The Ten Sleep Commandments

Having trouble sleeping? Follow these ten commandments and you’ll be able to sleep soundly all night long!

Thou Shalt Stay Cool

We naturally sleep better when we are cooler and it can actually help your body lose a type of fat that boosts your metabolism! If you’re someone who doesn’t like a fan blowing on you all night, opt for a mattress, sheets and pillows that will absorb your body heat and keep you cool all night.

Check out Tempur-Pedic’s TEMPUR-LUXEbreeze mattress. The all-new TEMPUR-LUXEbreeze° has a 4-level system of cutting-edge cooling materials that work together from cover to core to keep you cool all night long. The enhanced zip-off cover provides double the cool-to-touch comfort when you lie down and exclusive PureCool+^TM Phase Change Material absorbs excess heat while you fall asleep. TEMPUR-CM+^TM combined with Ventilated TEMPUR-APR® provide next-level airflow and maximum pressure relief throughout the night.

Thou Shalt Use Good Scents

Find a scent that will relax your body and mind before and during sleep, whether that be through a bath or essential oils in your bedroom. Lavender is well known to calm you down and help you relax.

Psychologists at Wesleyan University in Connecticut had 31 men and women sniff lavender essential oil one night – and then distilled water the next. Researchers monitored their sleep cycles with brain scans and found that lavender increased slow-wave sleep, instrumental for slowing heartbeat and relaxing muscles. Subjects slept more soundly on the lavender night. The group also reported feeling more energetic the next morning.

Restonic.com

Bedding technology has really been taken to the next level. Malouf Sleep has created lavender infused pillows to create a relaxing sleep experience.

Thou Shalt Pick Calming Colors

When it comes to designing your bedroom, choose a paint color that will be relaxing, such as neutral and cool tones. Shiny, bright colors and materials can affect your sleep in a bad way. Create your bedroom a space to rewind and relax. Keep the bright colors for other parts of your home.

Thou Shalt Control Your Light Exposure

It’s no secret that it’s difficult sleeping when there is a lot of light around. But it’s also important to control how much light exposure you get before bed. Dim the lights as you’re getting ready for bed and limit electronic usage before bedtime to calm your eyes and brain. If you’re someone who needs it to be extremely dark when sleeping, invest in blackout curtains that will block out the morning sunrise, possible street lamps and other light factors from the outside.

Thou Shalt Have the Perfect Pillow

A major factor that will help you sleep better is your pillow. There are specific pillows for side, stomach and back sleepers that will elevate your sleep experience.

Pillow technology has come a long way: cooling, neck-support, and even CBD oil-infused pillows. Find the perfect pillow for side, back, or stomach sleepers at Gardner-White. We carry top-of-the-line pillows from brands such as Tempur-Pedic, Beautyrest, iComfort, Brooklyn Bedding, and Malouf. Shop for your new pillow here.

Thou Shalt Learn About Your Sleep Patterns

There’s nothing worse than waking up during your REM cycle. With the right tools such as a smart watch, phone app or just by taking notes of your sleep patterns, you can understand your sleep better and figure out the best times for you to go to bed or wake up.

Thou Shalt Know Your Seasons

It’s important to switch your bedding based on seasons! We know it’s important to sleep cool, so you don’t want to be sleeping under a heavy, down comforter in the middle of July. Additionally, you probably wouldn’t sleep well with a light blanket in December. Think of your bedding as a wardrobe. Switch it out with the seasons.

Thou Shalt Reduce Stress

While our bodies naturally lower our cortisol levels in the evening, it’s important to lower your stress level before bed. Stress and anxiety make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep, so read a book, take a bath, whatever makes you relax.

Weighted blankets have proved to relieve stress and anxiety. Consider adding one to your sleep routine. We’ve also recently added CBD and scent-infused pillows to help relax you while falling asleep.

Thou Shalt Drown Out the Noise

Unless you are one of the lucky ones who can sleep through anything, having a calm sound going while you sleep may be just what you need. There are a number of noise factors that can keep you up at night; neighbors, traffic, etc. Consider investing in a white noise machine or slow instrumental music to help you fall asleep and drown out the noise.

Thou Shalt Choose the Right Mattress

One of the most important aspects of good sleep is your mattress. Everyone’s bodies are different and require a different support and comfort level. We strongly suggest coming in store to test out mattresses to find the perfect mattress for your body. The ideal mattress is one that provides quality support, doesn’t let your hips sink in and lets your muscles relax when laying down.

Stop into your closest Gardner-White location to shop with one of our bedding experts. They will listen to your needs and help direct you to the right mattress based on comfort and budget. We can also help you decide on what type of mattress is best for you! You can find more info on types of mattresses here. From the best brands to the largest selection in Michigan, we’ll be able to help you find the right mattress. Take a look at our mattress selection online to start getting an idea of what you might like. You’ll also like the free same day delivery and free gifts that come with your new mattress!