In a world seemingly full of insomniacs one company claims that its product offers the ‘best sleep ever’. We put it to the test and find that it certainly has a point.

The Bulletproof Sleep Induction Mat is an unusual “>product in that is immediately uncomfortable. Not only slightly uncomfortable, but literally like sleeping on a bed of nails.

This is part of its power and charm. The makers recommend that sleepy people use it for the first time with a T-shirt on; the spikes are sharp and a slight movement engenders pain receptors, not the endorphins that are supposedly released. It takes time to get used to; but not too long.

After lying it out on the bed and staying stock still for 15/20 minutes, my body did manage to relax and anything that aligns the back is a good thing. After that time has elapsed, the company’s advice is to take the mat out of the bed and sleep in the normal way.

As for its soporific effect, there was no immediate improvement and, like most things, its benefits may work better in the pre-sleep brain than in the many levels of sleep. The placebo effect can take people a long way, not least insomniacs who are the world’s most neurotic people.

After a month of use, I didn’t feel as if I fell to sleep any earlier, but I did manage to turn off the perennial radio that accompanies me on the usual uneasy drift to sleep. Moreover, I did notice that when I was more refreshed in the morning, which proves such form of efficacy.

The price point is reasonable at £39.95 and the mat can be easily rolled up to use when travelling. Compared to the toxic value of 50 Valium tablets that cost £20 extra, the Bulletproof Sleep Induction Mat may all be in the mind, but don’t mind that.