist Tech (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The furniture industry can capitalize on the growing demand for innovative beds that solve space issues and improve sleep quality. - [Alternative Sleep Cycle Websites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slumber-bear): 'Slumber Bear' Lets Users Explore Different Schedules (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: There is an opportunity to create innovative sleep products and services to cater to consumers seeking improved health and wellness. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)