What’s sleep hygiene and the way can it have an effect on your sleep?

A good mattress for a good night's sleep is more important than you might think!

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Throughout our lives we are constantly being reminded by doctors of the different things we need to do to stay healthy. We already know some of these routines by heart, such as eating a balanced meal and exercising daily. But there are other necessary activities that we tend to overlook and forget, and a perfect example of this is sleep hygiene.

Sleep hygiene: what is it? And why is it important?

In essence, sleep hygiene refers to the habits that ultimately help us sleep well. In other words, when our sleep hygiene is poor we are prone to common sleep disorders like insomnia. The definition itself tells us how important sleep hygiene is. As we already knew in school, sleep is an essential part of our health. When we sleep, our bodies can recharge and heal. So when we get up the next day, we feel awake and full of energy. When we don't get enough sleep, our brain and body cannot function properly. As a result, we suffer from concentration problems and lack of energy and are also more prone to illnesses such as colds. Because of this, we need to sleep at least seven hours every night. And we can only achieve that if we practice proper sleep hygiene.

What should you do to practice proper sleep hygiene?

Establish a sleep schedule – and stick to it

The best you can do to get started practice good sleep hygiene sets a sleep schedule. This means that you need to determine the time to go to bed and the time to wake up, and when you have done that, you need to stick to it every night. Sticking to the sleep schedule will help train the body to get into the routine. In other words, if you follow your sleep schedule religiously, you will easily fall asleep and wake up at the right time.

Have a nightly routine

Aside from establishing a sleep schedule, it can also be helpful for you to start a nightly routine. This is because your body needs some signs of slowing down and preparing for sleep, and a nighttime routine can do just that. You can take a really long bubble bath, drink some milk, and read a few chapters of your book while lying on yours comfortable firm mattress. Any activity is great as long as it doesn't involve electronics. Cell phones and other gadgets actually stimulate your mind, making sleeping a little more difficult if you browse your social media before your scheduled bedtime.

Have a morning routine

In addition to a nightly routine, a morning routine can also help with sleep hygiene. Some things to do each morning include a balanced breakfast and exercise, preferably outdoors so that you can get your daily daylight exposure. All of these activities give you energy for the day and prepare you for recovery later.

Conclusion

Proper sleep hygiene is an essential part of our health as it gives our minds and bodies time to rest and recharge. When we practice poor sleep hygiene we are prone to sleep disorders and other diseases, and we will always feel tired and unfocused. To practice good sleep hygiene, you should follow the three simple steps above. If you do them regularly, you will be getting a good night's sleep in no time.

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