There are a variety of factors that can affect how quickly you fall asleep, and whether or not you stay asleep. But did you know that the quality of your bedding can have a big impact on your sleep? If you're not sleeping well, it might be time to take a look at your bedding and see if there are any issues that could be causing problems.
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Bedding issues can ruin your sleep, but they’re also easy to fix! Changing your mattress, pillows, or sheets might be your simple solution.
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If you are looking to upgrade your bedding arrangement, one of the things you should consider is the comfortability of your mattress. A mattress that is too soft, too firm, or simply not supportive can make it difficult to get a good night's sleep. If you wake up feeling achy or restless, it might be time to invest in a new mattress.
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When choosing a mattress, it is important to consider your individual needs and preferences. Some people prefer a soft mattress, while others prefer a firm mattress. Ensuring you have a mattress that fits your needs can make a difference in spinal alignment, body temperature, and even pain or pressure relief.
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You should also think about how long you have been sleeping on your “favorite pillow.” Pillows can lose their shape and support over time, causing an achy night of sleep. If your pillow is more than a few years old, it might be time to replace it.
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When shopping for a new pillow, it is important to consider your sleeping position. Back sleepers need a pillow that is firm enough to keep their head and neck in alignment. Side sleepers need a pillow that is soft enough to fill the space between their head and the mattress. A new pillow can mean the difference between waking up feeling ready to move, or waking up with shoulder and neck pain.
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The type of sheets you use are the most common factor at play when it comes to your quality of sleep. The type of fabric your sheets are made of has a huge impact on thermal regulation, and therefore, whether you or you are going to get restful shut-eye.
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When shopping for your next set of bed sheets, look out for ones made with fibers like cotton, bamboo and linen. Natural fibers like these breathe well, so they help you maintain a comfortable body temperature without making you too hot.
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Another factor you should keep in mind if you are having trouble sleeping is how you wash your bedding. If you often experience symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and/or itchy eyes in bed, dust mites may be the culprit. Dust mites are tiny insects that live in bedding and other household dust. They can trigger allergies and asthma, making it difficult to sleep.
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If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to wash your bedding in hot water regularly and to use a dust mite cover on your mattress and pillows.
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By addressing these common bedding issues, you can improve your sleep quality and wake up feeling refreshed and energized. If you're still having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
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