Can’t Fall Asleep? Here’s How to Sleep Better
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How well you sleep plays a big role in your daily functions. We all know sleep is important—but did you know that sleep is actually just as impactful on your health and well-being as diet and exercise? Not only does it make you function better throughout the day, but good sleep also improves brain function, regulates hormones, and decreases your risk of disease. But many of us don’t get the restful sleep we deserve. However, there are clear habits you can incorporate to improve your sleep quality today.
Comfort is king in your bedroom. Think about it: Who wouldn’t toss and turn at night if they’re sleeping in a space that’s uncomfortable? With a better sleep schedule, an ideal bedroom atmosphere, and daily wind-down practices, it’s certain you’ll improve how well you’re snoozing. Really, the basis of what you need for a restful sleep is all about what calms you down and makes your space feel extra cozy. So let’s take a look at what you can do to make your bedroom relaxing and how you can sleep better.
A Good Mattress Is Key
A good night’s sleep starts with a good mattress. No matter your firmness preference, your ideal mattress size, or the kind of fill you’re looking for, what’s of the utmost importance is that your mattress is reliable, durable, and comfortable. Our Scott Living mattresses, for example, are infused with a combination of memory foam and aluminum fiber for long-lasting comfort. The blend has been proven to stay cool for twice as long as traditional foam, absorbing both weight and heat with ease. Some might prefer a more traditional boxspring mattress, and others perhaps an adjustable mattress. If you can tell that your current bed has run its course, it might be time to look for a new one. Luckily we’ve made a quick guide to help you pick the best mattress for you.
Invest In Your Bedsheets and Comforter
Do you tend to sleep hot and need sheets that are moisture-wicking? Or are you someone who likes to feel warm and cozy when you lay your head down? Or maybe you have sensitive skin and sleep best with sheets made of natural fibers? All of these questions should be considered when you’re buying your sheets and bedding. Durable, high-quality bed linens will not only keep you feeling comfortable and relaxed when you snuggle into bed, but they’ll also help keep you feeling cozy even while you’re asleep. It’s the bread and butter of a decent rest.
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Get the Lighting Right
Bright lighting is great for keeping spirits high during the day while you’re working. But they’re not so great when it’s time to get ready for bed. Ambient light is going to help relax your eyes and your mind, because it has a calming effect on our bodies and circadian rhythm. So keeping the lights dim and limiting blue light will help your body and mind get ready for bedtime. Sleep researchers find that hues of red, orange, and yellow are best for preparing your body for sleeping. With this in mind, consider dimming the lights in the bedroom and around the house about three hours before bed. You could even purchase color-changing smart bulbs that you can automatically set to dim at a certain time each day.
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Find Your Best Pillow
The difference a good bed pillow can make is astonishing! Whether you’re someone who can sleep on a concrete slab or someone who needs three plush pillows to fall asleep, it’s important to pick the best pillow for your needs. Flat pillows, plush pillows, memory foam pillows, and down pillows can all have a different impact on your sleep on an individual level. If you wake up with pains, headaches, or a stiff neck, it’s definitely time to switch out your bed pillow. Consider pillows made of 100% cotton, so that no matter how hot the night gets, they remain soft, cool, and breathable.
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Set a Regular Sleep Schedule
Maybe we’re old-school, but we love a good old-fashioned alarm clock. It could be placebo, but it’s often easier to avoid the snooze button on the real thing. Plus, keeping your phone on the other side of the room at night prevents you from doom scrolling before bed (and perhaps prolonging bedtime), reduces blue light exposure, and helps you avoid reaching for your phone as soon as you wake up, which will get the body and mind to start the day off calm. The average adult needs between 7-9 hours of sleep each night, so keep that in mind as you’re fine-tuning your bedtime.
Try to Minimize Noise
Often, nighttime noises are out of our control, especially if you live in a city or on a busy street (or sleep next to a loud snorer). But you can help muffle that disruptive noise easily. Earplugs, headphones, white noise machines, and fans will all help keep noise to a minimum. By doing this, it’ll help our brains fully relax, so we’re not fidgeting in our sheets trying to get sleepy. Keeping the noise down will also help improve sleep quality during our sleep cycles, which provides deeper, more restful Zzzs. Your environment plays a crucial role in how well you sleep, so doing as much as we can to make the atmosphere tranquil will be that much more effective in making your sleep as peaceful as possible.
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