Sleep is essential to basic human functions as it gives our brains a chance to process every experience, event, and bit of information throughout our day. On average, Americans sleep for around eight and a half hours every night. Unfortunately, as many as four out of 10 Americans are getting less than the recommended amount of sleep each night. Even those who plan for around eight hours of sleep may find it difficult to drift off; even those who are able to sleep may still feel tired and groggy after sleeping — perhaps the sleep you’re getting is not the quality of sleep your body needs.
The Science of Sleep
Psychology tells us that sleep is vital to forming long-term memories. There are actually five stages of sleep that a person goes through during a night: stage 1, stage 2, stage 3, stage 4, and REM sleep. The brain goes through each stage in order over a course that lasts between 90 to 110 minutes before starting over at stage 1 again. REM sleep, or rapid-eye-movement sleep, is where the brain files memories almost like a computer; since humans naturally experience REM sleep several times per night, those who are unable to fall into deep, restful sleep may experience forgetfulness, stress, and confusion in some cases. Since sleep is so crucial to basic human functions, it makes sense why many people are taking time and effort to create an ideal sleep environment.
Your Mattress
There have been a number of mattresses designed to replace the less-than-ideal box spring mattress that has plagued nearly a generation of people with back pain; the springs unevenly disperse body weight, causing unnecessary pressure on certain areas. Finding a mattress that works for you is a matter of preference. Some find memory foam mattresses to be relaxing, yet others find the lack of support to be an issue. Many Americans are finding adjustable beds to be an ideal solution, especially for couples who have difficulty agreeing on mattress preference. Recent studies suggest that those who spend more than a half hour laying in bed have more difficulty falling asleep; adjustable mattresses can create an incline at the foot or head of a bed, allowing users to recline as though there were on a couch before bed.
PJs for Adults
A recent survey asked Americans what they wear to bed: 74% said they wear pajamas, 8% sleep naked, and the rest of those surveyed wear something else — whatever that may be. In actuality, what one wears to bed may have a surprising impact on their sleep quality. Newborn babies sleep for an average of 14 to 17 hours per day; many Americans are looking towards pajamas onesies to have a considerably more peaceful night’s rest. Footed adult pajamas onesies come in a multitude of thicknesses ranging from 100 to the thickest of 300; choosing the right thickness pajamas onesies for your wardrobe could make all the difference in your sleep. For those who have tried everything to no avail, switching up your sleep environment and sleep wardrobe may help you sleep like a baby through the night.
