Earlier this year, the National Sleep Foundation published the results of their first ever Bedtime Poll. The findings show that the key to getting a good night’s sleep may be building a better bedroom. By looking at the preferences of respondents in terms of mattresses, pillows, sheets, and scents, researchers were able to identify some areas where your bedroom may be helping you sleep or keeping you up at night.
Participants in the poll were asked a series of questions over the phone related to their sleeping habits and preferences. The most significant findings were that when it comes to our bedrooms, comfort and cleanliness are the keys. As a group, we prefer sleeping in our bedrooms to anywhere else, including high quality hotels. We agree on the most important factors for getting a good night sleep almost unanimously across age, gender, and race. When it comes to bedtime, the little things can make a big difference.
Of the 1500 people who participated in the poll, 90% felt that having the right mattress and pillows were important to getting a good night sleep. We prefer clean sheets that are soft and inviting, and the condition of our sheets can change our attitude about sleeping. Most of us, more than 75%, feel strongly that our bedding has an impact on the quality of our sleep. Almost half of us feel more positive about going to sleep if our sheets smell fresh and clean.
When it comes to getting the sleep we need, small things can mean the difference between a good night and a bad night. People are more likely to go to bed on time and are more excited to go to bed if the sheets on their bed are clean. People who make their bed are 19% more likely to get a good night’s sleep than those who do not make their bed.
We all feel that many of the same factors are crucial to getting a good night sleep. The highest rated factors were having a bedroom with a cool consistent temperature that had an adequate supply of fresh air circulating throughout the room. More than 70% of us also prefer a dark, quiet room and feel that these conditions are optimal for getting the sleep we need. We also sleep better in a clean space and 66% of us believe that a clean room contributes to a good night’s sleep.
For insomniacs everywhere, these results point out some alternative ideas for increasing your sleep that you may not have thought of before. Start by taking an honest assessment of your bedroom environment. Is it hot, cold, or just right? Is your room cluttered or clean? Have you grown used to falling asleep with the television on? Do the lights outside shine in your window all night? This assessment will give you a place to start enhancing your sleep environment to enhance your sleep.
About Valley Sleep Center:
Since 2002, Valley Sleep Center, accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, has provided Arizona with diagnostic sleep disorder testing in a home-like atmosphere, ensuring a comfortable, relaxing experience for patients. Their Board Certified Sleep Medicine Specialists consist of experienced and knowledgeable physicians who provide expert advice across a multitude of sleep related disordersincluding insomnia, sleep apnea, snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, hypertension, sleepwalking, and pediatric sleep problems. They accept most insurance plans as well as Medicare. For more information contact Lauri Leadley at 480-830-3900;https://valleysleepcenter.com.
Related Articles:
- 5 Things You Should Not Do in Your Bedroom (valleysleepcenter.com)
- Bedrooms Are Important to Getting a Good Night’s Sleep (SleepFoundation.org)
