Life often seems better in the morning. As one person said, “The best bridge between despair and hope is a good night’s sleep.” – Businessman E. Joseph Cossman
Sleep is made better by creating the right bedroom atmosphere. The National Sleep Foundation has several recommendations about this.
• Make sure the room is dark. Light-blocking drapes or an eye mask may be in order.
• Decorate the bedroom in soothing colors.
• Maintain a tidy and uncluttered room.
• Choose a mattress and bedding that are comfortable.
• Do not watch TV, listen to the radio, or read in bed. Associate the bed with sleep.
• Keep the room cool.
Why is darkness important for sleeping? Light triggers a nerve pathway from the eye to brain regions that regulate body temperature, hormones, and other functions that affect feeling sleepy or awake, according to the foundation.
And why is sleep so important? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, insufficient sleep has been linked to chronic conditions including depression, obesity, diabetes, and diseases of the cardiovascular system.
And it’s good for the soul. “Sleep is the best meditation.” – Dalai Lama