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Improve Your Sleep with a Better Sleep Environment

Falling asleep can be pretty hard work; counter-intuitive to the purpose it serves. Some people are lucky enough to be asleep minutes after their heads hit the pillow while others toss and turn in bed for hours trying to fall asleep. Luckily, there are things people can do to help them fall asleep more easily and get a better night’s rest. Here are a few of them:

• Keep a cool room. Studies have found for many people, a room temperature in the 60s may be better for falling asleep. The body’s internal thermostat lowers during sleep, so having to work less to cool down makes it easier to get to the point of sleep. Some beds can help keep a user cooler too, like natural latex foam, which is aerating. And of course, a cool room means you get to get cozy under the covers! Adding a breathable cover for memory foam toppers or beds can help as well.
• Keep a dark room. Light stimulates us and as a result, brighter rooms are harder to fall asleep in for many people. Darkening a room can be done by installing heavy “black-out” curtains if you live in a bright area, and reducing the use of TV and electronics as you prepare for bed. Leaving your computer monitors on or looking at your phone while you try to fall sleep will artificially stimulate you as well.
• Find your comfort zone. Some people may not realize that at the core of their sleep issues is a mattress that isn’t comfortable or supportive enough. For mattresses that are too firm, a foam bed is an excellent boost of comfort without changing how your bed supports your body. Perhaps adding a body pillow to support the legs and arms if you sleep on your sides, or body bolsters under the knees if you’re on your back may be the extra boost in comfort you need.