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Getting enough sleep can add years to your life. Studies ranging from the University of California to Harvard underline just how much we might take sleep for granted. Sleep is one of the three pillars of human health: nutrition, physical exercise, and getting some Z’s. Sleep promotes growth, improves heart health, maintains a strong immune system, and, frankly, supports more positive physical and mental processes than you ever imagined.
For many of us, the first purposeful selection of a bed is a major first step in taking sleep seriously. The first time we step into a Mattress Firm, it can be overwhelming, with so many options to choose from and so many new vocabulary words to learn. What’s a “cooling mattress”? I thought “hybrid” was a type of car?
But here’s a quick lay of the land if you’re on the lookout for a new place to rest your head. According to TIME, three of the highest-rated mattresses at present are the Helix Midnight Luxe, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe, and the Bear Original Mattress.
A few notes for each of these selections:
- The Helix mattress earned TIME’s “Most comfortable mattress” designation. You won’t be able to lay down on this mattress in a store, as Helix is a direct-to-consumer seller, but you do get a 100-night home trial period.
- Brooklyn Bedding’s Aurora Luxe is cited as the best cooling mattress for you hot sleepers. The GlacioTex cooling cover actively pulls heat from the body, and that’s just the first layer!
- The Bear Original Mattress is cited for its value. It’s also apparently a go-to for athletes and other physically demanding roles.
Getting quality sleep isn’t just about the right mattress, though. Harvard Medical School published some simple yet effective tips for those who find themselves still counting sheep in the wee hours.
- Exercise is important. This might just be a daily walk, but any form of exercise will increase the efficacy of natural sleep hormones like melatonin. Harvard Medical School does recommend paying attention to exactly when you’re getting that exercise, though. Morning workouts that include fresh daylight will help ensure a more natural circadian rhythm.
- The bed is for sleeping. It can be easy to spend hours endlessly scrolling on your phone or catching up on work on your laptop while in bed. This creates unhealthy routines and bodily expectations. Try and keep the bed a place where your body instinctively knows it’s time to wind down and relax.
- Ambiance matters. A massive television shining light on your face isn’t going to do you any favors when it comes to getting good sleep. When it’s time to shut your eyes, nothing should be fighting for your attention. Bedrooms should be quiet, dark, and cool, three promoters of sleep onset.
- Find a routine. Nighttime routines help prepare the body for rest. Whatever gets you settled down, try and make a habit of it. Uncertainty doesn’t promote a quiet or restful mind, so instill cues before bed that let your body and brain know what’s coming next.
- Keep it light. You don’t have to go to sleep on an empty stomach but don’t stock it for a winter hibernation. Try something light like an apple or some crackers if you’re hungry right before bedtime. Your sleep (and your digestive system) will thank you.
- Avoid booze and caffeine. You probably know coffee isn’t great for a good night’s sleep, but did you know chocolate also contains caffeine? Additionally, while wine might make you sleepy, it will disrupt your natural sleep cycle.
- Let it go. The stress of the day can punish your brain while you’re trying to get some rest. Learning to wind down, meditate, and reduce your general anxiety level will have a massive impact on your sleep schedule.
- Get help. If restless legs, snoring, or burning pains are part of your sleep experience, talk to your doctor. You don’t have to suffer at night, and experiencing pain around sleep should not be your reality. Sleep is supposed to be a pleasurable and welcome experience.
Crete United is a national energy efficiency company that uses our Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) expertise to improve communities. We deliver multi-service, integrated solutions, a streamlined customer experience, and comprehensive energy efficiency solutions that increase uptime and reduce spend. Crete United is focused on making the places where we live, work, and play better and more sustainable. We’ve pioneered a new business model, fully integrating energy efficiency and MEP execution in one national network. To see how our transformative approach comes to life visit www.creteunited.com.
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