Getting a Great Night’s Sleep – Tips, Tricks & More

Sleep is a necessity. The average American gets just over 6 hours per night, down 2 hours from 50 years ago; the health consequences of sleep deprivation are serious. With late-night TV, smartphones, 24-hour drive-thru restaurants and everything else, it’s easy to see why we’re not sleeping well anymore. Help is on the way! Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get a great night’s sleep.

Unplug.

Turn off your smartphone and skip the late-night news. If it’s going to rain, it’s going to rain. Nothing you can do about it. Electronic devices can keep our minds heavily stimulated with light, sound, and information. Cut out your media consumption thirty to sixty minutes before you go to bed.

Forget The Nightcap.

Did you know that alcohol is both a stimulant and a depressant? At lower doses, alcohol signals your brain to release dopamine, which can cause you to feel stimulated and energized. Alcohol can also increase your heart rate, aggression, and impulsiveness, and disrupt normal sleep patterns. Have a cold glass of H2O instead. Your body will thank you.

Wear Your Sunglasses At Night.

(Nope, we haven’t forgotten you, Corey Hart.) We don’t mean sunglasses at night while driving…we’re talking about putting them on in your home, about an hour before bedtime. The body attributes light with the rising sun. On the other hand, dim light tells your brain that the sun’s going down and it’s time to retire for the night.

Quiet Your Mind.

If you can’t sleep because of a busy mind, the easiest way to calm your mind is to get out a piece of paper or a notebook and write down all your thoughts and concerns. This will help get it out of your mind and you can handle issues the follow morning.

Replace Your Old Mattress.

Here’s another tip on getting an awesome night’s sleep: get the right mattress. If your sleeping surface is sagging or uneven, achieving those much-needed zzz’s is close to impossible. But Sit ‘n Sleep has the best mattresses on the market, and our vast selection means you can find one just for you. Along with these tips & tricks, a superior mattress can help get you sleeping like a baby again. With all the potential health benefits, it’s certainly worth a shot!