Top Sleep Questions Answered

Updated May 13, 2022

Answering Your Sleep Questions

If you struggle to obtain quality sleep, you may have questions that you desperately need to be answered. Healthy sleep is important to properly function in day-to-day life. Continue reading to find answers to some of the most common questions about sleep.

How Important is Sleep Hygiene?

Proper sleep hygiene is essential for healthy sleep. Sleep hygiene is practicing healthy sleep habits. The main key to getting quality sleep is to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. When you follow a sleep schedule, it's also helpful to your circadian rhythm, which acts like your body's internal clock. It tells us when it's time to go to bed and when it's time to wake up.

One of the best ways to maintain healthy sleep is to create a sleep environment that helps you fall asleep. The ideal sleep temperature for sleep is 60-67°F. Taking a warm shower or bath will help you unwind because it will lower your core temperature.

What are The Most Common Sleep Disorders?

Some of the most common sleep disorders are obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless sleep syndrome. Failure to get enough sleep or waking up in the middle of the night can lead to high blood pressure, obesity, and daytime sleepiness. Talk to a sleep expert if you are suffering from poor sleep as a result of one of a sleep disorder.

What Can I Eat or Drink Before Bed?

There are multiple foods and drinks that can help you sleep. Certain meals such as fish or miso soup provide vitamins and nutrients that help you sleep. If you need a late-night snack, yogurt or bananas are great options.

If you want to enjoy a cup of tea, avoid anything with caffeine because the side effects cause sleep loss and sleep deprivation. Chamomile tea contains relaxants that help you fall asleep. Warm milk and tart cherry juice are also known to help.

What Are REM and Non-REM Sleep?

The two types of rapid eye movement sleep are non-REM and REM sleep. The steps of non-REM sleep are the act of falling asleep, your mind slowing down, and your body entering the recovering mode, also known as deep sleep. REM sleep is when your muscles relace but your heart rate increases, causing the most intense dreams. Both stages of sleep are important for our health.

Are Naps Good For You?

This depends on the person and the type of nap. Napping for longer than 30 minutes can make you feel groggy or fatigued. The optimal length is about 10 to 20 minutes, this is sometimes known as a “power nap.” When done correctly a nap can have great health benefits.

When Should I Change My Mattress?

The average lifespan of a mattress is usually about 7-10 years. You should buy a new mattress when your mattress is no longer providing you with the comfort it once did. If you wake up in pain or the mattress is sagging, it is time to consider a new mattress. Click the link for more tips and for ways to expand the life of your mattress.

How Do I Manage Nighttime Anxiety?

At some point in your life, you may have had trouble trying to fall asleep because of nighttime anxiety. One way to treat this is to write down your worries in a journal or make a list of everything you need to accomplish. Other methods may include relaxation techniques or sleep medicine such as melatonin pills.

Conclusion

No matter what your sleep problem is, there is always a solution. The best solution for most sleep problems is to maintain healthy sleep habits. Check out our sleep better page for more advice to help you get a good night’s sleep. Always reach out to a sleep specialist if you need more tips for better sleep.