Electronic Devices and Sleep – Is it Really That Bad?

Many of us use a laptop, tablet or iPhone in bed, just before sleeping. And, whilst we suspect this isn’t the best way to wind down at the end of the day, do we know just how damaging this practice can be on our bodies, minds and sleep health?

Charles Czeisler, of Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, says “Exposure to artificial light before going to bed can increase alertness and suppress the release of melatonin, a sleep-promoting hormone”. Without melatonin, our bodies don’t get the right signals to go to sleep.

  

Still need more convincing to avoid electronics in bed? Here are some other reasons:

• ·         Lying with your head propped up on a pillow places unnecessary pressure on your neck, resulting in poor sleep, neck tension and headaches.
• ·         Rolled shoulders = decreased lung capacity
• ·         Your mind is still very active whilst reading or playing games on a device and doesn’t have a chance to wind down.

So, what are better ways to get our bodies and minds ready for sleep?

Routines! Just as they are great for getting babies and young children to sleep, having the same routine at bedtime each night helps tell our minds it is time for rest.

Consider this simple routine:

• ·         A warm shower or drink
• ·         Brush teeth
• ·         Meditation or calming music
• ·         Lights off

We challenge you to try this bedtime routine for 1 week and let us know how if you notice any differences in your sleep. Put your feedback in the comments below.

Mattress Health

In last week’s post we talked about the key considerations when shopping for a new mattress. But what happens when we get the mattress home and start using it?

A mattress protector not only to keeps visible stains off your mattress, it also protects it from bacteria, perspiration, dust mite faeces, viruses and dirt and dust.

Here are some not-so-nice facts about mattress health that you may not know.

·         The average person perspires up to 250mLs every night. Perspiration can lead to the growth of mould and bacteria.

·         Each person sheds and regrows skin every 27 days. Skin cells are the primary food source of dust mites.

·         After 5 years, your unprotected mattress could weight 50% more just from a build-up of bodily secretions, skin cells, bacteria and mould!

Yuck!

Now we know what an unprotected mattress can be like, what can we do about it?

A mattress protector is the way to go. As with most products, not all protectors are made equal. We recommend Protectabed mattress, quilt and pillow protectors because they give ultimate protection from the nasties listed above.

You can visit their website www.protectabed.com.au for more details on their products and stockists, including online stores.