In today’s ever-evolving world it’s easy to fall into a routine of late nights and early mornings without getting proper sleep. While some experts blame disrupted sleep on emerging technologies, some companies are using technology to their advantage to provide products that will help you get the rest you need to fit your lifestyle. Here are four products that will help you sleep better at night.
1. Sleep apps
In a 2007 study by Morgan Stanley, 91 percent of cell phone users reported having their phones within arms reach 24 hours per day. Imagine the statistic now! Many people today use their cell phone as an alarm clock or at least have it charging next to them at night.
Several studies indicate that cell phones are often associated with disrupting regular sleep patterns due to bright stimulating screens, notifications and more. There are, however, several apps that tout helping individuals to get healthier sleep.
They range from free to expensive. Some apps are simple and play melodic sounds or natural sounds. Others are more intricate and use advanced algorithms to track your sleeping movements to monitor your overall sleep patterns.
Some guide you through breathing exercises, or even incorporate audio of an experienced clinical hypnotherapist who can help you try self-hypnosis as you dose off. Whether you need help falling asleep or something that monitors your sleep, there’s an app for that.
2. The right bed
If you’re spending about one-third of your life on a mattress, it’s wise to invest in the right mattress. The truth is, being healthy involves more than just eating right and exercising regularly — healthy sleep is essential.
Healthy sleepers need mattresses that support and target specific areas of the body to reduce pressure and ensure comfort. A mattress like the Sleep Surface from Intellibed uses a unique gel technology to provide relief and support to your body in an unparalleled way.
If you are waking up in the middle of the night or feeling stiff or sore in the morning, that’s an indicator that your current mattress isn’t good enough. The most important features of a mattress are comfort, support, and space. It can be difficult to gauge how well a mattress performs in those three categories when you only test it out in the store, so go ahead and take the mattress home to test it outand return it without losing any money if you’re not satisfied.
3. Health bands
Health bands like Fitbit or Jawbone UP3 actually encourage you to live a healthier lifestyle by tracking your activity throughout the day and monitoring your sleep at night. These small gadgets take the Greek aphorism “know thyself” to the next level. By using advanced algorithms the bands know when you are asleep or awake and can help you receive the appropriate amount of sleep by waking you at appropriate times during your sleep cycle.
4. Aromatherapy
Although it may not be as “techy” as the other suggestions on the list, aromatherapy has it’s own benefits. So the real question is, have you ever considered how smell can affect your sleep? According to WebMD, aromatherapy is focused on creating a mood and helping people relax. Sounds like the perfect fit to prepare for sleep.
People react differently to unique aromas so if you’re going to try aromatherapy, there may be some trial and error before you find your perfect match. No matter which product you use, it’s essential that you get the sleep you need to take care of your body.
Dr. Nicole Zimmerman is Director of the Healthcare Channel at intelliBED, a company dedicated to the science of sleep and a worldwide leader in the sleep wellness revolution.
As a trained chiropractor, Nicole uses her extensive understanding of human anatomy and biomechanics to bring awareness to healthcare professionals and the public regarding the importance of sleep, which is an often overlooked aspect of our health.
The quality of our sleep can positively or negatively affect everything from our cognition, weight management, our ability to fight illness, and our happiness.
She is dedicated to bringing to light sleep’s impact on our health, as well as explaining the science of sleep by creating educational materials and training wellness professionals.
Nicole did her undergraduate work at Purdue University and received both her Doctor of Chiropractic and Bachelors of Science from Western States Chiropractic College.
