When we sleep, our bodies begin to repair, grow, and replenish tissues, nerves, and cells that are crucial for keeping our hormones and immune system functioning. Along with a healthy lifestyle consisting of a nutrient-dense diet and exercise, restorative sleep is essential to maintain a healthy physical and emotional well-being.
While there are several things we can do to get the best rest possible, such as having a comfortablemattressto sleep in, we might be following habits that disrupt or keep us from having a deep slumber. Here are a few habits that people must avoid to be well-rested and experience a reinvigorating sleep.
Heavy And Greasy Foods Before Bed
Foods rich in melatonin such as walnuts, bananas, strawberries, and cherries will naturally help you fall asleep. Dairy products are great as well as they contain calcium that relaxes the muscles and facilitates restful sleep.
However, eating a heavy meal right before bedtime or munching on greasy foods right before you hit the bed can do you harm. Foods that are high in fats take a longer time to digest and may cause indigestion, acid reflux, and heartburn – ultimately causing sleep disruption.
The Use Of Technology
Using devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops hinders us from maintaining healthy sleep hygiene or keeps us from developing habits and practices conducive to restorative sleep. These devices emit blue light that disturbs our circadian rhythm and makes it harder for us to fall asleep.
The use of technology should be minimized as we approach our bedtime. Reading a book instead can help us fall asleep better. Get yourself at least 30 minutes to an hour oftechnology-freetransition time to facilitate a better slumber.
Inconsistent Sleep Schedule
When you have an irregular sleeping time, you deprive yourself of getting restful sleep. What most people do is to stay up late on weekdays and binge-sleeping during the weekends. This practice actually does the individual more harm than good.
Irregular sleep patterns cause your bodily functions to go haywire resulting in hormone imbalances, which are often the cause of weight gain. People gain weight when the hunger hormones ghrelin and leptin go out of control, causing them to binge-eat and have an irregular appetite. Going to bed on a set time consistently is key to a night’s worth of healthy sleep.
A Poor Sleep Environment
The environment we rest in contributes significantly to the quality of our sleep. For instance, sleeping in a brightly lit room will make it harder for us to fall asleep faster. Similarly, an uncomfortable bed with a poor quality mattress that’s deformed, as well as adorned with dirty sheets, can disrupt sleep and prevent from experiencing a restorative slumber.
The room we sleep in should have the right temperature, just the right amount of light, and, most especially, should have a comfortable bed with a high-quality mattress to sleep on. All these aspects will ensure that you get the best quality of sleep possible.
A Healthier Sleeping Habit With The Right Mattress
Having the right mattress should be part and parcel of an effective sleeping environment. It should be able to support the body and promote proper spine alignment. Mattresses come in various sizes, forms, and firmness, from soft, medium-soft, to firm ones.
Whether it is a foam or anorthopedic mattressthat you require, our experts at Magniflex will gladly assist you with the perfect mattress that suits you best.