Due to the plenitude of modern materials and manufacturing processes, it is possible to get mattress types that your grandmother could never have even dreamed of. From airbeds to antibacterial rubber, bedding comes in the range of materials and sizes.
In the current time of the COVID-19 virus, which has spread like wildfire through most countries in the world, sleep has never been more important. A worthwhile investment, then, would be the mattress that best aids you in sleeping, which further bolsters your immune system. A lot of people simply do not account for the effects of stress-related fatigue, which becomes especially dangerous as we get older. Another mistake we make is combine lack of sleep with poor nutritional habits. If you can get at least 8 solid hours of sleep on the most comfortable (and economical) mattress you can find, you’ll be doing a huge service to your body’s ability to stave off infections both viral or bacterial.
Maximize Your Health With These Guidelines for Sleep During Social Distancing
Before the COVID pandemic of mid 2020, insomnia might have been considered a moderate problem for the average person. The everyday concerns of life and work understandably led to sleeplessness. However, given the importance of a good night’s rest to your immune system, you have to seriously consider rectifying the problem during this period of social distancing. The following can be helpful in getting the sleep you need to make sure your immune system is operating at maximum capacity:
- Maintain a consistent wake-up time – this might entail setting your alarm just as you did during work before the pandemic.
- Give yourself enough time to relax and calm your spirit before bed-time; having an excellent mattress to look forward to can be a great help with this.
- Once your certified bed time arrives, switch off all lights and electronic devices to help encourage sleep.
How Does Restful Sleep Help, Exactly?
It can be tempting to think of sleep as “merely some downtime” to get recharge your batteries for the day to follow; however – it is much more important and essential to bodily functions than this suggests. Sleep actively improves both your physical and mental comportment. Obviously, having the right mattress only enhances your sleeping patterns and makes the downtime more restful. Let’s look at some specifics:
- Your mental health, especially, should not be overlooked during this stressful time. Many people are out of work or have reduced hours – in addition to the looming possibility of a longer lockdown. Restful sleep has been shown to help stave off depression; furthermore, studies have found links between sleeplessness and bipolar disorder (BPD), increased anxiety and even post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD).
- Bolster your immune system by sleeping at a consistent time each night, as well as by sleeping for long enough. It has long been known that rest bolsters your body’s natural defenses – your body actually doubles its ability to heal during sleep.
- Manage your mood through restful sleep. Not sleeping enough can reduce your energy levels, of course, which can then lead to irritability and depression.
- And lastly, your brain simply functions at a higher level when you’ve gotten enough sleep. As such, you should do everything you can (within reason, of course) to ensure a good night’s rest – from your lighting situation, having a comfortable mattress, and creating the right environment for rest in your home.
Choosing the Right Mattress
First of all, if you’ve had the same mattress for the past 7-8 years, then now may be a good time to replace it. This rings true if you have an air mattress, a waterbed, pillowtop or innerspring. On the other hand, if you have memory foam, latex or a hybrid mattress, it could very well still be in working order – these are known to last a decade or more.
Just as importantly, because of the elevated importance of sleep during this period of social distancing and veritable confinement in your home, you should replace your mattress if you have started to experience back or neck pain. Pay attention to the lack of body support from an older mattress. There is a wide range of mattress types for you budget, so don’t let that discourage you from checking out what’s available – remember to wear your mask when you go out – at your local mattress store.
Once you get there, be sure to ask an expert about the the best options for you depending on your age, preferences, and any preexisting, sleep-related conditions. They will have firm knowledge of the longevity of innerspring mattresses, the superior bounce and responsiveness of latex and the contouring ability of memory foam. It’s all about optimizing the rest you can get at night, to help you through the COVID-19 pandemic where sleep is concerned.