4 Steps for Better Sleep

Sleep is one of the most important factors in our overall health and well-being, but many adults do not get enough sleep or get poor quality sleep each night. Lack of sleep causes problems with concentration, memory and coordination, and over time can lead to serious medical issues such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Whether or not you sleep on a memory foam mattress Summerville or another mattress, here are four ways to get a better night’s sleep.

Keep a Regular Sleep Schedule

Having a regular sleep schedule keeps your sleep-wake cycle consistent, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Try to go to bed and wake up around the same time each day and take care to not oversleep on weekends. Experts recommend getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night for most adults.

Create a Nice Ambiance

The ideal sleeping space is quiet, dark and between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. If you sleep during the day or have a lot of light coming in your windows, consider investing in some blackout curtains. Fans and white noise machines can help with noisy environments, and try not to fall asleep with the television on. 

Be Mindful of Food and Drink

Avoid heavy meals and alcohol in the couple of hours leading up to going to bed, as these can disrupt sleep or make it difficult to fall asleep. Cut out coffee or other caffeinated substances 8-10 hours before going to bed to prevent caffeine from interfering with sleep. 

Exercise During the Day

In addition to being a great stress reliever, exercising earlier in the day helps with sleep because of the chemicals produced in the brain during aerobic activity. In addition, spending time outdoors in the sun helps set your body’s internal clock and promotes healthy sleep. 

Sleep is something often overlooked and neglected, so take some time to ensure that you are doing what you can to get a good night’s rest.