Keep Your Bones Healthy with Better Sleep

We often associate sleep with our energy levels and mental faculties. When we sleep poorly, our initial concerns revolve around our alertness. Our first thought is probably something along the lines of, “Where can I get a good cup of coffee?”

Fascinatingly, scientists have discovered that sleep is also crucial to our bone health. Good sleep is an important component of new bone formation, a critical process of adolescent growth. On the flip side, a lack of sleep can lead to decreased bone density, making you more prone to bone damage or breaks.

This problem only gets worse as we age. The older we get, the less melatonin – aka the “sleep hormone” – our bodies naturally produce. As a result, we’re likely to struggle with sleep and have greater concerns over our bone health.

Tips and tricks to strengthen your sleep

So, what can we do to guard against these factors?

Get more melatonin

There are natural ways to boost your body’s melatonin. Sunlight, for example, is a great source. So are foods like sunflower seeds, alfalfa sprouts, almonds, and eggs. While melatonin supplements are also available, they should be used with caution. (Most pharmacies advocate them only for occasional sleeplessness.)

Exercise every day

Regular activity is a great way to improve your sleep. If you’re particularly worried about bone density, try adding some light weights to your fitness regimen. Something as simple as a weighted vest can bring substantial benefits without running the risk of injury or overexercise.

Take mineral supplements

You can find helpful supplements at your local grocery store to boost both your sleep and your bone health. Magnesium is highly recommended for both needs. Other minerals – such as calcium, iron, and zinc – promote bone health specifically, as does vitamin D.

Limit alcohol and tobacco

It’s no secret that alcohol is a sleep disruptor. However, it’s also thought to have negative impacts on bone density. Tobacco (to the surprise of no one) has the same bad rap. Limiting or avoiding these substances can contribute to better sleep and overall bone health.

Find the right mattress

While the above tips and tricks can heighten the quality of your sleep, few things are as important as your mattress. It’s easy to take for granted, since it’s there every night and never disappears. But if your mattress isn’t comfortable, then no amount of supplements or outside time is going to make up for that obstacle.

That’s why it’s important to find the right mattress for your sleeping style and your body type. There is no one-size-fits-all mattress that magically works for every sleeper. Instead, you need a mattress that will provide the balance of support and cushion that you feel is necessary for a good night’s sleep.

Buy an organic mattress online

You may be accustomed to walking into a mattress store and testing all the floor models. However, with the help of the sleep experts at Nature’s Embrace, you can shop at our online store from the comfort of your home and still find the right fit for you.

We’re proud to serve sleepers across Canada, delivering our highest quality organic mattresses that have been locally manufactured in our B.C. shop. Reach out to us today and let us help you the right fit for your best sleep.