Get comfy with the Naturally Nestled guide to sleeping well.

If you’ve slept poorly recently, we probably don’t need to remind you that getting enough shuteye helps you feel better. But the benefits of good rest extend beyond that feel-good factor, including everything from boosting immunity to keeping us safer.

The relationship between sleep and health

Do we really need clinical research to tell us that sleep makes us feel better and improves our mood, memory, and concentration? Parents of newborns can attest to that. But there is some solid evidence that illustrates why taking our shuteye seriously can improve our health and safety.

For example, according to an article published by The Mayo Clinic, a lack of rest can affect our immune system. The article cites research showing that we release certain protective proteins during sleep that may help us cope with stress or illnesses. Furthermore, a 2019 German study found that sleep helps you both fight off and recover more easily from viruses like the common cold.

By the way, being well-rested does more than help us fight off illness; according to the National Safety Council, we’re also safer at work and on the road when we’ve had adequate sleep.

Tips for good sleep habits

Have you heard the phrase “sleep hygiene?” It’s not some sort of “clean sleeping” fad. Simply put, sleep hygiene refers to the sleep habits that help you get better rest. Here are some ideas recommended by The American Alliance for Healthy Sleep:

• Establish a sleep routine. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, including on weekends.
• Set up a comforting bedtime routine. Listen to soothing audios, read a book, or do something else that calms and relaxes you and signals to your brain that sleep is imminent. Hint: Twitter probably won’t do the trick here. Speaking of social media . . .
• Limit bedtime screen time. You may be tired of being told to limit your time spent staring at phones, tablets, and laptops, but in this instance, it’s good advice. Turn off your electronic devices 30 minutes before bedtime to help your mind and body better prepare for sleep.
• Strive for seven hours or more of sleep each night. If you don’t fall asleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed and do something that encourages restfulness from your comforting bedtime routine, above.
• Avoid caffeine during the hours before bedtime.
• Make your bedroom as cozy as possible. Our unique and stylish Eangee lamps and comfy organic mattress topper covers can help with that. Just saying.

To nap or not to nap?

To those parents of newborns that we mentioned earlier: Go ahead and nap. To everybody else: It depends on a number of factors, like the type of work you do or your overall health. You know your lifestyle, work, and physical needs best. If approached in ways that don’t interfere with your ability to get a full night’s sleep, including adequate R.E.M. sleep, then naps can be beneficial.

They call them power naps for a reason: In general, keep naps short — under 20 minutes — and take them in the early afternoon before 3 p.m. to avoid interfering with nighttime sleep.

If you are concerned you may be experiencing insomnia — a medical condition where people have trouble either falling asleep or staying asleep — or another health condition that makes it difficult to get good rest, check with your doctor.

Boost your bedtime comfort

At Naturally Nestled, we’re dedicated to helping you create the comfiest sleep experience possible. Our organic and natural bedding products like latex mattress toppers and pillows can add comfort to your bedtime experience, which will in turn help you get better rest. Our toppers also come in three firmness and two thickness settings to meet your specific comfort needs.

For the ultimate in customization, our adjustable mattress base lets you adjust and recline in the perfect position for you to maximize your rest. Even better: you don’t have to leave the house to shop.