There is no doubt that quality sleep plays an important role in maintaining our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. On the contrary, getting insufficient sleep can have adverse effects on our health.
However, while some enjoy the many benefits of getting adequate sleep, others find it challenging to get enough sleep. The latter is particularly common when you live in bustling urban centers such as New York City, known for its vibrant environment, dazzling lights, and never-ending entertainment.
You’d be surprised to know that, onaverage, around 48% of New Yorkers sleep no more than 6 hours at night when the required averageis 7 to 9 hours.
Hence, the title “The City That Never Sleeps” is well-deserved, and as great as that sounds, it presents numerous difficulties in retaining an ideal sleep routine.
But do not fret! Sleeping well isn’t much of a challenge, provided you know what to do. By the time you’re done reading this article, prepare to bid farewell to your sleepless nights as we unfold five tips for sleeping well and the many benefits of doing so.
Invest In A High-Quality Mattress
Did you know that New York is officially the most sleep-deprived city? Citizens usually go to bed at midnight and wake up around 6 in the morning! Moreover, according to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 70 million American citizens suffer from chronic sleep disorders! Although the main solution is to establish a better bedtime routine, not many people are aware of the significance of a high-quality mattresswhen it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. If you’re one of them, it’s vital to understand that investing in a high-quality mattress is crucial for getting better sleep,as it significantly enhancescomfort and restores peace.If you’re too busy and can’t go out, consider options like getting same-day mattress delivery in NYC, where you can choose from a variety of mattress options and get them delivered within 24 hours!
Here are a few more reasons why you need a high-quality mattress to sleep more and better
Prevents Allergies
A good mattress can help avoid allergies and related health issues. Dust mites, often found on old mattresses, can cause a variety of health issues, such as acne, nasal congestion, runny nose, and dry skin. Choosing an environmentally friendly mattress can successfully keep these allergens at bay and help you sleep better.
Relives Body Aches & Pain, Promotes Good Posture
Purchasing a high-quality mattress is a sensible investment as it relieves body aches and pain,provides adequate support to your neck, back, spine, and legs, and also encourages optimal posture.
Develop A Sleep Schedule
Have you ever heard the saying, “Early to bed and early to rise makes a person healthy, wealthy, and wise.”? Well, Benjamin Franklin certainly summed up the benefits of a disciplined sleep schedule, and we should live by his words.
Developing a consistent sleep schedule is one of the most effective strategies for achieving better sleep. Our bodies run on a “natural clock,” known as the circadian rhythm. By developing a daily sleep routine, you can synchronize your body with your natural cycle, and soon, it’ll be easier for you to fall asleep and wake up at the same time every day.
Create A Serene Environment
Your bedroom should be a place where you feel peaceful and relaxed. To do so, you need to create a serene environment to ensure adequate sleep. Here are some tips for creating the ideal environment:
Minimal Light
Excessive light exposure can interfere with your sleeping habits and, in turn, your circadian rhythm. Installing blackout curtains, turning the lights off, or using an eye mask can successfully block out any light to help you sleep better.
Minimal Noise
A peaceful environment would include minimal noise, so your bedroom is suited to quality rest. Try using earplugs to properly isolate yourself from any loud distractions.
Speaking of noise, consider plugging your headphones and listening towhite noiseto eliminate any distracting sounds.
Minimal Screentime
Disconnect devices an hour before bed to ensure your eyes are well-rested so you can sleep right away.
ExerciseDuring The Day
Exercise is known to enhance your sleep and reduce symptoms of insomnia. A study shows that adults aged > or = 55 can significantly upgrade their sleep quality and mood and improve their chronic insomnia just by doing aerobic exercises.
Although strenuous exercise closer to bedtime is considered to affect your body’s ability to relax before sleep, daily exercise comes with several health benefits for your body.
Maintain A Balanced Diet
NYC is a food lovers paradise, but consuming meals closer to bedtime can disrupt your sleep. To prevent that, be mindful of your diet and eat balanced and light meals throughout the day for better overall health. Some useful tips include:
Limit Caffeine intake to avoid long-term sleep deprivation.
Limit Alcohol before bedtime as it can affect your brain in ways that can reduce the quality of your sleep.
Avoid spicy and oily meals closer to bedtime to avoid heartburn and acid reflux.
Benefits Of Quality Sleep
Now that you know how to get your daily average of 7-8 hours of peacefulsleep, let’s get into the remarkable benefits quality sleep brings.
Improved Mood
Sleep has a significant impact on your emotional well-being. A lack of quality sleep can lead to irritability and mood swings. On the other hand, sufficient sleep can restore emotional stability and help regulate your mood.
Improved Athletic Performance
Sleep is optimal for athletic recovery and plays a crucial role in maintaining your cognitive functions. A study shows that athletes are more likely at risk of insufficient sleep duration, poor sleep quality, and circadian disorder. Improving sleep quality showed significant improvements in health, athletic, and even academic performance!
Improved Focus & Productivity
Sleep is said to be necessary for brain growth and development. Quality sleep leads to a better cognitive response, increased concentration, and a sharper focus.
Stress Reduction
Getting quality sleep ensures a good balance of hormones, particularly cortisol, and melatonin,providing a sense of calmness and relaxation. By keeping a well-balanced rhythm, you can build a stronger resistance to stress and enhance your overall mental health.
Conclusion
The value of quality sleep cannot be overstated, especially in the hustle and bustle of New York City. Quality sleep should not be optional; it is necessary for a healthy lifestyle. With these tips, as you embark on your journey to a better sleep routine, you’ll begin to notice a variety of remarkable benefits, and you can turn every night into a therapeutic retreat and tackle every new day with refreshing energy.
