Sleep: When we were children, we used to run from it, and now as adults, we wish we had more of it. A good nights sleep is not just something we all want its a necessity. Unbeknown to the Ill sleep when I die folks its essential for helping a person maintain optimal health and well-being. Research shows that poor sleep has immediate negative effects on your hormones, exercise performance and brain function. When it comes to their health, sleep is as vital as regular exercise and eating a balanced diet.

For adults, ideally youre looking to gain about 7-8 hours of sleep per night for optimal health benefits, says Lauren Olson, Sleep Coach, International Maternity & Parenting Institute.

Getting that recommended slumber time in each night will not only help your body reboot, but give ample time for muscle tissue to rebuild (so you dont feel sore the next morning) and memory consolidation to complete (so you dont feel groggy the next morning). Lack of sleep, on the other hand, can put you at risk for weight gain, lowered immunity, increased stress, the inability to make clear and quick decisions, and raise your risk for serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Yes, the way you live impacts the way you sleep. Limit spicy foods or those high in fiber or caffeine prior to bedtime, which can disrupt your deep sleep cycles from connecting, says Olson. Try to get in at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, even if you choose to take the stairs at work or take your dog for a longer walk in the evening. Complete all workouts at least 2-3 hours prior to bedtime to give your body a chance to cool off.

Shut down electronics before bed.

Natural light exposure has many benefits, including Vitamin D, but nighttime light exposure in turn can have very negative side effects. This is due to its impact on your circadian rhythm, tricking your brain into thinking it is still daytime. This reduces hormones like melatonin, which helps you relax and get deep sleep. Blue light that emits from our smart devices and televisions can trick the body into actually thinking its daytime, and disrupts our melatonin production, says Olson. Invest in some blue light glasses if you cant live without your favorite show, and turn on the night time functions on your devices, or put them away all together 30-60 minutes prior to the time you wish to be asleep.

Find a quality mattress, linen and pillow.

If you suffer from insomnia or ever spent the night tossing and turning, than you know that bed quality can affect your sleep. One study looked at the benefits of a new mattress for 28 days, revealing that it reduced back pain by 57%, shoulder pain by 60% and back stiffness by 59%. It also improved sleep quality by 60%. Look for a mattress first off that is non-toxic, and doesnt use any memory foams, says Olson. If you tend to run warm at night, look for a breathable mattress, like the Purple Mattress, that contains a grid-style base which neutralizes body heat and keeps you from waking up dripping in sweat. Also, if your partner tends to toss and turn, look for a mattress that neutralizes major movement, which will help you, finally, get those eight hours of sleep youve been needing.

With so many mattresses on the market, youre probably unsure what to choose. But quite honestly, the bed in a box trend is not only popular, but also offers many health benefits to their mattresses. For mattresses, consider the Purple Hybrid Premier, which has a unique top layer adapts to your body and stays cool for superior comfort, support, and overall better sleep. Caspers Wave mattress on the other hand has five layers of premium foam & targeted ergonomic support (specifically designed for you) so its also another good option.

The same thing goes with your bed linen. Opt for the Buffy comforter, which dubs itself as the most comfortable blanket on earth due to their silky natural eucalyptus fibers or even a weighted blanket. Meant to mold to your body like a warm hug, the pressure of a weighted blanket, such as the ones from Baloo Living, relaxes the nervous system and encourages serotonin production, so you can drift off into the best sleep ever. You also cant go wrong with accessories from Brooklyn Bedding or Nest bedding.

Optimize your bedroom environment.

Many people believe that the bedroom environment and its setup are key factors in getting a good nights sleep. These factors include temperature, noise, air quality external lights and furniture arrangement. To optimize your bedroom environment, try to minimize external noise, light and artificial lights from devices like alarm clocks. Make sure your bedroom is a quiet, relaxing, clean and enjoyable place. And if you tend to get dehydrated at night, keep some Essentia water by your bedside, because of the benefits of alkaline water.

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There Are Many Health Benefits To Getting A Good Night's Sleep Here's How To Get More Of It - Essence