With the launch of the DREAM Collection last year, we really wanted to focus our attention on the power of rest, comfort, and what that means to your everyday life.
For those that are new, we spent 2 years developing a proprietary fabric that would give you a feeling of that perfect, lazy Sunday.
As we release our new styles and colors this year, we wanted to take it a step further by shining a light on how important sleep is. We all know the feeling: you finally get into bed after a long day, close your eyes, and start to drift off. But then, just as you're about to drift into dreamland, something yanks you back awake, and not in a fun way. Whether it's a noise outside or simply anxious thoughts racing through your head, falling asleep can feel like an IMPOSSIBLE task some nights.
This is where we come in.
After scouring all the latest articles and chatting with Instagram's first sleep influencer (@followthnap) on routines and products made to enhance your sleep, we came up with a list of recommendations so you don't have to! You're welcome.
According to sleep experts, there are a few things we can
do to improve our chances of getting a good night's sleep. We stayed away from exercising and gym routines since everyone has opinions on when the best time to do this is, but working out should be considered a key part of your healthy lifestyle. So enjoy the tips below and hopefully, you won't fall asleep reading
them.
Establish a nighttime routine to help you wind down before sleep
For those of us that don't like structure, this might seem like an impossible task. Maximize your rest time by implementing a plan that involves turning off all screens at least an hour before bedtime, think journaling, reading, or making tea. Going to bed at the same time every night, even on the weekends. Acknowledge that attending to the spiritual self is just as important as physical health; spend 5 minutes meditating or reflecting on
how the day went. Chat with your partner or spouse on how THEIR day went. Routines create consistency. Consistency creates results.
Keep your bedroom dark and cool
If you're looking for the perfect sleeping experience,
then make sure your bedroom is as dark and cool as possible. Pitch-black
darkness signals to your brain it's time to rest and recharge, so don't skimp
on blackout curtains or eye masks. The only problem with total darkness is then
waking up. Natural light is the best way to wake up and this can be hard if
your room is in complete darkness, but that's why they make smart lamps. So
flip those clocks over, draw the blinds, turn down that temp, and get cozy
under those blankets.
Don't use electronic devices in bed unless they are for fun :)
Maybe the hardest habit to break. We all have been there.
Doom scrolling, answering emails, swiping left and right, being in their
DMs...we know. We get it. Here's the thing, all research is pointing to the
fact that screen time is hurting our sleep. The combination of both harsh blue
light and keeping your mind active is a recipe for staying awake. So unless
your electronic device is something purely meant for fun in the bedroom, we
might suggest some old-fashioned analog pursuits instead like diving into a
book or flipping through a magazine.
Invest in high thread count sheets, cooling pillows, and weighted blankets
On the topic of your room, let's turn your sleeping space
into a comfortable oasis. We call this the "holy trinity" of bedroom luxury: high thread count sheets, cooling pillows and weighted blankets. Long considered the paragon of comfort (and perhaps even status symbols for the wealthy), these items offering sumptuous fabric, cool-to-the-touch feel, and gentle weight can upgrade anyone's sleep experience.
Mediate or use apps like Calm to help slow your mind down
In this age of non-stop entertainment, news, shopping,
and socializing, it's important to take the time to slow down and refocus your attention. There are a few ways to get into mental well-being. One way to do that is by utilizing apps like Calm. Yes, we know it's on a phone and we just told you to put that away! So maybe do a quick session before you lay down...this is where getting into a routine is key! But there are other ways to be mindful that don't require electronics, like reading and studying Eastern Philosophy, which there are TONS of books on. Some of our favorites include "How To Relax" by Thich Nhat Hanh or anything from Eckhart Tolle. Let's get Zen.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed
Trying to stay alert for an international call or a late
night finalizing a pitch deck? Overindulging from the celebration that went into the wee hours? Well, unless you want to find yourself struggling the next day, it's best to avoid too much caffeine and booze before bed. Caffeine has a stimulating effect on the body, so we recommend not drinking it past 2pm. Alcohol has the opposite effect but with too much, your body will not go
through the proper REM cycles as it's fighting dehydration and processing the sugar from all those margaritas. So let's keep those to a minimum if we can...easier said than done though.
Track your sleeping to wake up in a light REM cycle
Waking up feeling rested and refreshed is not something
you want to leave up to chance. Taking charge of your sleep cycle and making
sure that you are waking in a light REM cycle gives you the advantage of taking
on the day with clarity, sharpness, and an extra spring in your step. Investing
in a sleep tracker, which is as easy as connecting to smart watch
like Apple's, that measures your sleep quality is an easy way to make sure that
you're getting those much-needed zzz's.
While traveling, always ask for a room away from the elevator or cleaning closet
Finally, when traveling, oftentimes it's easy to just
take whatever room the front desk assigns you and move on with your trip. But if you're looking for a good night's rest without the constant elevator dings and erratic cleaning closet noises, then be sure to always request a room away from any of those areas when booking your stay-- trust us, you won't regret asking. The hotel reception will often know where big parties have booked blocks of rooms or large families. They know the quiet spots, so use that info to your advantage.
