December 18, 2020
Trusted advice comes from those with experience – but when it comes to sleep, we’ve had all our lives to practice. With 7.8 billion people weighing in on such an important aspect of our lifestyle, it’s time for BedsRus as the experts in sleep to debunk the common misconceptions in getting your best snooze.
Legend over the years has contributed to tall sleep tales and advice that has withstood generations; we’re often quick to blame cheese for our scary dreams and counting sheep has thought to be a mainstay in achieving shut eye. It’s a bold move to attest advice with such substantial history so we thought it our roles, as the experts in sleep – to clear the fog and offer some clarity on some solid snooze truths.
Dreaming of better sleep? Here's the facts.
✔ Pick your naps wisely
Snoozy Sunday’s on the sofa may be an ideal weekend for some but unfortunately if repeated too often, these power naps can prove troublesome for your body. Banking on sleep during the day can reduce your ability of getting a good rest at night.
Just remember – not all naps are created equal and there are occasions where they can prove beneficial.
✔ Counting sheep, losing sleep
Often the first remedy recommended when you’re struggling with shuteye is to count sheep. Despite what you were told as a child, studies have shown that counting sheep can actually prolong the time it takes you to fall asleep. Visualizing a relaxing scene and steadying your breathing has evidence of being more effective; plus a balmy beach evening is far more picturesque than a muddy paddock of jumping livestock!
✔ Banking Zzz's
If you’re running short on hours in the day, often our sleep schedule is the first to be sacrificed to fit more in. It can be tempting to spend extra hours in bed to pay off your ‘sleep debt’. However sleeping until noon lessens the chance of you falling asleep at your usual bedtime – setting up a new, unbalanced sleep cycle for the week to come. Contrary to belief, rising early for a morning workout is a popular option to improve your sleep quality.
✔ Opt for decaf with dinner
Dinner menus can be deceiving with coffee options often listed amongst desserts. Just because it’s there, doesn’t mean you should order it. Caffeine is a stimulant and is known for interfering with sleep-inducing chemicals and boosting adrenaline production – therefore, a caffeinated drink or a coffee before bed can really affect your quality of sleep. Tee up your coffee dates before midday to ensure you fall asleep easily – or if coffee is your jam, opt for caffeine-free.
✔ Keep your cool
Cocooning in layers of duvets is the epitome of a sleep haven for some – but beware of overheating. If your core body temperature is too high, you struggle to produce melatonin – that magical hormone that sends you into slumber. Water is a great cooling agent, so having a shower or bath before bed can be a good way to ensure a restful night.
✔ Say cheese
Cheese often comes under scrutiny when bad dreams cause a turbulent sleep. Quick to its defence was the British Cheese Board, who conducted the ‘Cheese and Dreams Study’ and quickly proved that none of its participants experienced nightmares. Try avoid large servings of cheese right before you tuck in for the night – overfilling your stomach with anything can make it difficult to sleep – but if cravings persist, a slice or two shouldn’t hurt.
There is one fact that isn’t a myth – not all beds are created equal.
Whether you sleep on our your own or with a partner, on your back or on your side, if you’re a hot sleeper or a cold sleeper – you should choose a bed that first your needs. Try out our Sleep Selector today to see if you’re resting on the best, or visit a showroom where our sleep specialists will understand your needs, and fit you to your perfect bed, today.
