When you do not get at least seven hours of sleep per night, that’s a problem.
When 1 in 3 American adults do not get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night, it is an epidemic.
Nowadays, vacation stress makes it difficult for us to get enough rest. It’s the toughest time of year for it when we are pursuing plans, shopping, partying, visiting, having fun. What about those who sleep in heavenly peace? No, we’re kind of stinking all December.
Wouldn’t it be better for the world if we devoted some of that energy to focusing on how good sleep is good health and find a gift that will help a loved one achieve it?
I believe we agree on that, but how? Well, quality sleep starts from two things, a place to relax and the right equipment.
SLEEPING cocoons
You can easily create an environment that’s conducive to sleep. Set the mood in your bedroomaccording to the National Sleep Foundation, means creating a dark, cool, quiet, and sweet-smelling space enhanced by a comfy mattress with soft sheets, pillows, and blankets.
You are building a cocoon from which you’ll emerge rested, feeling light and delightful like a butterfly. (Yes, that’s about 20 percent, but you get the point. Without a good night’s sleep, you feel and look like a huge.) The NSF encourages everybody to pay attention to their bedroom environment because addressing these issues can make a difference to sleep quality:
problem 1
Too much light coming from your phone, TV, or tablet can mess with your brain’s neurotransmitters to think you should stay awake. Solution: Turn them off. Better yet, leave them in a different room at bedtime.
Problem 2
The room is hot and you get restless and throw on your nightgown rather than relaxing. Solution: Aim for under 60-67 degrees. You want the blanket to do the work so you feel comfy and relaxed.
Problem 3
Noise. No, repeating Shawn Mendes’ slow jams at night does not lull you to sleep. Solution: Ambient noise—the sound of the ocean, the wind in the forest—is ok. Or you can find long music tracks with especially calibrated tunes to relax you and relieve stress.
QUALITY EQUIPMENT
Your mattress has a big impact on sleep quality. You might say it is a performance tool to get your best sleep. But a mattress older than 10 years will likely hamper sleep. A mattress is an expensive gift, but since the arrival of online companies like Leesa, Nectar, Saatva and others, you can find quality mattresses for under $1,000.
And you’ll have the ability to find the right mattress. There are so many options that can ease plenty of the struggle. For example, if you are undecided about choosing something you might not like, almost all online mattress retailers provide you with at least a 100-day trial and will ship to your door and take back your undesirable mattress freed from charge.
Also, some companies offer split styles so couples can personalize their bedside and keep the peace in the family. More specific example? Saatva has a coil system that supports the lumbar area of your back, if lower back pain is a personal bugaboo.
There are so many mattresses that you can purchase. Don’t be overwhelmed. Take advantage of third party reviews to narrow your search and educate yourself on how mattresses are made to meet so many various needs.
WE WISH YOU GOOD BED
Sleep really is a gift. What other actions in life, when we do them right, can make us feel safe, in control, sane, healthy, energetic, and capable? We must treat it as a valued commodity.
Holidays are a time for reflection. Sometimes we need to do things differently to feel present and involved with what is going on around us. It’s okay if you need a reminder. Know that when we are well rested, it is simpler to embrace the renewal of traditions and strengthen bonds between family and friends.
Don’t let the grueling nature of the vacation season rob you of it all. Because you, my friend, are too precious a gift to the world.
