Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Sleep with Success

A quality mattress provides unparalleled comfort, but other lifestyle factors can also impact the depth and duration of sleep. It's important to first set a strong foundation by finding the right sleeping surface. Then, incorporate these three simple techniques to revel in restful, rejuvenating nights.

1. Step away from electronics


Circadian rhythms are natural cycles in the brain and body that regulate time. Major changes in natural light that occur at sunrise and sunset signal the body to unconsciously prepare to fall asleep or wake up. Staring at a computer screen, television, or cell phone right before hitting the mattress can trick the body’s sense of time and block the release of certain sleep-inducing chemicals like melatonin.

2. Watch your diet


Stimulants like caffeine and nicotine keep you physically and emotionally on edge. Each person’s body has a different sensitivity to these substances. As a general rule of thumb, don’t indulge after lunch.

3. Practice Mindful Breathing


According to doctors and yogis alike, placing a hand or book at the base of the ribs and breathing deeply with the diaphragm activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System, calms an anxious mind, and allows the body to enter a restful state.

When combined with a high-quality mattress, these techniques help bring consistently restful nights.