Thankfully sleep is one of the constants in our lives. The terrible challenges that we are having to face due to the COVID-19 pandemic, being locked down for a long period of time, and the financial impact on many, has been hard for us.
The need for sleep however supersedes whatever is going on in the world and at night, in or out of lockdown, we still retire to our beds for that time of rest that we all so badly need. Now we are going into winter and as we always seem to feel more tired in the cold weather, it’s very hard for many to get out of a cosy bed in the morning.
Winter can affect your sleep patterns
What many people fail to realise though is that there are a few winter factors that can adversely affect your sleep too. Some people will have experienced this and find they actually don’t sleep as well at this time.
Here are a few reasons why – and 4 ways to sleep better in winter…
Don’t heat up too much
Many people tend to overheat the room in winter, preferring this to just using more blankets or wearing winter pyjamas. The American National sleep foundation had this to say “During the course of a normal day, your body temperature rises and falls slightly. As you become drowsy, your temperature goes down, reaches its lowest level around 5:00 a.m., and climbs slightly as the morning begins. This is why the air in your room can affect the quality of your sleep: if it’s too hot, it may interfere with your body’s natural dip and make you more restless through the night.”
So, due to your body’s natural temperature cycles, the best way to doze off sooner is to sleep in a cooler room.
Block winter drafts
Some people heat the room and then, swearing by the health benefits of fresh air in the room, allow a draft to still come into the room through a window or under a door. Sciencedaily.com says “studies have shown that being in the pathway of moving cool air, whether it was an air conditioner in summer or a draft in winter, caused people to shift more in their sleep, have a higher heart rate and wake up more.”
So, a little fresh air is fine, but to sleep better, eliminate unnecessary drafts.
Don’t allow lack of light to lull you to sleep
You’ve probably realised that you start to get sleepy earlier in winter and that is generally because of less light in a day. The scientific explanation is that getting more natural light can affect your natural cycle of sleepiness and wakefulness (circadian rhythm).
Low light also increases your production of melatonin, a hormone that stimulates sleepiness. The bottom line, to maintain a regular sleep cycle, ensure there is plenty of light in the house until bedtime and put the light on at your usual rising time. It’s not the same, but it’s the best you can do.
Get a great mattress
Summer or winter, one of the key factors related to getting a great night’s sleep is having a comfortable, but firm, well-constructed mattress. With SABS approved parts and the highest gauge wire and highest spring count in every mattress Truform mattresses are of the highest quality at cost effective prices.
During this stressful time we are there for you and will keep giving you useful advice and assist with any enquiries regarding mattresses that you may have. Contact a dealer near you for all you need to know and plan for your winter needs.
Until then – keep safe!