The Power of Zzz's

We all know that getting enough sleep is important for our health and well-being. But did you know how you sleep is just as important as how much you sleep? In this post, we'll discuss the importance of good sleep hygiene practices and how you can create a cozy space for a good night's sleep.

My oldest daughter has a new baby. She's four months old and recently got into a steady sleep schedule. As you can imagine, my daughter has felt the effects of broken sleep. Having a son in Kindergarten, a husband, and a home to care for hasn't allowed for the sleeping when the baby sleeps method all of the time. Having good sleep hygiene practices has helped both mom and baby establish a routine and now they are rested and mom is feeling energized. She was just exclaiming to me today how much of a difference it has made.

What is Sleep Hygiene?

Sleep hygiene refers to the habits and practices that promote good sleep. These include things like sticking to a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, and creating a relaxing sleep environment.

Why is Sleep Hygiene Important?

Poor sleep hygiene can lead to a number of health issues, including depression, anxiety, and obesity. It can also make it difficult to concentrate and perform daily tasks. Getting good quality sleep on the other hand has numerous benefits, including improved mood, better memory, and a stronger immune system.

Creating a Cozy Sleep Environment:

One important aspect of good sleep hygiene is creating a cozy sleep environment. This includes choosing the right bedding and setting the right temperature.

Bedding: Invest in comfortable bedding that suits your personal preferences. Whether you prefer a fluffy comforter or a lightweight duvet, the key is to find what works best for you. Make sure your bedding is clean and fresh, as well as cozy and comfortable.

Temperature: The ideal temperature for sleep is between 60-67°F (15-19°C). However, this can vary from person to person, so find the temperature that works best for you. Consider investing in a good quality mattress that will regulate temperature and provide support. I own this one and have slept better over the last five years than ever. No springs, no box springs needed ( I have this platform bed), and rolling over doesn't shake the bed.

Other Sleep Hygiene Practices

In addition to creating a cozy sleep environment, there are other sleep hygiene practices that you can incorporate into your routine:

Stick to a regular sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. I love an early Saturday morning on the back porch with a cup of coffee.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can disrupt sleep, so it's best to avoid them before bed. I don't drink caffeine in the evening. I keep a water carafe at my bedside and it has been one of the best investments in my hydration habits. As for alcohol, I don't have it often but it usually is in the evening and followed by sleep so this is one of those situations where "in moderation" applies.

Reduce screen time: The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with your sleep. Try to avoid using screens for at least an hour before bed. I keep my blue light filter on my phone at all times. Additionally, I wear blue light-blocking glasses when using computers and that made an unexpectedly huge difference in how my eyes felt and the amount of times I felt the need to rest them. Resting my eyes would lead to dozing off early in the day and then I'd be up all hours of the night. I have these glasses and they are amazing. They come with a case, a small bottle of cleaning spray, and a cloth. I got black ones, but there are other choices.

Getting enough sleep is important for our health and well-being. By incorporating good sleep hygiene practices into your routine and creating a cozy sleep environment, you can improve the quality of your sleep and reap the benefits of a good night's rest.

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