From Contributing Author Dr. Amy Wolfson
Each May, the Better Sleep Council sponsors Better Sleep Month to raise the awareness of the importance of sleep to good health and quality of life. The following advice highlights strategies for creating a better sleep environment that will provide you with the best chances for a full and rejuvenating night's sleep.
Your bedroom should be quiet and relaxing. Unwelcome noise or light, an uncomfortable or worn-out mattress and foundation, or a room that's too warm or too cool can prevent you from getting the sleep you need. There's no reason to settle for anything less than the best sleep possible! Is your bedroom conducive to a good night's sleep? These four factors can make a difference:
Mattress and Foundation. Be sure your mattress and foundation meet your needs for both comfort and support. If you sleep with a partner, your mattress should also allow you both enough space to move easily.
Light. Light is one of the body's most powerful time cues. The rising sun can wake up the brain long before the alarm goes off. A dark room is the most conducive for sleep – day or night.
Noise. Sudden, loud noises from inside or outside the home can disrupt sleep. Steady, low sounds, such as the whir of a fan or air conditioner, may be soothing because they help block out distracting noises.
Temperature. The ideal bedroom temperature is 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 18 degrees Celsius). A room that's too warm or too cool can disrupt comfortable sleep.
For more information on how to get better sleep, visit The Better Sleep Council website.
