6 Factors that Could Be Affecting Your Sleep

Hitting the sack, getting some shuteye, drifting off to the land of Nod. English idioms certainly make snoozing sounds straightforward enough, but the stats suggest otherwise. Adults in the UK under-sleep on average by an hour every night. That’s some 365 hours over the course of an entire year.

6 Factors that Could Be Affecting Your Sleep

Lack of sleep can result in various health issues, including depression, high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. So how precisely do you get a good night’s sleep? In this post we take a look at six key factors to consider.

1. Your Bed

The foundation of a great night’s sleep is a comfortable bed, so it’s vital that you choose the right one for your needs. Always buy a bed in store – this will allow you to test the product out in person – and choose a bed that aligns correctly to your body. You should also look for a bed that provides enough room for you and anyone else you share it with.

2. Your Bedroom

When it comes to bedtime, you want a clean, cool environment. Change your bedsheets regularly and clean your mattress every couple of months. The temperature should be set to around 16-18°C. Try to achieve complete darkness in your room, things like blackout blinds and additional window dressing can help you to do this.

3. Your Routine

Try to maintain a regular bedtime routine. Avoid using digital devices like phones and tablets too close before going to sleep. You should also try to avoid drinking too many liquids before bed, failure to do so may result in nocturnal trips to the toilet interrupting your sleep. Finally, banish both TV and pets from the bedroom.

4. Your Diet

Diet can have a drastic effect on how you sleep. Foods associated with restful nights include milk, cherries, chicken and rice. Meanwhile, foods and drinks to steer clear of before bedtime include caffeine, alcohol and fatty meats.

5. Your Exercise

Effective exercise can help to tire your body out and promote a better night’s sleep. It can also help to reduce tension, thereby relieving stress before bed. However, it is important not to over train: intense physical activity can actually make you more alert, the last thing you want before bed.

6. Your Perseverance

Sleeping well takes patience and plenty of practice. If you find at first that your lifestyle changes aren’t having an immediate effect, give it time and always sleep on it before you even think about giving up!

Looking for a new bed? Find your nearest Kaymed stockist here, and for more information on beds click here.