Sleep is the one health maintenance necessity that we all need, that we all should get, and that we all know about. We don’t need to speak about sleep as if it’s some arcane or overly nuanced health topic that you may have only just heard of thanks to clicking on this post.
Yet it’s also true that good sleep is not always so easy to find, even if we’re fully willing and have time dedicated to acquiring it. While we can purchase healthy groceries and do our best to get exercise to the degree that we’re able, it’s a little tougher to ‘click your fingers’ and immediately secure good sleep, and in the proper quantities required.
In fact, 30% of all people in the United States report difficulty in getting to or staying asleep.
This can lead to concentration issues, symptoms similar to narcolepsy, feelings of irritability, and denigrated mental health.
For that reason, bad sleep is something we must work against, by putting in place healthy habits and practices where necessary. Note that visiting your physician should always be a prerequisite when it comes to applying health advice.
However, here are a few reasons as to why you may not be sleeping well:
Uncomfortable or Inappropriate Bedding
Some may pride themselves on being able to sleep on any service and in any condition. For instance, soldiers are known for developing this talent thanks to the difficult situations and environments they work in from day to day. But unless you’re being paid to do so, there’s no reason why you should suffer from unhappy sleeping arrangements.
A custom built mattress can be the ideal way to go about ensuring you’re always comforted and supported in bed. Temperature-appropriate bedding, such as lighter or heavier duvet togs, should be used depending on the season. Keep your bedding clean and make sure it’s breathable. Some also enjoy extra indulgences like maternity or memory foam pillows depending on their needs. Don’t be afraid to consider this as part of your strategy.
Terrible Sleep Habits
You don’t have to have poor habits to get into a bad sleep schedule. Sometimes, working late, or being affected by blue light can cause these problems. We’d recommend keeping a set bed time each night, and waking up around 7-9 hours later. Try to keep that consistent.
Furthermore, do your best to make sure the space is as quiet and dark as possible before going to bed. Memory foam earplugs and blackout curtains can help you with this, if necessary. Good air flow and ventilation works wonders, too.
Avoid Caffeine & Alcohol
We all enjoy a night out with our friends from time to time, and many of us rely on coffee to keep up alert in the mornings, yet both alcohol and caffeine, if consumed too late in the day or frequently consumed in general, will lead to reduced REM sleep and thus nourishing sleep overall.
Avoid caffeine later in the day, cutting off all and any drinks by 2-4pm. Also, if you’re having sleep issues, do your best to limit or totally avoid alcohol consumption. It really does help.
Medical Needs
It’s possible that you may have a medical condition that needs to be checked out. Note that not all sleep disorders are necessarily caused by a sleep condition, as restlessness and reduced sleep can sometimes be a side symptom rather than a direct effect.
In order to rule this out, we’d always recommend visiting your physician when you get time – if only to give you peace of mind while you try other methods.
