4 Tips to help you get your zzz’s
Ah… sleep, glorious sleep!
We spend 1/3 of our lives sleeping, and it should be something we look forward to and get the most out of each night. Anyone who knows me well, knows that I love sleep! In fact, I still am quite proud of the award I won in kindergarten for being the ‘Best Napper.” I once fell asleep as a teenager in the grass next to a ride at Cedar Point amusement park and later as a college student on a public bus system in a big city. Probably not the safest choices now that I am looking back on those moments, but I was genuinely tired.
So how much sleep do you really need?
The ideal amount of time that you need to sleep depends on what stage of life you are in. When your body is growing, such as when you were a baby, child, and then an adolescent, you clearly needed more sleep in order to grow your body. Also pregnancy demands more sleep due to the fact that another human being is now growing within. In adulthood, sleep needs change once again due to jobs and family and that number typically is 7-9 hours. If you want to dive deeper into this, then read the article Sleep Foundation sleep needs.
The key is to find what works for you to feel refreshed and ready to go for a new day.
But sometimes sleep can evade me, and probably you too, from time to time.
When sleep is disturbed or interrupted by pain, waking frequently due to too much on your mind or your partner/ child awakens you- it can be frustrating and ultimately detrimental to the body and are addressed further here: Consequences of sleep deprivation
I’m often asked about what products I can recommend for a better night’s sleep. and here are my top 4:
- Wear a Sleep mask : My top pick is the Manta sleep mask.This helps eliminate light which can disturb a deeper sleep. I like this mask because it’s comfortable and has options such as ‘cool’ and ‘steam’ eye cups, silk and a weighted version to help you get your zzzz’s!
- Invest in a good pillow : Good Housekeeping just published their top picks: Best pillows for 2022 . Currently I sleep on an Awara pillow.
- Get a Mattress that supports your body as it is today: Best mattresses for 2022. Currently I sleep on an Awara mattress
- Try a weighted blanket: The pressure may help you sleep deeper. Costco sells the Pendleton weighted blanket
But if pain is stealing your sleep, then you may need to come in for a physical therapy appointment to address the cause of your pain. Schedule your appointment today
I hope you can accomplish your #sleepgoals for 2022 and wish you a good night’s rest.