We’ve all heard the general recommendation of seven to eight hours of sleep each night for adults. However, did you know that the quality of your sleep and the consistency of your sleep schedule can matter more than the actual number of hours you sleep?
There are so many health benefits associated with good sleep habits that you wouldn’t be able to name them all at once. Let’s look at just a few of the top benefits associated with getting good, deep sleep consistently.
The Importance of Good Sleep
Good-quality sleep allows your body to truly recover from the stresses of waking life, which include stress to your physical body as well as your mind.
Deep sleep allows your muscles to repair and rebuild themselves after long days on your feet or tough workouts. Plus, it reduces emotional stress levels during waking hours and supports positive moods throughout the day.
Good sleep habits don’t just play a role in your mood and how you feel from day to day; they can affect your long-term health as well. Those who get poor sleep are generally at higher risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other serious health conditions.
Best Ways to Improve Your Sleep Quality
Getting a good night’s sleep doesn’t have to break the bank. However, a few key items could be the difference between a restless night of tossing and turning and a peaceful, rejuvenating sleep.
A Great Mattress
The quality of your mattress can make a huge difference in how well you fall and stay asleep and affect your physical health for years to come.
Many types of mattresses are available today, such as innerspring, hybrid, specialty, and heavy-duty. These specialized mattresses are designed to support high-quality sleep for people of all ages, body types, and lifestyles.
High-Quality Pillows, Sheets, and Comforter
If you’ve ever spent a night on low-quality sheets and pillows, you know firsthand just how big of a difference the thread count and level of support can make in these products.
That’s why you should invest in a pillow that gives your head the exact amount of support you need to be comfortable and soft, breathable sheets that won’t irritate your skin.
It’s also important to make sure that your top bed cover, whether a comforter or duvet, is the right thickness to keep you cozy without making you overheat.
Black-Out Curtains
Some people can sleep just fine with a nightlight or even a lamp on in the room, but others simply cannot experience deep, restorative sleep without complete darkness. If you require darkness to fall and stay asleep, high-quality black-out curtains could be just what you need to make sure no light is seeping in from outside while you rest.
Aromatherapy
Many studies have shown that certain essential oils can lead to better sleep. If you struggle to stay asleep, consider purchasing an essential oil diffuser. Or you might try sprinkling a few drops of lavender, bergamot, or chamomile on your pillow as an easy, non-medical sleep treatment.
