Category: Blog

Best sleep tips for shift workers

Adapting to shift work and getting the right amount of sleep as a shift worker is often extremely difficult, particularly when you’re just starting in your role. Your ability to become accustomed to new lifestyle and sleeping patterns can depend on a number of things, from your age and health status, to your home environment and day to day activity levels. Our sleep tips for shift workers might help.

Working in shifts works against the body’s natural instincts and it’s often important that you are alert at night when you would normally be sleeping; and asleep during the day when you’d normally be awake. This can lead to numerous health problems and although not all shift workers face these issues, there are a high percent that do.

There is no “one-size-fits-all solution” and you may need to try different strategies  to find what works best for you. Below are some of our best sleep tips for shift workers:

Tip 1: Prepare yourself

If you know you have shift changes coming at work, prepare in advance. Start to change the pattern of your sleep at least three days prior. Go to bed later or get up earlier. Start with a few hours difference on the first day, and knock it back until you’re sleeping on the third day in line with your new routine.

Tip 2: Choose the right foods

Plan your meal times based on when you’d normally eat. Have “breakfast” within an hour of waking up; plan your lunch for a few hours later and so on. If you can, take snacks to work with you to keep you alert during the shift. You want to eat foods that are easily digestible, fruit and vegetables. Stay clear of fatty food as they tend to promote drowsiness; and sugary food which is likely to give you a short boost in your energy levels, but will leave you feeling worse for wear once the boost subsides.

Avoid eating a large meal three to four hours before bed because the work involved in digesting a meal will disturb your sleep.

Tip 3: Get plenty of exercise

Getting the right amount of exercise is guaranteed to boost your energy levels and help to promote good sleeping habits. Just 30 minutes of light physical activity a day can greatly improve your fitness levels and if you can make it to the gym before you head off to work, you’re guaranteed to feel fresher and more energised – ready to take on your shift.

If you’re feeling drowsy when you’re at work, try do a few gentle stretches and exercises to get the blood flowing and help wake up your body.

Tip 4: Avoid alcohol and drugs

Avoid introducing drugs to your body that could result in an addiction or a dependency. That includes everything from sleeping tablets or excessive alcohol to help you get the rest you desire; to energy drinks, hard drugs and other stimulants that are designed to keep you awake.

It might be tempting to use alcohol to help you sleep better, but alcohol impacts the quality of your sleep and causes you wake up more often.

Tip 5: Adjust your sleep schedule

The best sleep patterns for shift workers depend on the job itself and your hours, so you need to establish what works for you. Generally you need to get 7-8 hours sleep a night. If you don’t think you can manage that, at least try to get 5-6 hours and rest for another two.

Tip 6: Follow a routine

Imagine that you’re living a “regular” working life where you go to work at 9am, come home at 5pm, have dinner, shower, watch a little television then head off to bed. Do the same when you work shifts. Avoid exercise and caffeine for at least two to three hours before sleep, have a light meal so you will sleep longer, and take a bath or relax on the couch.

Tip 7: Take a short nap before driving home

Driving to and from work can be risky, particularly after a night shift. If you feel really tired, consider taking a nap before driving home. If you begin to feel sleepy while driving home, stop at a petrol station or another safe place to take a short nap before continuing.

Tip 8: But mostly, avoid naps

If you’re on a rapidly rotating shift pattern it’s difficult to avoid naps. However if your shift pattern is more established, avoid taking naps during the night shift. Regular naps can cause ‘sleep inertia’, which is a feeling of grogginess after a short sleep. Studies have found that sleep inertia is worst at 4am, so avoid napping close to this time.

Tip 9: Get cool

To sleep well, your body needs to cool down about 1 degree. This usually happens naturally during the night time, but if you’re trying to fall asleep during the day, you can cool your body down by having a warm shower before going to bed, and sleeping in a bedroom that gets little sunrise. Also avoid eating a big, sugary and fatty meal before sleep because the work of digestion will increase your body temperature.

Tip 10: Make the environment suitable for sleeping

One of the best sleep tips for shift workers is to get some black-out curtains or blinds that can help turn bright into night. Make sure the bedroom isn’t too hot as humidity is guaranteed to keep you awake. Try to sleep in a quiet corner of the house, use ear plugs to block out any noise, or turn on a little white noise such a fan. Turn your phone off, and if your partner and/or children are home, ask them if they can keep things quiet for a few hours.

Tip 11: Get the right mattress

Having a good mattress is imperative to a great sleep. A good quality mattress that’s right for you should have you feeling comfortable all night long and waking up feeling refreshed. Sealy mattresses are constructed using hundreds of coil springs arranged in a structured way to form the core of the mattress. A combination of specially selected comfort layers and premium natural materials are applied above the spring unit to assist in conformance and pressure relief.

Reasons to get excited about Sealy’s new natural latex pillow

Gone are the days when you simply grab the first pillow you see. Nowadays there is so much choice – and we’re proud to tell you we’re giving you even more choice with our brand new natural latex pillow: My Ultra Luxury Natural Latex pillows.

What is a natural latex pillow?

Natural latex pillows are gaining in popularity around the world because they’re known to be durable, supportive and soft. You can consider them a ‘gift from the Earth’ because they’re made from all-natural latex from the extracted sap of the rubber tree, sourced from selected and controlled plantations. This means they’re environmentally friendly… and that’s one of the reasons we love these pillows so much.

Reasons to fall in love with these pillows

• Latex pillows are proven to work well for a variety of sleep positions because they’re soft and flexible while at the same time providing excellent support for the neck and spine. Whether you sleep on your back or on your sides, Sealy natural latex pillows offer great support because the material adjusts to your movement, providing a firm but soft support.
• They’re hypoallergenic with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. We use an intense hot air process to dry the latex, and this helps prevent mold, fungi, bacteria and mildew formation. It also makes the pillows more resistant to dust mites.
• Not too hot, not too cold. Latex naturally has lots of air cells between its fibers and is excellently ventilated, allowing natural latex pillows to breathe, offering temperature control on a softer sleep surface.
• Latex is a dense and elastic material, so pillows made with this material maintain their shape and softness much longer than most other pillow fillings.
• They’re easy to look after. Latex pillows don’t have to be cleaned as often as other pillows. Sealy Natural Latex Pillows come with a cotton pillow zip cover or a luxurious “teddy bear” zip off cover, which can be easily removed and washed, and the pillow itself should only ever be spot cleaned.

Click here to find out more about the Sealy My Ultra Luxury Natural Latex pillow.

The difference between a natural latex pillow and a synthetic latex pillow

While out shopping for your next pillow, you might come across a synthetic latex pillow. So what’s the difference between the two? A natural latex pillow us made using only latex from the rubber tree, with no other filling materials. A synthetic latex pillow combines natural latex with various fillers and is made using petrochemicals.

Revolutionise your life with the Sealy Effect

Good sleep can improve the quality of your life because it has a ripple effect on almost every area of your life. This ripple effect is what we call the Sealy Effect, and it explains how sleep can impact your health, productivity and relationships.

We spend one-third of our lives sleeping, and having the right mattress is crucial to getting a good night’s sleep, and ultimately being the healthier, more productive person, you want to be. Sealy mattresses are built with an interconnected spring system topped with foam and comfort layers that support the ideal sleeping posture – meaning the body is in its natural position to fully relieve muscular tension. Sealy Posturepedic supports your life by providing undisturbed sleep, which translates into the Sealy Effect.

The Sealy Effect: Improved brain function

Sleep is important for your brain because it rests while you sleep and prepares for the next day. As you sleep, your brain forms new neuropathways, which helps with learning, remembering and problem-solving. With the Sealy Effect, you can easily focus on tasks and find solutions. This is why the Better Sleep Council says sleep is key to your professional success. Get your 40 winks and your co-workers will love you!

The Sealy Effect: Better relationships

When you get enough good quality sleep, your brain has time to organise and process your emotions. The Sealy Effect means better problem-solving skills, less irritability and better stress management.

The Sealy Effect: Athletic achievement

Sleep has been shown to enhance athletic performance because it improves speed, accuracy and reaction time. Give your body the Sealy Effect if you’re looking for some physical gains.

The Sealy Effect: Stronger heart

When you sleep, your body goes through a healing process, which includes the repair of your heart and blood vessels. When you don’t get enough sleep, you are at a higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, kidney malfunction, and stroke.

The Sealy Effect: Maintain a healthy weight

Sleep also keeps your hormones balanced. When you’re sleep deprvied, your hunger hormones are out of balance and you eat more because you feel hungry. With the Sealy Effect, you have enough energy and motivation to do that exercise class and make healthier food choices.

The Sealy Effect: Emotional wellbeing

The relationship between sleep and depression is deeper than you think, says the Better Sleep Council. Sleep plays an important role in looking after your mental health, because it aids in the production of serotonin. If you are getting enough sleep, between seven and nine hours each night, your body will be better equipped to help you recalibrate after a bad day, improve your outlook on life and be better prepared to meet challenges. This is the Sealy Effect in your life.

The Sealy Effect: Stronger immune system

According to the Better Sleep Council, healthy sleep is essential to produce specialised immune substances called cytokines. These cytokines are highly essential to activate inflammatory reaction whenever any foreign particles or microbes enter our body. With the Sealy Effect, your immune system will be stronger.

One of the most important factors for sleep quality: Your mattress

Now that you know how the Sealy Effect could change your life, how do you know if you need a new mattress?  Typically, mattresses last between five and 10 years.

You may need a new mattress if:

• You’re tired all the time
• You toss and turn all night
• Your current mattress is sagging
• You can’t get comfortable on your mattress
• It’s just as easy to fall asleep on the sofa or floor as it is the bed

Here are some tips for choosing the right mattress:

• Your body should be distributed evenly across the sleeping surface
• While laying down, your body should be well supported across the shoulders, hips, back, and ribs
• Your spine should be aligned in a neutral position with the rest of your body
• Type of mattress (memory foam, gel, spring coil, pillow-top, etc.)

Sealy has a wide range of mattresses to suit your sleep position, personal preference and budget. Whether you are looking for pressure relief for your shoulders or hips, support for your lower back or are simply wanting to wake up feeling better, you will find your answer in a Sealy Posturepedic bed.

Sealy Posturepedic supports your life by providing undisturbed sleep: from ultra-plush to cushion firm, built with premium materials, and handcrafted right here in South Africa. The next time you’re looking for a bed that offers you full body comfort, be sure to ask for Sealy by name.

21 Productive things to do when you can’t sleep

If you’re struggling to sleep the best thing you can do is get out of bed and do something low-key or tedious to tire your mind and body. If you have so much awake time, you might find that being productive will help you feel calmer.

Below we list some productive things to do when you’re struggling to sleep. Most importantly, avoid screens at all costs. Scrolling through social media or watching TV might be tempting, but it could keep you awake even longer.

Productive things to do if you’re struggling to sleep

• Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique. Lie down comfortably, relax your body, Inhale for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of seven and exhale for a count of eight. Repeat at least four times
• Take a hot, soothing bath
• Listen to a podcast or an audio book
• Read a book
• Make a list of things that make you happy or start a gratitude list
• Knit
• Clean the refrigerator
• Plan the week’s meals, and the shopping list, depending on your motivation levels
• Play crossword puzzles or sudoku
• Choose a room in your house and tidy it up, dusting included (again, depending on your motivation levels)
• Write a love letter to yourself
• Write a letter of gratitude to a loved one
• Go outside for some fresh air, look up and enjoy the night sky
• Do gentle stretches
• Try a guided meditation
• Fold laundry
• Organise your pantry cupboard
• Tidy your junk drawer
• Mend some old clothes
• Make a To-Do list and organise the next few days (be sure to add ‘buy a new Sealy’ to your list!)
• Do something that could save you time the following day

The most productive thing to do the next day

If you are struggling to sleep often, consider whether or not a new mattress is the answer.  A good mattress supports your body and allows it to relax and fall into a deep sleep.

You may have heard that you need to get eight hours of sleep, but when you’re talking about sleep, the quality matters as much as how long you sleep.  Throughout the night you go through different stages of sleep, and deep sleep (sleep stages 3 and 4) is what allows you to wake up refreshed. It also promotes growth and repairs tissues and bones and strengthens the immune system.

Having the right mattress can make all the difference to a good night’s sleep. Browse the Sealy website to find out more about our range, and the many advances we have made in sleep technology in recent years.

Is it bad to sleep with earphones? We break it down for you

By now you know we’re passionate about sleep. And we understand that sometimes it takes more than a (really) comfortable Sealy mattress to help you get those zzzzz’s. Nowadays, many people choose to fall asleep with earphones in, listening to music, a podcast or a guided meditation. The problem is most earphones are not designed for sleeping with.

If you regularly fall asleep with earphones in, you will find this blog post useful as we highlight the pros and cons. Let’s start with the benefits.

The pros of sleeping with earphones

• Better relaxation. Listening to the right kind of music will help your body relax and slow your heart rate down, helping you to fall into a deep sleep.
• More feel-good chemicals. Listening to music encourages your brain to release dopamine, a happy hormone that helps you sleep more easily.
• Drown out external noise. Listening to music helps block out external noise from noisy urban environments, loud neighbours or a snoring paratner.

The cons of sleeping with earphones

• Listening at a high volume, and keeping earphones plugged in, exerts pressure inside your ears and could result in long-term damage.
• Earphones will block the air circulation around your ear, which could result in a build up of ear wax. If it is left to build up over a long period, it would have to be removed by a professional and even then, it might cause damage to your ears.
• If your ear canal becomes irritated, you could develop conditions called Otitis Externa or Necrosis. The ear canal connects the outer ear to the eardrum, and if the skin in the ear canal gets irritated or begins to wear out, it’s easier for fluid to get into the ear and you are at a greater risk of having ear infections.
• It’s helpful to block out external noises, but sometimes that can be dangerous too. You might not hear emergency signals, like a smoke alarm, or other dangers in your home.

Choosing the best earphones for sleep

Headphones or earphones with wires are a strangulation risk. Rather invest in Bluetooth earphones. Select earphones that come with multiple ear pieces so you can choose the ear piece that fits most comfortably in your ear. There are multiple earphones on the market, designed specifically for sleep – like SleepPhones Wireless, where the earphones are fitted inside a comfy headband that makes it easier and more comfortable to listen to music while sleeping.

Choosing the best mattress for your child

When your child is ready to transition from cot to bed, it’s time to start thinking about the best mattress to buy. A good quality mattress can promote brain development and physical growth from a great night’s sleep.

Initially, you might be able to convert your cot to a toddler bed, or you might buy a small toddler bed. However, when you consider that children between the ages 2 and 6 grown an average of 7cm per year, it might be more economical to buy a single, three-quarter or double sized bed upfront, giving your child space to grow into. Parents are sometimes tempted to use a hand-me-down bed for their growing child. In these tough economic times, it might be the only option. But if possible, rather invest in a new mattress specifically designed to support the growth of your child.

The Sealy guide for choosing the best mattress for your child

Choosing this mattress doesn’t need to be challenging, but it is important to make careful considerations. It’s best to do your research first to ensure you choose the right mattress. After all, if your child is sleeping well throughout the night, so are you!

After a full day of activity, children need sufficient rest at night so they can start the new day well rested. The best mattress for your child will:

• Cushion their developing bodies
• Keep the spine and bones aligned (an especially important thing to bear in mind concerning your child’s growth)
• Provide a soothing level of comfort to help with relaxation
• Reduce rolling and fidgeting, allowing your child to sleep more soundly
• Be made with a breathable, easy-to-clean fabric ensure good air circulation, keeping the body temperature well regulated. This will help encourage deep sleep cycles that are necessary for better health and development

Choose a Sealy mattress to support your child

Sealy mattresses are orthopedically developed with exclusive Posturepedic Technology™, an interconnected spring system topped with foam and comfort layers, that will support your child’s ideal sleeping posture. Sealy Posturepedic Technology™ targets the heaviest part of the body, with reinforced support where your child needs it most.

Protect your investment with a Sealy mattress protector

Even if your child is toilet-trained, accidents may happen overnight, so the mattress you choose should be made with an easy-to-clean fabric. Even then, it’s advisable to cover the bed with a waterproof mattress protector. Sealy Posturepedic mattress protectors are manufactured with a fully elasticised 4-way stretch skirt, ensuring a secure fit to protect your mattress and prolong the life of your investment in your child’s sleep.

Our top tips for transitioning to the big bed

Now that you have found the perfect bed for your child, you need to get them in the bed. This can sometimes be challenging. Here are a few tips to get your child into the new bed.

• Be patient. It may take a few days for your child to get used to their new sleep environment.
• If you are worried about your child falling off the bed, install a rail guard or try placing a rolled-up towel between the mattress and base side edge. You can also put extra pillows and blankets on the floor next to the bed to cushion a fall.
• New bedding. You’re probably already going to get new bedding for the bed, but get your child involved by letting them choose their big-kid duvet.
• Introduce it early. Help them understand and anticipate the change.

Your child will need a quality mattress when transitioning to the big-kid bed. Choose the right mattress for your child’s needs and avoid using old mattresses. A good quality mattress can promote brain development and physical growth from a great night’s sleep.

Electric blanket: Precautions and safety tips

During winter, we know you might be tempted to turn up the heat with an electric blanket. Before you do, remember that high temperatures from your electric blanket could cause compression and sagging in your Sealy mattress, and could affect the fibres and comfort fillings.

Alternative ways to sleep cozy

Nobody likes climbing between icy sheets after a long and tiring day, and we’re happy to tell you there are ways to create a warmer sleeping environment without using an electric blanket. For good quality sleep, your bedroom should be between 15 and 20°C. On really cold nights, think about heating your bedroom with the door shut, rather than trying to heat the whole house.

Create layers of top sheets and blankets, and invest in winter bed sheets. The layers between the blankets will create layers of insulation. For blankets, the warmest materials are wool and cotton fleece.

Continuing with the layering theme, remember to dress yourself in layers with warm pyjamas.

You can also warm up your bed by going old-school with a simple hot water bottle. Fill it up with hot water and pop it under your blankets before you get into bed (make sure the lid is closed securely).

Safety tips for your electric blanket

Although it is possible to warm your bed with layers of blankets, for some people it might not be enough and an electric blanket is the only answer. New electric blankets come with minimal risk of fires or burns because they include safety features, like an automatic shut-off. However, any time electricity is present, there’s a chance of fire. If your blanket is 10 years or older, they might not have internal temperature controls that will turn them off if they get too hot.

• If you don’t know how old your electric blanket is, rather stop using it
• If you must use one, remember to keep it at a low to moderate heat
• The elderly, children, pregnant women and people with diabetes or circulation issues should not use electric blankets
• Only use one electric blanket at a time
• Use the blanket to warm up your bed (at a low to moderate heat, to protect your Sealy mattress), and turn it off before going to sleep
• Store your blanket according to manufacturer’s instructions
• Before using your blanket after a period of storage, hold it up to the light and inspect it for tears, discoloration, burn marks, or crimps in the cords. If you see any of these, don’t use it
• Don’t buy second hand electric blankets
• Avoid using a hot water bottle and an electric blanket at the same time
• Don’t use electric blankets with waterbeds or automatic beds

Dreading the cot to bed transition? Read these four tips

One of the biggest milestones in your child’s first few years is the transition from cot to bed. The timing of this move often depends on your child’s physical skills and emotional readiness. Read on for some advice on how to know WHEN to make the move, and a few tips on HOW to do it.

When to move your child from cot to bed

Children develop at different rates, so don’t worry about making the change by a specific age. However, as a general guideline, children are ready to move to a big bed from around 18 months to three years old. This might even vary between siblings, so don’t be surprised if your second child is ready to make the move sooner or later than your first.

Instead of waiting for a certain age, rather consider your child’s readiness to move to a bigger bed. Below are a few signs that might let you know they are ready:

• Climbing: If your baby can climb out of the cot, then it’s time to change. Climbing could cause falling and injury, so your child will be safer in a low bed.
• Growth spurt: Your baby may physically outgrow their cot. Once they start to get tall enough that they are no longer comfortable laying down their cot, then a bed could be a better option.
• Toilet training: If you’re potty training your child and they no longer use nappies at night, then knowing how to get in and out of bed at night will give them the freedom and control they need.

Try to notice signs like these and make the decision to move them when they seem ready. Don’t worry if your child is turning three and still doesn’t seem ready; you have to let them develop at their own pace.

How to choose the right bed

Once it is time to make the change, you’ll want the right type of bed and mattress for your child. The two most important aspects of this choice are comfort and safety. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for your child’s growth and development, and a comfortable bed can make all the difference. A firm mattress provides optimum spinal support for your child.

In terms of safety, railings are a good idea. Your toddler is used to rolling around in a cot and being “caught” by the sides if necessary. Safety railings will prevent them from rolling out of bed. The bed should also be low to the floor so that they won’t injure themselves badly if they do fall out of bed or if they climb over the railings.

If a safety rail doesn’t fit with your child’s bed or if you choose not to have one, then just make sure the floor surrounding the bed is nice and soft. Lay down pillows and blankets if you need to.

Size may also be an important factor. If you get a small child-size bed, then you might end up needing a new one in a few years’ time as they grow, which will be another expense. Sealy single-sized beds last from toddler until teen so that they won’t grow out of it, as well as being safe and comfortable for your child.

Guidelines for an easy change

To make the change from cot to bed easier on you and your baby, here are some tips for you to follow.

• Keep things familiar

A new bed is a change, so make the process easier by keeping some things the same. Transfer your child’s favourite toys or blankets into the bed. Keep their bedtime habit the same. Putting the new bed in the same place as the cot will also help.

• Toddler proof the room

In the event the toddler can climb from their new bed, then make sure the room is a secure environment for them. Secure any electrical devices and install plug covers on plug points. If the curtains or blinds have cords make sure to move them out-of-reach, or change them with cords that do not have a loop. You could also fix a baby gate on top of the stairs or in the entrance to your baby’s room to avoid accidents.

• Make it exciting

Let your toddler know ahead of time that they will be changing beds and ensure it is sound like a fun event. Make a big deal about it and praise them for trying out the new bed. You can involve them in the process as much as possible by letting them pick out the bed and bedding with you.

• Be patient

Your toddler might not adjust straight away to their new bed. This means that, even though they have been sleeping through the night for some time, you might have some sleepless nights in the beginning. Give them time to adjust to the new arrangement and be patient. If you are frustrated, then your toddler is like to get more frustrated as well.

We hope these tips help you deal with any transition from cot to bed problems.

Good news: Your afternoon nap is Mother Nature Approved!

That 3pm slump is part of the human experience. The need to sleep corresponds to your circadian rhythm and it’s normal to feel tired about six to eight hours after you wake up. What we’re happy to tell you is that in most cases, that afternoon nap is Mother Nature Approved!

What is the circadian rhythm?

Your circadian rhythm is your body’s natural physical, mental and behavioural changes over 24 hours which help to regulate your sleep-wake cycle. During the day, light exposure helps your body stay alert. At night-time, your body starts to produce the sleep hormone, melatonin, which helps you sleep.

When your circadian rhythm reaches a low point of alertness in the afternoon, an afternoon nap could help restore alertness and mental effectiveness.

 Our top tips for a good afternoon nap

• Plan the timing of your nap

If you plan your nap for the time when your body is naturally sleepy, you’ll be able to fall asleep quicker. Many studies say siestas between 1pm and 4pm are most effective.

• Not too long, not too short

The ideal length for an afternoon nap is between 20 and 30 minutes. In fact, a NASA study of long-haul pilots found that the optimal length for a sneaky day-time snooze is 25.8 minutes. Don’t sleep too long or too late in the day.

• Set an alarm

Decide on how long you want to nap for, and set your alarm to wake up, giving yourself an extra five minutes for falling asleep. Setting an alarm will help you relax knowing that you won’t oversleep.

• Find your sweet spot

Prepare your environment for ultimate relaxation. Ideally your napping environment should be dark, quiet and cool. This is where Sealy should be top of mind. If your mattress is old and uncomfortable, you will spend precious time tossing and turning, trying to fall asleep. If you’re as serious about sleep comfort as we are, browse the Sealy range on our website. You’ll be excited to find out about some of our latest advances in sleep technology! Click here to find your next mattress.

• Listen to your body

Unfortunately, afternoon napping is not for everyone. If you are having difficulty sleeping at night, you might want to skip the afternoon nap.

New study: The full moon can impact sleep patterns

It looks like there is some truth behind those old myths about the moon and how they impact human behaviour. A new study published in Science Advances found that people tend to sleep for shorter periods during the days leading up to a full moon.

Published in late January 2021, the Moonstruck Sleep Study shows how sleep cycles seem to change with the lunar cycle. Researchers at the University of Washington, led by biology professor Horacio de la Iglesia, measured the sleep cycle of 562 people as the moon progressed through one whole cycle (29.5 days). Some participants were studies for two moon cycles.

Sleep cycles and the full moon

The team studied city-dwelling college students in Seattle and Washington, as well as people living in indigenous communities in northern Argentina. The different environments would help to assess whether a person’s access to artificial light might impact sleep patterns. The team found that while the connection between sleep cycles and the full moon are more obvious in areas without electricity access, the connection was still present in areas with electricity.

The study showed that, irrespective of ethnic and socio-cultural backgrounds, people had the latest bedtimes (on average 30 minutes later than usual) and least amount of sleep (52 minutes less) during the three to five days before a full moon.

During the three to five days before a full moon, there is more light in the sky as the moon gets bigger. The researchers believe that the changes to our sleep could be an evolutionary adaptation, from a time when our ancestors would take advantage of this natural source of evening light.

THE UNSURPASSED LUXURY OF la différence

If you’re passionate about sleep, regardless of the stages of the lunar cycle, we would like to introduce you to our stunning la différence beds. To sleep in a luxury la différence bed is an experience both sensuous and essential to achieving truly healthy sleep. la différence takes beauty sleep to a whole new level, and is available in Luxury and Luxury Pillow, each designed to provide indulgent comfort and support for years to come.

Click here to find out more about la différence.