Category: Sleep Tips

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5 Ways to Sleep Better in 2014

With the New Year comes the enthusiasm to mold a new you! Most people want to lose weight, pick up a new hobby, or even get out and do new and exciting things. What about a New Year’s resolution to get better sleep? The benefit of getting better sleep can be crucial to helping you succeed in other resolutions you may have! Better sleep can lead to help in weight loss, a sharper mind, and better health defenses. Here are 5 simple ways to sleep better in 2014:

1. Work out and exercise – exercise leads to a more sound slumber. According to the National Sleep Foundation’s 2013 poll, up to 83% of exercisers reported getting very good sleep. This is a win – win situation because you are getting healthy but also getting better sleep!

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  2. Eat dreamy foods – the foods that you eat before bed can affect your body’s level of serotonin, a key hormone that helps promote healthy sleep. Try eating complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and heart-healthy unsaturated fats.

3.  Shut of technology – technology such as ipads, phones, computers, or even TVs stimulate your brain rather than helping it shut down for the night. Try ditching the technology when your mind gets tired. This could be a good habit to try in 2014.

4. Avoid caffeine and Alcohol – Caffeine will obviously cause you to stay awake longer. Some people like a beer to put them to sleep. This can be the case but during the second half of the night the body breaks down the liquid, the alcohol in the bloodstream often leads to an increase in the number of times a person briefly wakes up. head2 5)      Stick to a sleep schedule – This can be a great habit to form! Being consistent reinforces your body’s sleep-wake cycle and helps promote better sleep at night. 61e3lUKrb2L._SL1500_ These are just a few ways to help sleep well in 2014 and even help with some of your New Year’s resolutions in the process. Here is one more bonus tip for you; get comfortable! Create a room that’s ideal for sleeping. This can mean cool, dark and quiet as well as cozy bedding! I hope this article helps on your endeavor to a better night’s sleep in 2014. Sleep well. Live well. Blog post author: Jesse, Bedding Expert

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7 Yoga Poses To Help You Sleep

If you find yourself battling constant sleep deprivation then Yoga may be an effective natural sleep remedy for you. The main cause of sleep deprivation or insomnia is stress, tension, and anxiety. Yoga helps you learn how to control and ease stress levels. With Yoga you learn to calm your mind and relieve tension in the body. Certain Yoga poses can be particularly helpful for combating restlessness and insomnia, especially when practiced in the evening before bed. Here are a few relaxing poses that will help you sleep better.

  • 1. Easy Forward Bend – This pose is great for loosening the hips which can tighten up and cause sore backs in the morning. This position is also great for beginners!

Easy Forward Bend

  • 2. Standing Forward Bend – Stand with the fee about six inches apart and fold the torso to the ground, reach toward the ground. This pose helps relieve headaches and insomnia.

Standing forward bend

  • 3. Child’s Pose – This is a classic resting pose in many yoga classes. This pose helps calm the mind and relieve tension in the body. Fold the Torso in half over the legs and rest the forehead on the ground.

Child's Pose

  • 4. Corpse Pose– Get your body into sleep mode with a simple corpse pose, focusing the attention on the body and breath, and letting go of the day’s worries.

Corpse Pose

  • 5. Seated Spinal Twist – Gently stretching the spine can relax the entire body in time for sleep. This pose can be done with both legs bent or one outstretched.

Seated Spinal Twist

  • 6. Reclining Butterfly – The reclining butterfly can help the body get into rest mode. If your hips are tight and the pose feels too intense, it is suggested putting a folded blanket or cushion under each of the knees.

Reclining Butterfly Pose

  • 7. Left Nostril Breathing – This relaxing breathing exercise is great to practice before bed. This allows you to relieve stress and soothe your nerves.

Left Nostril Breathing

These poses are great beginner poses that will help bring a sense of calm and natural sleep. Stretching and relaxing your body and mind can help reduce stress, tension, and bring a restful night’s sleep. Sleep is one of the most important aspects for living a healthy and stress free lifestyle. Exercise and breathing techniques will help aid in a better night’s sleep as well as great bedding, of course! Live well. Sleep well.

Blog Author: Jesse, Bedding Expert Representative

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Amazing napping infographic

Ever wondered how long you should nap for? How many people in the U.S. nap? Check out this amazing infographic that contains all of the facts about napping that you would ever need. Share this with your favorite sleep deprived friend.. it could change their life 🙂

Happy Friday from all of us at Pillows.com!

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original graphic from online.wsj.com

Blog author: Chelsea, Director of Marketing