How To Get the Sleep You Need During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The global health pandemic that has been ongoing for much of 2020 is affecting people in ways they probably don’t even realize. Even if you’ve avoided contracting the virus, perhaps someone close to you hasn’t been so lucky and the risk of getting it is likely weighing heavily on your mind. This stress, as well as an unrelenting uncertainty about the future and changes in habits and daily routines can negatively impact the quality of your sleep.
In today’s blog from America’s Mattress, we would like to discuss some of the reasons why so many people are struggling to get the rest they need and the steps they can take to make it happen. Keep reading for some helpful tips and if you’re in the market for a new mattress we invite you to shop our local mattress stores in Greeley and Fort Collins.
Why Many People Are Having Trouble Sleeping
There’s been a lot going on in 2020. A health pandemic, presidential election, unprecedented natural disasters, and the list goes on. Because of these things, most people are feeling anxious and worried and have experienced some kind of disruption in their daily routine. Life during a pandemic is different for everyone, but many of the changes like working from home, being less active, feeling isolated from friends and extended family, and living in a state of constant uncertainty can be a drain on our bodies — physically, mentally, and emotionally.
All of this stress can make it both difficult to relax and difficult to feel motivated. People are spending more time at home looking at a television, phone, or computer screen and less time outside engaged in meaningful activity or exercise. The increase in screen time — often used as a way to relax and get our minds off of what is going on around us — can suppress the production of melatonin making it more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Quality Sleep Needs To Be a Priority
Sleep is key for good mental and physical health, so it’s something you should always try to get plenty of. However, it’s especially important during the pandemic because our bodies are at an increased risk. While consistent, high-quality sleep may not be able to safeguard you from everything, it’s necessary for a robust immune system which can help you fight off sickness. It also promotes positive mental health by enhancing your mood and allowing you to think more clearly.
If you’re feeling exhausted, unmotivated, or depressed, or find that you’re irritable or have trouble focusing, chances are you may not be getting the quality sleep you need. Perhaps you’re spending more time sleeping than usual, or you wake up feeling like you haven’t slept at all. Either way, getting good quality sleep needs to be made a priority and that may involve changing the way you are doing some things.
Tips For Better Sleep During COVID-19
With many people working or schooling from home, it’s easy to get lax in habits and routines. The following are a few suggestions on how a change in everyday activities can foster more restful sleep at night.
Avoid Getting Too Much Sleep
To prevent the spread of the virus, many people have switched to working from home. With less time needed for getting ready in the morning and commuting, that means you can easily gain an extra hour of sleep each day. And, while this may be a good thing for those who weren’t getting the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep each night during pre-pandemic times, if you are now getting nine or more hours of sleep, you could be doing yourself more harm than good.
Although it may be tempting to get as much sleep as possible, doing so isn’t good for you and it will make you feel groggy all day. That’s why, even if you don’t have to get up by a certain time, you should still maintain a schedule that provides seven or eight hours of sleep. Also, being at home might offer the opportunity to take more naps. No matter how inviting this sounds, avoid taking longer naps that can disrupt your sleep cycle, and prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep later.
Don’t Forego Exercise
With everything going on, you may be tempted to give yourself permission to “take a break” from your exercise routine. Or, if your gym is currently closed due to COVID, you might think that it’s okay to skip your workouts until they reopen. Unfortunately, taking this approach can have a detrimental effect on your quality of sleep — not to mention your overall health.
You don’t have to go out and spend hundreds on gym equipment for your home. A daily brisk walk will do just fine. If you can safely walk around your neighborhood or at a nearby park, your body will benefit from the fresh air and sunshine. If the weather isn’t cooperating or you’d prefer to exercise at home, there are plenty of resources online that can provide you with an unlimited number of ideas.
Limit Your Exposure to Blue Light
Blue light is emitted from electronic devices like televisions, cell phones, and computer screens. Since many people are using technology to stay socially engaged and even just pass the time, this increase in exposure could affect your sleep. Although it’s unrealistic to avoid them altogether, try to turn off all electronics at least an hour before bed or use a nighttime (blue light filtering) setting.
Create a Comfortable, Relaxing Environment For Sleep
To get the deeply relaxing and restorative sleep your body so desperately needs, it’s important to create a bedroom oasis that’s dedicated to sleep. That means making sure your bedroom is at just the right temperature, that it’s kept as dark as possible, and it’s only used for sleep. If you’re working from home, you may be tempted to grab your laptop and work right from your bed. Or, you may make a habit of watching tv in bed at night. Avoiding these habits and only using your bed for sleep will signal to your body that it’s time to wind down when you go to bed each night.
If you do everything right, but you’re still not able to get a good night’s sleep, maybe the problem is your mattress. Do you often wake up with aches and pains? Do you find yourself tossing and turning at night, and never really able to get comfortable? If so, you may be due for a new mattress. The wrong type of mattress or a mattress that is eight years old or more may not be able to provide you with the right support for your needs. And, no matter how much you exercise or avoid electronics, you still may not be able to get the quality of sleep you desire.
Need a New Mattress? Shop America’s Mattress in Greeley or Fort Collins
If you think your mattress is keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep, invest in your health with a new one from America’s Mattress. As your local mattress store, we’re dedicated to helping you find the right one for your needs. We offer a no-pressure environment where you can feel free to learn about your options and ask any questions you may have. Buying a mattress is a personal choice and we’ll help you gain all of the knowledge you need to make the right decision for you.
Visit our website to shop for your mattress in the comfort and safety of your home. Or, you can also stop by one of our Front Range stores to shop in person. Either way, we offer the same exceptional selection and customer service combined with a price match guarantee and same-day delivery within a 30-mile radius. Enjoy the best sleep you’ve had in years and stay healthy with a new mattress from American’s Mattress. Visit our website or stop by today!