Sleep Through the Summer Heat
Do you find yourself occasionally tossing and turning at night because it’s just too hot? To keep your cool even on the warmest days of the year, try these helpful pointers:
- Keep your bedroom dark: To prevent heat build-up during the day, keep your blinds closed so the sun is not beaming into your bedroom. The more sunlight you have in your room, the hotter it will become.
- Lower the temperature: Air conditioning is ideal for those hot summer nights and can quickly cool your room down. If turning up the A/C is not an option, add a small fan to your bedroom or open your windows to create a cool breeze.
- Take a shower or bath: After being in the heat all day, the last thing you want to do is jump into bed feeling hot and sweaty. Before you go to sleep, take a refreshing shower to lower your body temperature.
- Wear light, comfortable clothes: Put away the heavy, flannel pajamas. Wear light, breathable clothing to prevent your clothes from sticking to you.
- Evaluate your mattress: Make sure you are sleeping on a comfortable mattress that is designed to dissipate heat and whisk it away from the body. For instance, Serta’s new iComfort Directions™ mattresses feature four exclusive technologies designed to balance comfort, support and temperature regulation.
For more advice on how to get a better night’s sleep – even during the hottest months of the year – check out the National Sleep Foundation’s article, “Sleeping When it is Blistering Hot” and share your personal tips in the comments below.
Take the Serta Fitness Challenge and Enter to Win
We all know that sleep and exercise are needed for a healthy lifestyle, but did you know that the more exercise you get, the better you sleep?
The National Sleep Foundation 2013 Poll found a significant correlation between exercise and sleep, highlighting that those who exercise more often have a better sleep than those who don’t work out. Other findings included:
Vigorous exercisers have the best sleep at night and are least likely to report sleep problems.
Less time sitting is associated with better sleep and health.
Exercise at any time of day appears to be good for sleep.
Non-exercisers are the sleepiest and have the highest risk for sleep apnea.
In order to get the best night’s sleep and improve your overall health, Serta challenges you to join the movement and have a fit 2013.
Take the Serta Fitness Challenge Pledge and make a commitment to improve your health.
I pledge to lead a healthier lifestyle by increasing my daily physical activity and getting a good night’s sleep.
I will challenge myself with vigorous to moderate exercise and experiment with new activities.
I will spend less time sitting and take short walks when I am not exercising.
No matter how many obstacles I face, I will continue to work diligently on my journey to improve my health and fitness.
Sign up for the pledge and one lucky winner will receive a Serta Perfect Sleeper Whitley’s Bluff mattress set (size and comfort of winners choice) and a $500 Serta Fitness Gift Pack!
Sleep Sound All Year ‘Round
Getting a great night’s sleep can help improve your health, happiness and productivity. If you’re tired of being tired, it’s time to put down the energy drinks and take charge of your sleep routine.
Did you know? According to reports from the National Sleep Foundation:
•Everyone should be concerned about the quantity and quality of their sleep. Studies indicate that a lack of sleep may be linked to obesity, diabetes and hypertension.
•People who are sleep deprived report being more irritable, short-tempered, and less able to manage stress.
•Insufficient sleep can lead to daytime fatigue, poor concentration, and an increased risk of mistakes and accidents. Research from the National Sleep Foundation reveals that one in ten Americans are likely to fall asleep at an inappropriate time and place, such as during a meeting or while driving.
To help one of our readers stop counting sheep and start getting a better night’s sleep this year, we are giving away a deluxe sleep package (open to residents 18 of age and older and living in the contiguous United States, see contest rules) which includes a choice between three Serta® mattress sets (Serta Perfect Sleeper®, iComfort® or iSeries™) and a Serta Gel-Memory Foam 2-in-1 Scrunch Pillow (combined MSRP up to $5,000).
Read on to learn how you can enter for a chance to win.
Official Rules:
To enter this giveaway you must be 18 years of age and live in the contiguous United States (excludes Alaska and Hawaii). No purchase necessary. Maximum of 4 entries per person. The giveaway will run from January 23, 2013 until midnight February 6, 2013. The winner will be chosen from Random.org and will be notified the week of February 10, 2013.
Enter to Win:
1. Leave a comment below that tells us why you need a great night’s sleep in 2013.
For Extra Entries:
2. “Like” us on Facebook, then come back here and post a comment below stating that you have done so.
3. Follow us on Twitter, then come back here and post a comment below stating that you have done so.
4. Follow us on Pinterest, then come back here and post a comment below stating that you have done so.
Good luck (and best wishes for a great night’s sleep)!
Falling Back – Tips for Getting the Most from the Extra Hour
Many Americans will set their clocks back one hour on Nov. 4th, 2012 and gain an extra hour for the day. Serta surveyed over 1,000 Americans to gauge how national time changes impact their sleep and schedules, and the results were quite telling!
We found that most Americans don’t find either the Spring Forward or Fall Back time changes to have an impact on the quality of their sleep. Even so, about 20% of Americans reported waking up feeling not well rested* – meaning that poor sleep is the norm for them. So, Fall Back or Spring Forward, Americans still need better sleep!
That got us thinking about the gift of a whole extra hour on Nov. 4th. We are, by our own nature, a time-pressed and sleep-deprived society. So, an extra hour – even if just for one day of the year – should be valued and used wisely. And, what better way to use this extra hour than for some much needed self-pampering to reduce stress and promote better sleep for one night?
Here are some suggestions on getting the most out of the extra hour for those setting the clocks back on Nov. 4th:
- Schedule a one-hour massage
- Take a yoga class with a friend
- Have kids? Organize a family breakfast and give everyone a task so that you can relax and enjoy.
- Start reading that book that’s been sitting on your nightstand for months
- Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while
- If it’s not too cold at home, fire up the grill and sit outside sipping hot cider with family and friends, with a commitment to keep the cell phones off.
Even just one hour of down time each day can help reduce the daily stress that can impact your sleep quality. So, use the upcoming time change to show yourself the difference that one hour can make in how you live and how you sleep. We have a feeling that doing it for one day will make you want to do it more often!
Having trouble sleeping? Check out our new Sleep Tips video with easy ways to update your bedroom to promote better sleep.
*Survey results are from telephone omnibus surveys of nationally representative Americans conducted by Braun Research the days following the two time changes around Daylight Savings Time in 2011.
Sleep Tips for Fall: How the Season Change Can Impact Your Sleep
The beautiful and bright autumn season is here! While there are many things to enjoy during the fall, the change of seasons can impact your quality of sleep and leave you feeling groggy during the day. Get the most out of the fall days with these helpful tips to adjust your sleep to the new season.
Shorter Days, Longer Nights
Once the season changes, do you ever find yourself feeling ready for bed hours before your usual bedtime? As we approach winter and the days gradually get shorter, it’s easy for your body clock to get confused when the sun goes down. You may have been hitting the hay regularly at 9pm over the summer, but now it’s just as dark at 7:30pm. Before you consider giving in and going to bed earlier, consider shifting your daily routine so you stick to your typical sleep/wake schedule. If you feel yourself getting sleepy after dinner, grab your fall jacket and your dog and take a nice walk. Stick to your normal bedtime routines and before you know it, you can help your body clock adjust and stay on track.
Goodbye, Air Conditioning!
Switching off the air conditioning and cracking open the bedroom window is one of the simple pleasures of fall. (Not to mention the wonders it does for lowering energy bills!) This means you may be switching from your lighter summer linens to your heavier fall blankets for sleep. Be aware of your body temperature during sleep and pick the right top of bed items for the fall. Using a blanket that’s very warm and heavy may feel great while your are falling asleep, but can cause you to get too hot overnight. Look for items that help keep you comfortable without disrupting your sleep.
Comfort Food Overload
What tastes better on a crisp fall night than a big plate of old fashioned comfort food? It’s easy to fill up on warm, rich food this time of the year. But, it’s very important to eat these types of food in moderation and not within two hours of your regular bedtime. Your eating patterns impact how you sleep, so maintain a balanced diet and resist the temptation to indulge after hours. Your body will thank you in the morning.
Consider Your Mattress
Are you doing all of the right things when it comes to your bedtime ritual, but still not sleeping well? Don’t forget to check your mattress, which is the centerpiece of your sleep every night. If it’s been 7 or more years since you’ve purchased a new mattress, or if you are tossing and turning or experiencing back pain, it may be time for a new mattress. Plus, upgrading to a new mattress will help you stick to your routine since you won’t be able to wait to jump in and get cozy on fall nights! Visit Serta online to learn more about available mattresses and to get helpful mattress shopping tips.
Country Music Fans Can Bid on One-of-a-Kind Counting Sheep
Serta and City of Hope are offering Country Music fans a rare opportunity to bid on a special, large Serta Counting Sheep plush toy autographed by some of Country Music’s hottest stars! Serta’s large display Counting Sheep are rarely sold to the public, and this is the first sheep in the herd to rub hooves with Nashville’s elite!
This adorable #60 Counting Sheep is a special Serta Anniversary Edition measuring 30″ high. All profits go to City of Hope. All profits go to City of Hope to aid in the continued fight against cancer. CLICK HERE to learn more and bid on this one of a kind Counting Sheep.
We ‘Heart’ Home for Sleep – so Why Aren’t We Sleeping Better?
When it comes to sleep, there really is no place like home, according to the National Sleep Foundation’s 2012 Bedroom Poll. This is the only National Sleep Foundation poll to ask how fundamental elements of the bedroom contribute to sleep, and the results may surprise you.
Even though we are a traditionally sleep-deprived nation, the majority of poll respondents report sleeping well at least a few nights during the week. On average, respondents are sleeping between 6 1/2 – 7 1/2 hours each night. Plus, the majority of respondents take their bedroom environment seriously, with more than 60% viewing it as essential to a good night’s sleep and more than 90% considering their mattress an important part of the sleep experience.
The poll is filled with some great information, from how respondents make their bedroom purchase decisions to what impacts a “romantic” sleep environment. All in all, the poll indicates that we are a nation taking our bedroom environment seriously while placing a premium on the quality of sleep. Check it out by clicking HERE.
Even with these promising poll results, many Americans still report having difficulty sleeping several times each week. So, what’s the catch?
We all know that sleep is fundamental to our health and well-being. After all, parents were preaching this to us as children, and our doctors (and the media) are still preaching this to us today. We know that a good 8 hours sleep will result in a more productive day at work and a more enjoyable evening at home. Even with our beautiful bedrooms, carefully decorated to provide rest and retreat at the end of a long day, we are still waking up feeling cheated of a good night’s rest and suffering as a result.
It’s pretty clear that having the right attitude towards our bedroom is just the first step towards better sleep. The next step is developing the right attitude about sleep overall. Most of us live hour to hour and feel lucky if we are able to accomplish only half of the things on our ‘To Do’ lists every day. This leaves us very little time to stop, relax and take care of our bodies and minds in the hours before bedtime. In other words, we are a nation that isn’t very good at “shutting down”!
The effects of poor sleep extend beyond your basic sleepiness. For instance, the NSF recently reported that sleep deprivation may cause increased calorie consumption, leading to weight gain and fatigue. This, in turn, impacts the quality of sleep, creating a vicious cycle.
So, in closing, we are grateful to our friends that the NSF for encouraging us to love our bedrooms and create the right environment for sleep. Whether or not we choose to use our bedrooms for better sleep – well, that’s totally up to us.
Ready to take the first step in creating a better bedroom? Take our Mattress Selector Quiz HERE to find out which Serta mattress may be best for you!
Why is it so Hard to Adjust to Daylight Savings Time?
Daylight Savings Time is here! That means longer days with more sunlight and the promise of spring. Yet, many people struggle to adjust to the time change and feel sleepier than normal at odd times of the day. Why is this?
We did some basic research online to shed a little light on this mystery. It turns out that it just takes a one-hour time change to mess with our circadian rhythms and our “body clocks”. So, when your alarm went off this morning, your brain knew it was time to get up but your body didn’t get the memo. And, when you get home tonight, your brain will be delighted that it’s still light outside, but your body will be confused about what time it really is. In several days time, brain and body should meet up and get on the same page. But, what to do until then?
Check out these tips from the National Sleep Foundation on everyday sleep habits that can ease the time change and help us sleep better every night:
- <li >Go to sleep and wake at the same time every day, and avoid spending more time in bed than needed.
- Use bright light to help manage your “body clock.” Avoid bright light in the evening and expose yourself to sunlight in the morning.
- Use your bedroom only for sleep to strengthen the association between your bed and sleep. It may help to remove work materials, computers and televisions from your bedroom.
- Select a relaxing bedtime ritual, like a warm bath or listening to calming music.
- Create an environment that is conducive to sleep that is quiet, dark and cool with a comfortable mattress and pillows.
- Save your worries for the daytime. If concerns come to mind, write them in a “worry book” so you can address those issues the next day.
- If you can’t sleep, go into another room and do something relaxing until you feel tired.
- Exercise regularly, but avoid vigorous workouts close to bedtime.
- If you are experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring, or “stop breathing” episodes in your sleep, contact your health care professional for a sleep apnea screening.
(The content above is owned by the National Sleep Foundation and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of the National Sleep Foundation.)
Did you see tip #5? That’s right, we often overlook the role our bedroom environment – including the mattress – plays in the quality of our sleep. This is why Serta and the National Sleep Foundation recently partnered to conduct a national poll about the bedroom environment. We’ll have the results to share with you in the coming weeks – plus an exciting contest where you can nominate someone in your life to win a new mattress.
Until then, we hope you find these tips helpful, and remember that you can always learn more about Serta’s partnership with the National Sleep Foundation and our new Perfect Sleeper mattresses by visiting http://bit.ly/perfectsleeper.
Serta Celebrates Sleep Awareness Week
Happy Sleep Awareness Week!
It’s our favorite time of year! Serta is proud to promote Sleep Awareness Week, an annual public education and awareness campaign from our friends at the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) that promotes the importance of sleep.
All week long we will be promoting sleep, beginning with the announcement of the NSF’s annual Sleep in America poll results, and ending with the clock change to Daylight Savings Time, when most Americans lose an hour of sleep.
The National Sleep Foundation Reveals this Year’s Sleep in America Poll
This year’s ‘Sleep in America’ Poll reveals how sleep, or lack of sleep, directly impacts America’s transportation workers, including airline pilots, railroad workers, truck drivers, bus drivers, taxi and limo drivers. Learn more with ‘Sleep In America’ poll results HERE
The results of this poll got us thinking about how important sleep is to work performance and quality of life for all of us. Whether you are an airline pilot, taxi driver, office professional, teacher, doctor or stay-at-home mom, how well you sleep impacts how well you perform throughout the day.
Follow the #sleepawareness conversation on Twitter @SertaMattress and Facebook page or check back here throughout the week for insights and tips for a better night’s sleep.
This week, we are committed to sharing some great sleep tips with our fans on Facebook and Twitter. We’ll explore some of the best music, movies and books to aid in better sleep as well as how switching to Daylight Savings Time impacts our sleep. Follow us to stay up to date and to share your favorite sleep tips in return.
Could you need a new mattress?
Finally, in honor of this Sleep Awareness Week, we are shedding light on the role a mattress plays in the quality of sleep. Do any of these 5 common sleep problems impact how well you sleep at night?
- Tossing & Turning
- Lack of Support
- Sleeping Too Hot or Too Cold
- Partner Disturbance
- Mattress Sagging or Roll-Off
If so, then it’s probably time to consider a new mattress. Yes, we know that mattress shopping can be intimidating. That’s why we’ve engineered The New Serta Perfect Sleeper, with input from the National Sleep Foundation to help address all 5 of these common sleep problems.
Watch the video to learn more, and be sure to join us on Facebook and Twitter all week for more helpful sleep tips!
Learn about the Serta Perfect Sleeper
Put Sleep at the Top of your New Year’s Resolution List!
Yep, it’s that time of the year again. Everyone’s made a list of their resolutions for 2012 and making sure they are moving full force ahead! Have you already pulled your hamstring as a result of your new Boot Camp Cardio class? Perhaps you’ve opted for the less strenuous option by recently completing your Detox Fat Flush Cleanse and are beginning the daily baked chicken and broccoli diet. Yum! Getting healthy and losing weight seems to stay at the top of America’s resolution list. Diet and exercise is always a great way to start feeling livelier, alert and motivated. It can enhance your life and help you grow into the person you want to see for 2012. However, there’s one thing most people leave off the list that can help achieve results; SLEEP! Here’s some helpful information from our friends at the National Sleep Foundation. Visit www.sleepfoundation.org for more information.
Did you know that a good night’s sleep can help you slim down and maintain an ideal body weight? Sleep deprivation may inhibit one’s ability to lose weight – even while exercising and eating well! Sleep, diet, and exercise should all be a part of your fitness plan.
A 1999 study at the University of Chicago showed that restricting sleep to just 4 hours per night for a week brought healthy young adults to the point that some had the glucose and insulin characteristics of diabetics.
Research by Dr. Van Cauter found that people who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to have bigger appetites due to the fact that their leptin levels (leptin is an appetite regulating hormone) fall, promoting appetite increase. This link between appetite and sleep provides further evidence that sleep and obesity are linked.
Though research shows that exercise is certainly good for one’s body and health, properly timing exercise is necessary to maximize the beneficial effects. For example, a good workout can make you more alert, speed up your metabolism, and energize you for the day ahead, but exercise right before bedtime can lead to a poor night’s sleep. For those who are physically fit, the timing of the exercise generally doesn’t make any difference.
To reach your goals for this year, you don’t have to kill yourself in the gym or try taking on diet fads. Just take it one step at a time by trying to eat healthier and becoming more active. Last and most certainly not least, add a good night’s sleep to your regiment. It will make a world of a difference in how you feel and with your overall results. It will also give you a clear mind to stay away from the newest banana and brussel sprout diet craze!
Have we convinced you to make a sleep resolution? How about you share it with us! Visit our Serta’s Facebook Fan page and tell us why you’re resolving to get better sleep in 2012 and enter to win a Serta Mattress Set of your choice!
