Sleep deprivation is a very real thing that currently affects one in every three adults in the U.S. every single day. Unfortunately, the problem doesn’t end there. Chronic lack of sleep may lead to serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney problems, and obesity, and it increases the risk of injuries and accidents among all age groups. Are there certain factors that distract people from getting a good night’s sleep or do these things happen by chance? Fred’s Beds, a leading mattress store for Sandy Springs, is here to share some of the most common factors that may contribute to the problem.
You’ve probably heard that the blue light emitted by your phone, tablet, or laptop can mess with the body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. But it’s not just the light; the content on these devices can also keep your brain wired, making it harder to wind down and drift off to sleep.
To minimize the impact of electronic devices on sleep, establish a “digital curfew” and avoid using these devices for at least an hour before bedtime. You can also use blue light-blocking glasses or filters on your devices to reduce exposure to blue light.
Temperature can also be a major distraction since sleep can be elusive if you’re feeling too hot or too cold. The ideal temperature for sleep is between 60o and 67oF, so adjust your thermostat or use a fan to get your room to the right temperature. You can also use blankets or a heating pad to adjust the temperature to your liking.
Whether it’s honking cars, barking dogs, or snoring partners, noise can definitely disrupt the sleep cycle, causing more frequent awakenings and lighter sleep. What can you do about it?
You can use earplugs or white noise machines to mask the sounds around you. If these don’t work for you, consider soundproofing your bedroom or using sound-absorbing materials such as curtains or rugs to drown out the sounds.
Stress and anxiety keep the brain engaged, making it difficult to sleep. It is hard to quiet your mind and relax enough to fall asleep if you’re feeling anxious. Additionally, worrying about sleep (or lack thereof) creates a negative feedback loop and causes even more stress and anxiety which may further disrupt sleep.
If this is the case, establish a bedtime routine to help you wind down and reduce stress and anxiety before bed. Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation also works wonders.
What about caffeine and alcohol? If you want to sleep soundly through the night, avoid indulging in these substances, especially when it’s close to bedtime. Caffeine is a stimulant that keeps you awake, while alcohol disrupts the quality of your sleep. Switch to decaf or non-alcoholic drinks in the evening.
Going to bed and waking up at different times each day can disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Sleep experts agree that the key to establishing a regular sleep schedule is going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Having a relaxing bedtime routine also tells your body that it’s time to sleep and help you sleep better through the night.
A mattress that is either too soft or too firm can cause pain and discomfort. Pillows that are too high or too low can lead to neck pain and headaches. In this case, investing in a high-quality mattress and pillows that are comfortable and supportive and using soft sheets and blankets easily solves the problem.
By minimizing these distractions, you’ll be well on your way to getting the restful sleep you need and deserve!
One of the best things you can give yourself is the chance to enjoy a good night’s sleep, so visit the best discount mattress store for Sandy Springs today! At Fred’s Beds, a top mattress store in Sandy Springs, you’ll surely find one that’s right for you. Visit our clearance center at 6280 GA Highway 400 North Cumming GA to see what we have in store for you.
You may also Contact Us here or call us at (770) 282-8344 if you have any questions or comments about our products and services.