Elements of a Good Night's Sleep

Though many of us complain about not getting enough sleep. We rarely do anything to change those habits that are causing us to not get the sleep we need. But, just like changing what we choose to eat or drink can change our diet, changing just a few of our sleeping habits can help us get the best rest possible and have a better day.

Would you ever drink a cup full of dirty or contaminated water when you had clean water just as easily available? Simply choosing clean water can help you live better. Same way simply choosing a good mattress and pillow can help change the quality of sleep you get. They do not have to be expensive or top of the line (unless you have some more severe medical issues). They simply need to be comfortable and supportive for you. We have all seen the commercials and laughed at the people "trying out" the mattresses in the store. But why not? You test drive a car and take samples of food when they are available to be sure you like what you are getting. You spend more time sleeping than you do in your car or eating, so it only makes sense that you check out what you are getting.

Believe it or not, each spine and body structure is unique. That is why your pillow may be great for you, but if your husband or friend uses it, they may end of with the worst nights sleep in their life. When you choose a pillow, you want one that is comfortable, but also one that supports your neck and head. If it holds your head too high or low or sideways, you will be spending hours a day with your neck in the wrong position. No wonder you wake up with a headache. Most pillows come with a plastic wrapping over them. If you take it home, don’t take it out of the plastic wrap, put a pillow case over it, and take a ten or fifteen minute nap. See how you feel. If it is uncomfortable, take note as to why, and take it back to the store. Then look for a pillow that has what the last pillow was missing.

When checking out a mattress, don’t be afraid to try the one in the store. Stretch out; roll over on your side, even use this as a great time to check out a new pillow by taking the pillow you are thinking about buying with you over to the mattress. How does your back feel? How do your shoulders and hips feel? Does everything still line up? If it doesn’t feel good on the show room floor, you are not going to like it at home.

The mattress and pillow are important to getting a good nights’ sleep, but what about some of your other habits? Sleep is the time when your body is winding down and trying to relax. Very few people like to be jerked from one extreme to the other. Neither does your body. Try giving yourself some down time before hitting the sack. Try grabbing a warm cup of tea - decaffeinated - like mint or a fruit. Grab a non-engaging book - not your chemistry book. Try putting on some mild classical or instrumental music about half an hour before your targeted time to be in bed. Turn off the main lights and use a lamp instead. This helps relax your eyes as well.

While closing out your day and preparing for bed, remember that you are trying to relax. If you just had an argument, don’t go straight to bed. Go for a short walk to calm down. But on the same hand, don’t do any major exercise right before bed. This just gets your heart pumping and your body won’t relax if your heart is racing. Calm yourself down before jumping in bed. Relax before you close your eyes and it will be easier for you to be relaxed in your sleep.

Getting the proper amount and type of sleep is necessary for you to have a healthy life. If you will take a few small steps to change your habits before and while sleeping, you will probably find yourself sleeping better and waking up more refreshed. Get the rest you need so you can start and end your day as well as you can to help you have the best life possible.