If you’re struggling to sleep, you’ve probably tried everything: herbal teas, special sleeping positions or even counting sheep.
But, if none of that works, the problem might be caused by something similar. Going back and covering the basics can make it much easier to solve the root of the problem instead of treating the symptoms.
The Comforter
The comforter you use, as well as all the other bedding involved, can make a massive difference in how well you sleep. It’s not just an issue of comfort: there are dozens of things to consider, each of which can make or break your sleeping pattern if you aren’t careful.
For a start, think about heat and insulation. You might not even notice that you’re too warm or too cold to sleep properly, especially if you’ve gotten used to that kind of temperature. A good comforter can help trap heat in without boiling you alive and regulate your temperature when you’re warm, so if blankets or shorts don’t seem to be helping, you might want to buy a new one.
There’s also the materials they use. Comforters are like clothes: some people will prefer softer ones, others will prefer them to be a bit more solid, but nobody wants them to be itchy. Sometimes new material is all you need to get proper rest again, so a good night’s sleep could be a single new comforter away. Remember, many stores offer a return policy that lets you try the comforter for a while, and return it for free if you don’t like it: go ahead and experiment!
The Clothes
Some people wear clothes in bed and others don’t. This doesn’t seem important to begin with, but it can actually completely change how you feel while sleeping: it’s an entirely personal preference, but going outside of your comfort zone can be rewarding sometimes. For example, if you feel that you’re too hot in bed wearing clothes, try taking a single item of clothing off and see how you respond. If you’re too cold, put something warm on instead, even just a t-shirt or some socks. The difference can sometimes be significant.
If you’re already a fan of wearing clothes to bed, are you wearing the right ones? Many people wear whatever t-shirts they can find, but not all of them are designed to be worn comfortably while you’re lying down. If there’s a logo on the front, it might rub against your chest, for example. A soft, plain t-shirt can be much better, and you could even keep an entire set of shirts purely for wearing in bed.
The Environment
You can’t sleep everywhere. Loud noises, bad smells, unnecessary movement, and bright lights can all be a huge problem for people who just want to rest, but you can’t always deal with them easily, can you? Well, actually, there are a few ways of helping yourself get to sleep without completely changing the place around you. Something as small as wearing earplugs can help drown out the noise, and blocking the light from getting into the room can help you stay in the dark. If you sleep at odd times (for example, if you work a night shift and have to sleep during the day), even a thin layer of paper or card can be enough to block out sunlight.
If you sleep with a partner, remember that you may also have different preferences for temperature. A comforter that’s perfect for one person may not be perfect for another – don’t try to compromise by finding a middle ground here, unless the difference is minor. It’s much easier to get a good comforter for each of you, giving yourselves the perfect sleeping temperature without affecting the other person.
Of course, there are other factors, too. Sleeping properly, getting enough exercise, avoiding unnecessary naps and limiting how much alcohol you drink can all make it far easier to sleep. Sometimes even changing a single one of these things can massively improve your sleeping conditions and make you feel far more comfortable. Try to cut out something small and see if it makes a difference: many people only have one or two ‘problems’ that are actually causing their sleep issues.
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