This feels like a conversation to ask 21 year olds after they have been drinking. I know that conversation would be interesting, and probably would turn into something completely off topic. Today we are talking about mattress myths- as in what do you think you know about a good mattress? What "truths" have you been told by your mom, grandma or by TV that you believe make a good mattress or a comfortable mattress? Let's talk the details out today on Design Time. What it all comes down to is comfort. If it's not Comfortable, it's Useless! So, let's first talk about pain....
All of us at some point have experienced the frustration of sleeplessness, whether it's an occasional night of tossing and turning or daily. You may know all-too-well what sleeplessness feels like, but do you know what's stopping you from sleeping the whole night?
Sleeplessness has a wide range of possible causes. Physical, psychological, and environmental factors all can undermine your ability to achieve a restful sleep.
Your sleep environment matters
Your mattress and pillow matter. If you lay down and do not feel comfort, then you probably need a change. Your bed and pillow should feel comfortable. We all have aches and pains, many some of us more than others. Maybe you visit a doctor monthly or a chiropractor weekly, but still, your bed should provide you comfort. If it does not, you need to come in and talk to us, so we can try to find what you need for more relief.
Another area to look at is- exposure to light. In today's digital world, we're constantly exposed to sources of artificial light. Light-emitting devices often find their way into the bedroom, where they can disrupt circadian rhythms and delay the release of melatonin, a hormone essential to sleep.
Are you too hot or too cold? Many people sleep better in a cool environment. Maybe that is buying a mattress, pillow or sheets that sleep cooler, or maybe that is opening the window next to your bed.
A snoring partner can also be challenging. Often an adjustable base that raises your head up slightly can help prevent snoring. It might be worth the efforts to try and see if you can control the issue before seeing a doctor.
Children in the bed or pet may also challenge restful sleep. I remember the days of having a child doing summersaults around and around all night long. Being kicked in the face every 20 minutes will prevent anyone from having restful sleep. Maybe investing in a larger bed is the solution to this issue within your home. Giving everyone, even our fur babies a little more room always sets us up for more comfortable sleep.
Pain interferes with sleep
Pain poses one of the most significant challenges to sleep. Nighttime pain stimulates arousal, right when you need to relax. Pain creates anxiety, just as you want to quiet your mind. Pain in the body makes it harder to fall asleep, and also can keep you from reaching the deeper, more restorative stages of sleep. Talk to a doctor if you are in pain. See what they recommend and how to help provide better sleep.
Illness and disease often inhibit sleep, as can the medications prescribed to treat them. Underlying medical conditions and the pain associated with them are common causes of chronic sleeplessness. Thyroid disorders, acid-reflux disease, and arthritis as well as cardiovascular disease and cancer are just some of the illnesses associated with poor sleep.
Many of the most common over-the-counter and prescription medications — including anti-depressants, blood pressure medication, decongestants and antibiotics — can interfere with sleep.
Sleep is affected by stress and emotion
Ever tried to sleep and found you couldn't empty your mind of worried or racing thoughts? Then you've experienced one of the many psychological challenges to sleep. Stress, whether chronic or acute, poses a serious threat to sleep for many of us. Anxiety can make falling asleep and staying asleep extremely difficult. "Anxiety can stop you from sleeping the whole night" Some individuals pray or meditate before bed, putting their spirit in a "safe" mind frame. Others read or watch mindless TV shows, so they can forget about the day and go to a numbing stage where they do not think about the stress or emotion of the day. If you are feeling depressed, please talk to someone. You have loved ones around you who want to help. Come see us! We have coffee and a smile for you and will help however we can.
Depression and sleep have a complicated relationship: depression can inhibit sleep and in turn, insufficient sleep can worsen feelings of depression.
An array of lifestyle factors can also complicate sleep.
The caffeine you rely on to avoid a mid-afternoon slump may keep you awake at bedtime - as many as 8-10 hours later.
Nicotine and excessive consumption of alcohol also can undermine high-quality, restorative sleep.
Eating too close to bedtime can wreak havoc with your slumber.
Pay attention to your sleep, and to the factors in your life that may contribute to your less-than-perfect night's rest. You'll sleep better and feel better.
Consult with your physician if you are having trouble with sleep on a regular basis.