9 Common Questions About Sleep

Reader Contribution by Sandra Moon
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You do it every night but you probably have a number of questions related to sleeping and getting a good night’s rest. Before you take your next nap or shut your eyes for the night, open your mind to the following question and answers related to sleep.

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1. Why is sleep so important?

Sleeping well influences how you feel while awake, which includes how you work, interact with others, and engage in forms of exercise. Getting rest helps the brain retain information and energizes the body for the following day’s events.

2. Is napping good or bad?

A number of people rely on short naps to keep them feeling good. However, if you find that you’re taking long naps or lethargy is a perpetual problem, you may not be getting a deep, restful night’s sleep. If you feel like you “need” to take a nap each day, speak to your doctor.

3. Do I need a premium mattress?

The average person spends about one-third of their day in bed, so the quality of mattress does determine how well you sleep and how you feel. The term “quality” is a bit subjective and does not mean you have to spend a load of money to sleep well. However, if you feel achy or sore upon waking, or often toss and turn at night, it may be a sign that your present mattress is old or it’s not a quality product.

4. How much sleep do I really need?

Some need more or less but most people sleep for an average of 7 to 8 hours per night. However, a person’s schedule is not always so regimented; some may have to get up early for work after working the night before, or take business trips at unusual hours. Plus, having a newborn in the home can definitely make a mom or dad sleep inconsistently. Some believe that if you sleep a lot longer on the weekends than you do during the week, you’re probably not getting enough rest.

5. How can I get better rest?

A consistent sleep-wake cycle helps. Try to go to bed and get up at the same times. Of course, you can alter things a bit on the weekends, but maintaining a schedule helps the most. Secondly, reserve a way to wind down each night, whether it’s drinking tea, reading, watching television, etc. Thirdly, create a restful environment, such as making the room dark, getting into bed, and adjusting the temperature in the room to match your preferences. If you suffer from an unknown sleep disorder, you may be unsuccessful and need to consult your doctor for proper diagnosis.

6. What can I do if I work varied shifts?

Some people work in varied shifts or sleep during the day and work at night. If you need to sleep during the day, do your best to make your immediate surroundings model nighttime conditions, such as blocking out the light and sleeping in an area of the home that will remain quiet. Creating white noise, getting a new mattress, and sleeping with earplugs are also methods to help you get better rest.

7. Is it OK to fall asleep in a chair or on the couch?

Ideally, you want to fall asleep in your bed so you get a full night’s rest. If you find that you prefer your chair or couch, you may be in denial about the state of your present mattress. Check the Bedroom Store for a wide selection of mattress solutions. Moreover, being on the couch or in a chair may pair with bad behaviors such as drinking alcohol or eating before bed, which does not make for a good night’s rest.

8. Can you make up for lost sleep?

No, as mentioned, the best method is to try and get at least 7 to 8 hours each night and go to sleep on a schedule. Don’t assume you can get 2 hours one night and 10 hours the next and feel as if you slept for 6 hours both nights. Your body does not respond that way, and trying to compensate on the weekends or particular nights of the week will take a toll on your body and mind.

9. How can I tell if it’s time for a new mattress?

Most mattresses will need to be put to rest after ten years or so, but look for signs of wear, such as lumps and uneven sections, in addition to taking note of how you feel upon waking in the morning.

Learn more facts about sleep in 11 Things You Didn’t Know About Sleep.


Sandra Moon works at a doctor’s office and knows just how few of her patients get an uninterrupted night’s sleep. She shares tips and knowledge on a broad range of health topics to get everyone feeling better.

  • Published on Jan 5, 2016
Tagged with: Reader Contributions
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