Persistent sleep issues are the absolute last thing you want to deal with. After all, proper sleep is essential to detoxing our brains, refreshing our bodies, and providing a general recharge for the day ahead. On the flipside, diminished sleep quality can profoundly impact mood, energy levels, and overall functionality. So, if your sleep quality has taken a downturn, it may be in your best interest to look within. Without even realizing it, many of us inadvertently diminish the quality of our nightly respites through the following behaviors.
1 Sleeping on Uncomfortable Mattresses
The quality of your mattress can significantly impact the quality of your sleep. Ergo, if your current mattress is well past its prime and/or failing to provide sufficient comfort, it behooves you to replace it ASAP. You may think that the type of mattress you sleep on has no bearing on your overnight comfort, but one night on the right mattress is likely to turn you around on the subject.
So, no matter how opposed you are to spending money on a new mattress, replacing an unsuitable mattress should be considered self-care, not a financial burden. Furthermore, regardless of how frugal you typically are, cheaping out on something this important will likely result in continued discomfort. After all, you get what you pay for – and if you purchase the cheapest mattress you can find, this is liable to be reflected in the comfort (or lack thereof) it provides.
When seeking out the right mattress, price certainly should be a factor – just not the determinant factor. So if you’re on the hunt for a mattress with an agreeable price tag that won’t disappoint in the comfort department and will last quite a while, look into buying a good foam mattress.
2 Allowing Stress to Grow Out of Control
There’s little wonder why so many Americans are plagued by chronic stress. Demanding jobs, economic insecurity, and assorted personal obligations are just a few things that cause our stress levels to skyrocket. Furthermore, the longer stress goes untreated, the more it’s likely to become out of control.
Unsurprisingly, unaddressed stress keeps you up at night and makes it difficult to stay asleep for long periods. So, if mounting stress levels interfere with your sleep quality, you’d do well to address the problem by seeking proper mental health services. A good therapist, counselor, or psychologist can provide you with a sympathetic ear, invaluable coping tools, and professional advice on keeping your stress levels in check.
Keep in mind that stress is far from the only mental health problem that can negatively impact sleep quality. For example, depression, anxiety, and grief can prove detrimental to sleep quality. So, if you’re currently suffering under the weight of any of these afflictions, get in touch with the proper mental health professionals on the double.
3 Consuming Caffeine Throughout the Day
There’s no denying that we love our caffeine. From coffee to tea to candy, many consume caffeine in a constant loop throughout the day. However, while a cup of joe can undoubtedly serve as a good morning pick-me-up, consuming caffeine outside of specific hours can wreak havoc on your sleep quality.
Caffeine is a stimulant, and the more of it you put in your system, the more difficulty falling asleep is likely to prove. So, if giving up caffeine isn’t an option, try not to consume it after lunch. Should you desire a caffeinated beverage, seek out a good decaf option after this day. This step is crucial for seniors, as it takes longer for people’s bodies to process caffeine as they get older.
Although many of us consistently fail to get enough sleep, it can’t be denied that proper sleep is vital to health, outlook, and functionality. If your sleep habits could stand to improve, there’s no time like the present to set the necessary change in motion. You may even discover that you’re compromising the quality of your overnight respite purely by mistake. So, if any of the habits discussed above apply to you, start taking measures to combat them.
