Sleep tips from a Friend

I was having lunch with my friend and she mentioned she hadn’t been sleeping well.  Before I could launch into the sleep tips I’ve learned from my time at the Healthy Bed Store she told me she kept a list of the things that helped or hindered her sleep. 

This intrigued me. If my friend’s list worked for her it might be worth sharing with others.  It also reminded me that no system is foolproof because my friend is still having trouble sleeping.  Sometimes it’s easier to know what to do than to actually do it. 

In defense of my friend, not everything is under our control.  Lately in the Folsom area we’ve had very warm nights and poor air quality.   We sleep with our windows shut and bedrooms much warmer than the optimal 65 degrees recommended by sleep professionals.

My friend’s list includes several food related items.  She needed to be careful about what she eats and when she eats.  Too much food makes it hard to sleep and can lead to acid reflux.  But too little food keeps her awake because she’s hungry.  Another item on her list is to get more carbohydrates at dinner.

In looking at my friend’s list I asked her if she had been reading sleep tips.  I was surprised when she said no because many of the things she noted are frequently mentioned by sleep experts.  That is avoid blue light, quiet the brain an hour or so before bedtime, and darken the room.   

You may not have the time or inclination to make a list as long as my friend’s but one of the easiest things you can do is to keep a sleep journal.  It can be as simple as noting the time you go to bed and the time you get out of bed.  You may even have an app on your phone that helps keep track of this information.  It may be tempting to stay up late or sleep in when time and circumstances allow.  But that luxury may be costing you better sleep.

Of course all the sleep tips in the world won’t compensate for a mattress that is past its prime. And if you found this blog you may be wondering if it isn’t time for a new mattress or adjustable base.  We carry some of the best -made mattresses in the area but what we are really selling is better sleep. 

Come in or call us soon.  Tell us about yourself, how you sleep, what you are looking for in a mattress and we’ll make some recommendations.  Plan on spending a little time with us.  Mattress shopping shouldn’t be rushed.  We’re located in the Broadstone Marketplace Center, 2690 East Bidwell Street, Suite 100, Folsom, CA 95630.