Unconventional Sleep Hacks from a Bedding CEO

Sleep Naked

I spend about a third of my life naked. But I’m not some kind of exhibitionist -I sleep naked. I would never have thought of it, growing up in a conservative background. But once I tried it on a friend’s suggestion, I didn’t look back. That was in my late 30’s. I wish someone had told me sooner.

So, if you haven’t tried it, let me be that friend for you.

First, it’s all about comfort. More comfort means better sleep. This is what made me become more aware of bedding quality, and ultimately start my business.

When people think about sleep quality, they often think of mattresses and pillows, and these can certainly influence your sleep quality. But if you’re going to sleep naked, then you’ll have to put more thought into the last layer, the one that actually touches your skin. Once you have sheets you love, the transition to nude sleeping will be easier.

In addition to the direct benefits of being comfortable, there are other benefits like a lower skin temperature. This has been shown to help people fall asleep faster, sleep more deeply, and experience fewer wakeups during the night. Sleeping naked also means improved circulation.

And if that wasn’t enough, it’s good for women’s hygiene, and it can also positively impact male fertility.

If you’re lucky to share your bed with a significant other, then a skin-to-skin cuddle is the perfect start and end to each day -energizing in the morning and soothing at night.

Sleep during the day

You may not want to, or be able to, get naked during the day. But you can still take advantage of the power of rest in the middle of the day. My favorite methods are the “nappuccino, ” and yoga nidra.

A “nappuccino ” means getting some shut-eye immediately after having a coffee or morning tea. Caffeine before a nap may sound counterintuitive but hear me out. 20-minute power naps are proven to increase mental clarity and focus which is about the same time it will take for the caffeine in your drink to start taking effect. This method can help avoid post-nap grogginess and increase your mental clarity so that you wake up feeling energized. Just try to avoid drinking caffeine in the late afternoon as it can affect your regular sleep.

Now for the icing on the cake. I like to incorporate a short yoga nidra meditation to help ease into my daytime power nap or afternoon rest. Both are effective for resetting your brain. There is certainly no shortage of guided meditation apps but the trick is finding one that suits your taste – a soothing voice, clear instructions and the right length might be some of your considerations. Remember that meditations don’t necessarily have to be sleep-focused in order for you to achieve the benefits of sleep. An effective restful meditation can help maintain mental clarity throughout the day and improve your emotional health.

So get your clothes off, and get zen!

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One more tip for better sleep:
If you’re someone who tends to get cold easily, try soaking your feet in warm water for 5 minutes before bed. Although you want your core temperature to drop a little for optimum sleep, it’s often difficult to fall asleep if your feet are cold. When we don’t have the time or luxury to take a full bath before bed, this simple tip can be just as effective.