|
RESEARCH & EDUCATION CENTER
For too many Americans, sleep isn’t an activity. In today’s fast-paced world, it has become merely an interruption of our daily lives. We take part in it, but we don’t think about it. Until we can’t get enough of it. Then, it affects our waking hours, contributing to higher stress, lapses in concentration, even serious downturns in health.
“From the time we wake up, we cause damage to our bodies. Skin cells are damaged by wind or heat or cold. Muscles become torn as we walk or exercise. Our minds become filled with extraneous bits of information which have nowhere to go. Digestive systems work constantly to process the foods we ingest throughout the day. All of these vital systems need a chance to repair themselves, which means we need to stop moving for a few hours. While we sleep, our bodies can rebuild tissues, process new information and eliminate wastes.”
– Excerpted from “How Much Sleep Do We Need?” by Michael Pollick
Fortunately, there is a science behind it, and a wealth of information to help make better sleep an asset. We put together this section as a guide to help you understand your sleep needs and the many ways you can achieve them – from the science behind better sleep to the products that help you achieve it.
How does sleep contribute to better physical performance?
It is essential. "Sleep deprivation impacts us physically, which can negatively affect our coordination, agility, mood and energy," says Dr. Bert Jacobson, professor and head of the School of Educational Studies at Oklahoma State University (OSU) and the lead author of the new study Grouped Comparisons of Sleep Quality for New and Personal Bedding Systems. "Research shows that sleeping better and longer leads to improvements in athletic performance, including faster sprint time, better endurance, lower heart rate, and even improved mood and higher levels of energy during a workout." More than 80 percent of Americans wake up with back, neck or shoulder pain, and nearly half experience enough pain to limit their physical performance.
How can a new mattress help?
The study also found that most people who get seven to eight hours of sleep each night are sleeping on a mattress that is one to four years old.
According to a study in the Journal of Applied Ergonomics, sleeping on a new mattress can significantly improve sleep quality during the night and reduce physical pain during the day. In fact, when sleeping on new bedding systems, study respondents on average reported significant improvements in: lower back pain (62.8 percent), shoulder pain (62.4 percent), back stiffness (58.4 percent), sleep quality (64.4 percent), and sleep comfort (69.6 percent).
That’s why, to get the quality sleep you need for a healthier and more productive life, consumers should evaluate their current mattress every five to seven years for optimal comfort and support.
How does sleep affect your relationships?
“Sleep Solutions for Bedroom Bliss”
By Lissa Coffey, Relationship Expert
Sleeping together is an important way for couples to feel connected to one another. While many partners can live happily together; they just can’t sleep well side by side. Research from the Better Sleep Council (BSC) found that on average, one in three Americans report that their partner’s sleep problems negatively impact their own quality of sleep. If your partner’s sleep style has you headed for a separate room, here are some tips that just might bring harmony back to the bedroom and into your relationship.
Problem: Your partner kicks in his or her sleep, waking you up. Solution: Make sure your bed gives each person adequate sleep surface. If you are sharing a double (full–size) mattress, that only gives each person as much room as sleeping in a crib! Couples should share a mattress no smaller than queen-size.
Problem: Your partner likes it hot, but you like it cool. Solution: Temperature is a major issue in many relationships. Ideally, your bedroom should be a cool 60–65 degrees Fahrenheit. But a few simple adjustments can make it possible for a person who craves heat and a person who craves cool to sleep side by side comfortably. Double fold the blankets so there is more coverage on one side. Invest in a dual-control electric blanket or a twin-size electric blanket for one side.
Problem: Your partner snores, keeping you up at night. Solution: Snoring can be a serious health concern, so make sure to consult your physician. If your partner’s snoring is not a serious health condition, try alternative treatments like investing in anti-snore pillows, sprays or nasal strips that are designed to help people breathe more easily. If your partner’s snoring persists, try foam earplugs before you try a different room.
Problem: Your partner tosses and turns. Solution: It may be your mattress. If your mattress is uncomfortable, it can lead to restless sleep. Mattresses should be evaluated every five to seven years for comfort and support.
Problem: Your partner loves to cuddle, but you like your space while you sleep. Solution: Compromise. Before falling asleep spend some time snuggling together and then agree to sleep apart.
Problem: Your sleep schedules don’t match. Solution: Try finding a bedtime that works for both of you. If your partner turns in early and you’re a night owl, try reading a book with a personal book lamp until you’re ready to nod off. If you’re an early riser compared to your sleep partner, be considerate in the early morning. Keep overhead lights off and use minimal lighting while your partner is sleeping.
Problem: Your bedroom feels more like an office than a place to sleep. Solution: Your bedroom should only be used for sleep and sex. Keep work, laptops, PDAs and televisions out of the bedroom. This creates a much more relaxing and romantic atmosphere, and will give you both a better night’s sleep.
|