Is poor sleep keeping you up at night?

Getting a good night’s sleep on a regular basis is critical to our health and well-being. However, research shows that many of us are increasingly finding this a challenge. In this blog, we address this issue as well as offer some useful tips to help you get to sleep, and stay asleep.

Why sleep is good for us

In the era of smartphones, social media and a lack of work-life balance, we are increasingly engaging in behaviours that can negatively affect sleep, which represents a major public health crisis.

Enjoying a night of perfect slumber is as vital as taking regular exercise and eating a healthy diet. Indeed, scientific research has shown that poor sleep negatively affects our hormones, energy levels and cognitive performance brain function. How many of us have had a rotten night in bed which has prevented us from firing on all cylinders when we wake up? Poor sleep has also been proven to be a cause of weight gain as well as increase the risk of disease in children and adults.

Tips for better sleep

The key to a good night’s sleep involves a wide range of factors, such as bedtime routine, exercise, relaxation and nutrition. But a good place to start is your sleeping environment.

Temperature

According to the UK Sleep Council, about 16-18°C is the optimum temperature for adults looking to enjoy a good night’s sleep. Temperatures above 24°C will lead to a restless night, while anything below 12°C will make it difficult for you to fall asleep easily. As babies, toddlers and the elderly tend to prefer a slightly warmer environment, buying a wall thermometer so you can monitor room temperature is advisable.

Lighting

Both natural and artificial light inhibits can keep us awake. That’s because, when we experience darkness, our bodies releases melatonin, which helps us relax and nod off. For this reason, we recommend investing in blackout blinds or curtains or, for a cheaper option, wearing an eye mask.

Devices

We understand the temptation to take your smartphone or other device to bed. But research shows that this is a bad idea, as the LED display glows with a blue light which significantly suppresses melatonin production. There is also evidence that keeping your device outside of your sleeping environment can improve mental health.

Relaxation

The best way to relax is highly subjective. But there are many proven ways to unwind, such as luxuriating in a warm bubble bath an hour before bedtime, drinking warm milk or soothing herbal tea, and practising relaxation techniques.

Time to buy a new mattress?

Buying a new mattress could be the solution you are looking for. After all, how you sleep is massively affected by what you sleep on. Here, at Next Divan, we have an impressive selection of pocket spring, orthopaedic and memory foam mattresses to choose from, to suit all needs and every budget. Check out our website today and shop with confidence.