(NC) Most of us aren’t getting enough sleep, and it may be causing major mental health problems in both adults and kids.
Whether it’s from environmental causes, medical conditions or simply due to bad habits, sleep deprivation affects one in three Canadians, according to Statistics Canada.
Neil Harding, Sleep Country Canada sleep expert, has been working to improve the quality and quantity of people’s sleep for more than 18 years. Here, he shares his top tips to improve your rest.
1. Invest in the right mattress. Purchasing the right mattress for your body type is extremely important to helping you achieve your sleeping goals. The Bloom Cloud is for serious sleep enthusiasts. It’s created with advanced gel memory foam and latex foams that conform to your body, and is designed with air channels and mesh sides to help regulate body temperature.
- Spruce up your pillows.Sleeping on the wrong pillow can alter the body’s alignment, causing discomfort to your neck and upper back and leading to major sleep problems. Choosing the best pillow depends largely on your sleeping pattern and whether you’re a side, back or stomach sleeper. Gel memory foam pillows are a great option, as they accommodate all sleeping styles and mould the shape of your head to keep your spine aligned.
- Invest in softer-toned sheets.Like the colour of your walls, the tones of your bedding can affect your overall mood. Calm, cool and relaxing shades such as powder blue and pale purple may help reduce restlessness and anxiety so that you can get to sleep easier.
4. Understand your sleeping habits. Speak with a sleep expert to pinpoint some of the reasons you might not be getting the sleep you need. Creating a bedtime routine will help signal your body’s internal clock. Start by setting a sleep and wake up time and sticking to it. Consistency is key.
5. De-stress with a diffuser. Oil diffusers are a good sleep-inducing tool. While emitting aromatherapy vapours, essential oils such as lavender and frankincense provide extensive health benefits and create optimal sleep environments.
Get more sleep tips at the 2018 Toronto Fall Home Show, September 28 to 30 at the Enercare Centre and HomeFest, November 2 to 4, 2018 at the International Centre, Mississauga.
