Go-To Guide: Sleep Solutions

Is there anything better than waking up after a full night of sleep feeling well-rested, refreshed, and ready to face the day? Do you kind of forget what that feels like? You’re not alone. According to the CDC, up to 40 percent of adults in the United States get less than the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night. The effects of not enough sleep aren’t just that you’re tired during the day. Lack of sleep leads to poor performance at work or school, can affect critical decision-making abilities, and more. That’s the bad news.

The good news is that if you fall into this category and aren’t getting enough shuteye every day, there are things you can do to improve your situation. If you think you may suffer from a sleep disorder, it’s best to consult with a doctor. But if you don’t, there are environmental and routine changes you can make in order to sleep soundly through the night. And we can help with that. By identifying what’s causing your lack of sleep and the type of sleeper you are, you can make a plan of action and start to take simple steps to get those hours in.

If you hang out on the Internet often (and we’re betting you do, since you’re reading about how to get more sleep), you’ve probably come across articles telling you not to consume caffeine or blue light after certain hours of the day. While those can be good tips, they don’t know you. The best way to change your sleep will depend largely on the type of sleeper you are. We’ve identified four different types of sleepers: The Furnace, The Popsicle, The Knot, and The Overthinker.

The Furnace is always hot, no matter how high the AC is. The Popsicle, on the other hand, is always, well, frozen. The Knot wakes up with constant aches, pains, and strains. The Overthinker is a stressed-out sleeper.

Each of these types requires a different plan to get the best night's sleep possible, and the first step is figuring out which you are.

Once you know the problem, you’re one step closer to finding the solution. So, congrats! You’re on the right track. This means making changes in your home, specifically in your bedroom. Switching out your pillow or mattress pad for something built with your needs in mind can be immensely helpful.

Go-To Guide: Pillows

Your bed is a solid investment, because really, it’s an investment in yourself. A great night’s sleep means better, healthier, more productive days, and therefore a better you. The average person sleeps 200,000+ hours in their lifetime, and we spend a third of our lives in bed. Thanks to technology and a newfound obsession with all things wellness, the world of sleep products is improving all the time. With all of this in mind, we’ve been on the hunt for the best products for your future sleep success story!

In addition to a good AC unit, The Furnace can benefit from Therapedic® TruCool® technology, which allows for increased airflow and therefore, a cooler sleep. For The Popsicle, a heated mattress pad (with 11 heat settings!) may be just the thing to keep you warm and toasty throughout the night. The Overthinker might benefit from a weighted blanket, which feels like a hug and can help reduce stress. For The Knot, the Therapedic® Won’t Go Flat® pillow is designed to give you the support you need.

Once you have the right sleep-aiding products, you can work toward stacking the deck in your favor in other ways.

Sleeping is easier if the room is totally dark. A great set of blackout shades will block out light, making it easier for you to fall and stay asleep.

Developing and sticking to a before-bed routine is also a good idea. The steps in your routine are less important than consistency. If you do the same thing every night before you go to bed, your mind and body will learn to recognize that it’s time for sleep, leading to a more restful slumber. Powering down electronics an hour before you go to sleep has been shown to be helpful. Drinking a warm (but caffeine free!) beverage can also be relaxing. Diffusing essential oils, a quick yoga flow, or meditation session are other options. It’s all about figuring out what works best for you!

Don't expect everything to click into place immediately. Achieving that ever-important great night of sleep can take patience and practice. Keep at it–you're closer to waking up happy already!