Sleep is one of those things that we take for granted and don’t think much about. With so much going on in our lives when awake, what we do when resting usually gets put into second place. This is a real mistake though as sleep should be something that we are all far more aware of. This is not only in terms of how much rest you get each night but also the quality of the sleep. If you have trouble getting off to sleep or wake up numerous times in the night, it is not a good sign.
Good sleep is very important for maintaining your overall health, not only for your body but also for your mental health. Getting the right amount of good quality rest is essential to allow your mind to process the day’s events and to relax. Experts normally recommend getting between eight and ten hours sleep per night. If you get that you will have more energy and focus in daily life, and you will have a stronger immune system. Our body repairs and restores itself overnight as we sleep, so getting your rest helps to keep your cells and internal organs in top shape while also regulating your hormones.
Of course, knowing that sleeping well is important is one thing. What do you do if you struggle in this area?
Set up a nightly routine
Although many people do not struggle with sleeping per se, they often have irregular evening routines which see them going to bed at different times each night. Many will also simply go to bed too late and not get enough sleep regularly. To help avoid this, set up a nighttime routine where you go to bed at a set time each evening. The time you decide on should be enough to ensure you get at least eight hours rest before you have to get up the next day. To make it more fun, you could go up a little earlier to take a shower, meditate or read a good book before bedding down.
Choose your pillows and pillowcases carefully
What we sleep on is very important to being comfortable at night and getting good quality sleep. While many people focus on the bed and queen foam mattresses, you should also take into account what pillows you use. Any pillow you sleep on should comfortably support your neck. You should also buy the appropriate pillowcases to use as well – cotton ones are ideal as they will look great and also not trigger any allergies you may have.
Make sure the room temperature is correct
Another big factor in how well you sleep is the environment in the bedroom. This means that getting the temperature in your room correct is essential. If it is too hot or too cold, then you will be likely to wake up in discomfort as a result. This sort of broken sleep is not ideal and can actually leave you more tired than ever. For rooms that are too hot, try opening a window or rolling back the covers on your bed. If you find it too cold, then you can always add an extra blanket to the bed or use a hot water bottle.
Get rid of the electronic devices
A real enemy of decent sleep are electronic devices, such as mobile phones and tablets. They not only give off electromagnetic waves when switched on to interfere with your rest but can also simply be a real distraction to dropping off. The best idea is to ban them from your bedroom and instead use an old-fashioned alarm clock to wake up with in the morning. You would be surprised at just what an effect this has on getting a better night’s sleep.
Sleeping well is vital for health
There is no doubt that sleeping well is useful for staying healthy. It not only gives your body a chance to rest and repair but your mind as well. Waking up feeling refreshed also allows you to have the energy to do well at work and to look after your family. If you have trouble getting enough sleep or you actually suffer from bouts of insomnia it is wise to consult a medical professional. It is certainly worthwhile to do so – by doing what you can to sleep well, you will be making a wise investment in your future health. For more information on really comfortable mattresses, check out Cloud9
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