Restorative Sleep: How to Achieve It

We all know that sleep is important. After all, why do we invest in blackout curtains and use wristwatches to measure the length of our sleep stages? Because we’ll do whatever it takes to reach the magical number that assures us we’ve had a good night’s sleep.

However, as sleep experts and scientists are quick to point out, it’s not just the quantity that matters. Quality is key.

This principle has led to recent emphases on “restorative” sleep – slumber that goes beyond rest, into the realms of growth and healing.

When and where do you get restorative sleep?

If you’re familiar with the four stages of sleep, you might be wondering which corresponds to “restorative” sleep. Well, that’s a trick question. The correct answer is: “All of the above.”

To experience truly restorative sleep, you need to experience each of the stages. The majority of active restoration occurs during the third and fourth stages, in which the sleeper enters slow-wave sleep (stage 3) and then REM (stage 4). These two steps produce both physical and neurological restoration, which are crucial to human health.

That said, you won’t be able to enjoy this beneficial rest without beginning with light sleep (stage 1) and transitional sleep (stage 2). These entry points are crucial entry points to the restorative sleep your body craves.

What can you do to get more restorative sleep?

It goes without saying that you want more of this wholesome, enriching sleep. So, how do you accomplish that?

Start by examining your bedtime rituals. Do you “wind down” by scrolling through Instagram and TikTok? Or are you finding ways to step outside of the whirlwind and focus on yourself? Find things that pave the way for sleep and allow you to enter true rest.

Next, consider your environment at bedtime. Does it make you restless or enhance your relaxation? Things like the quality of your mattress and the nature of your bedsheets have indelible impacts on your sleep quality.

If you’re confident in your regular nighttime practices, dig into your other habits. Is your caffeine, tobacco, and/or alcohol intake impeding your sleep? Do you go to bed and wake up at the same time every day? Are you regularly active?

These questions – along with curiosity about your typical diet – may lead you to revelations that improve the quality of your regular sleep.

Is your mattress designed for your best sleep?

The truth is, no matter how much you mentally prepare for sleep, nothing can overcome a bad mattress. As soon as you lie down and try to settle in, you’ll immediately undo all the restfulness you’ve stored up.

That’s just one of the reasons that we started Nature’s Embrace Latex Mattresses over 35 years ago. We know (from personal experience!) just how important restorative sleep is. And nothing makes us happier to give this gift to others.

If you want to learn more about organic mattresses and pillows – and learn how they can improve your sleep – reach out today. You can browse our online store or call us. Either way, we look forward to helping you achieve the restorative sleep of your dreams.