In the UK, the average person sleeps for about 6 hours and 30 minutes a night. Almost 30 years ago, when we wondered ‘Why do we sleep?’, we would receive the same uninformative response: to cure sleepiness. Contrary to the previous belief that sleep is an important pillar of health (alongside diet, exercise and rest), sleep has become recognised as the foundational pillar of all health. It is the tide that raises all the other boats.
In today’s fast-paced and hectic world that tells us we must wake up at 4am and read three books if we want to be the CEO of a multimillion-pound business, finding moments of peace and tranquillity can be challenging. We are constantly bombarded with notifications, deadlines, and obligations that keep our minds racing when we’re longing for a moment of respite.
The one place where we should be sure to find solace is our bedroom but this is often not the case. For many, it has become nothing more than a space to lay our heads at night after a long, tiresome day. But the truth is, enjoying a place where we are allowed to disconnect from the chaos of the outside world will not only dramatically improve our quality of sleep, but will also have a profound impact on the rest of our life.
Read on to find out how you can improve your quality of Sleep, with tips and avdice from our Sleep Experts at Next Divan.
When we sleep, our bodies undergo a series of restorative processes that promote healing, repair tissues, and support proper brain function. Without adequate sleep, our bodies become vulnerable to various health issues, and our cognitive abilities can be impaired.
It's no surprise that quality sleep is closely intertwined with our mental well-being. Sleep enhances our ability to maintain a balanced diet and engage in regular exercise, but also boosts our mental clarity, peace of mind, and cognitive function, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with greater ease and focus.
Numerous studies have revealed a significant link between insufficient sleep and an increased risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. When we consistently deprive ourselves of adequate sleep, it disrupts the delicate balance of neurotransmitters in our brain, including serotonin and dopamine, which are crucial for regulating mood and emotions. Sleep also aids stress levels by decreasing the production of stress hormones, such as cortisol, and promoting the release of endorphins, our body's natural mood-boosting chemicals. With more sleep, we are more emotionally resilient, better equipped to cope with daily challenges, and less prone to experiencing overwhelming stress and anxiety.
Prioritising sleep means our bodies and minds are given the opportunity to recharge and rejuvenate. Energy levels soar, allowing us to approach each day with a renewed sense of vitality. Sleep is not just a luxury; it is a vital process that supports our overall health and wellness, paving the way for a more fulfilling and energised life.
From choosing the right mattress to decluttering your space, here are some of our best tips to transform your sleep space into a sanctuary that will leave you feeling refreshed, restored, and ready to embrace each new day.
Create a calming sleep environment: Opt for soothing colours such as blues or muted earth tones to create a tranquil atmosphere. Soft lighting can also make a significant difference; consider using warm, dimmable lights or bedside lamps that emit a gentle glow.
Be mindful of your exposure to light too, as this plays a vital role in the quality of our sleep too. Harness this by investing in blackout curtains, or utilising eye masks to block out external light sources and create a dark, sleep-friendly ambiance.
By reducing exposure to bright lights before bedtime, you can signal to your body that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Research has shown the blue light emitted by electronic devices such as phones, tablets, and computers before bed can disrupt our natural sleep-wake cycle and suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep.
Choosing the right mattress: For a good night's rest, optimal support and comfort are key. Your mattress should provide optimal support and comfort, tailored to your preferences and body type. At Next Divan, we offer a wide range of mattresses, including memory foam, orthopedic, pocket spring, and hybrid options.
Memory foam mattresses, for example, are known for their ability to conform to your body's shape, providing personalised support and relieving pressure points. Pocket spring mattresses are constructed with individual coil springs, each enclosed in its fabric pocket. This design allows the springs to respond independently to your body's movements, providing localised support and minimising motion transfer.
Consider your preferred firmness level as well. Some individuals prefer a firmer mattress for added support, while others find a softer mattress more comfortable. It's important to strike the right balance between support and comfort to ensure a restful sleep experience.
If you share a bed with a partner, have pets joining you during the night, or simply desire more space, selecting an appropriate mattress size can provide the space you need for uninterrupted sleep. Our mattresses are designed to provide the optimal support and comfort you need for a restful sleep.
Declutter your bedroom: A clutter-free environment has a significant impact on your sleep quality. Tidy room, tidy mind. By decluttering your space, you create a sense of calm and promote a peaceful mindset conducive to restful sleep. Incorporating ottoman or divan storage solutions into your bedroom is one practical way to keep your space organised and tidy. These storage options not offer convenient solutions for stowing away belongings, but also contributes to a well-designed space that enhances your sleep experience.
Finding the perfect pillow: Just like your mattress, the right pillow can greatly impact your sleep quality. Look for a pillow that provides adequate support for your neck and spine, ensuring proper alignment as you rest. Different pillow materials and designs offer unique benefits that cater to individual preferences and needs. Find what works for you.
Opt for a high-quality sheet: Investing in high-quality sheets is an investment in your sleep comfort. Comfortable and breathable sheets made from natural fibers like cotton or linen can significantly enhance your sleep experience. Natural fiber sheets are known for their breathability, allowing air to circulate and regulate your body temperature throughout the night.
As our body temperature naturally decreases as we sleep, a cool and comfortable sleeping environment will promote deeper and more restful sleep. Cotton and linen sheets excel in this regard, as they wick away moisture and promote airflow, keeping you dry and comfortable throughout the night.
There is no area of health that improving our quality and quantity of sleep will not benefit from: it is our revolutionary elixir of wellness. So, the next time you find yourself contemplating sacrificing sleep for other obligations, remember how it can change the way we navigate this world for the better.
It’s time to embrace the rejuvenating power of a peaceful night’s rest, because when we sleep better, we feel better. We live more.
