Tech to Help You Sleep

     It’s eight a.m., and you just woke up. Laying in bed, exhausted, but you have to go to your job this morning. You don’t want to get up and go even though you went to bed at a good time and tried to get a good nights rest before the new day. For some reason, however, on this day you just couldn’t stay asleep. Tossing and turning, waking up every few minutes, and just not getting a very good session of shut eye. Today is going to be a very long, day.

     A story so many of us deal with more often that we’d like. Getting good sleep seems to be more and more elusive now days with our hectic lifestyles and so much to do and think about. As it stands 35.2% of all adults sleep less than the recommended seven hours of sleep a night.  Which translates to over one third of adults are not getting the sleep they need to feel focused, energized, and happier throughout the day.

     The lack of sleep can have terrible side effects on a human. Insomnia and sleep deprivation increases work related accident likeliness. There is also the fact that most people with depression suffer from a lack of sleep, suggesting the emotional disadvantages as well. Sleep affects every aspect of your life and it is crucial to increases the quality of it.

So What Can We Do About It?

     While I am sure many of you jump to the idea of sleep aids in the form of medication, either prescription or over the counter, they come with many side effects. Things like dizziness, headaches, and drowsiness throughout the day. Eventually they can likely lead to dependency on them as well. Meaning you need to continue paying money and attention to supplying yourself with the drug to get the same quality rest or to even sleep at all. Doesn’t sound very appealing when you think about it. Luckily there are other options with modern day technological advances. So here are some options as well as changes you can make to better improve sleep quality related to technology. 

Some Examples…

1. Sleep Tracking Devices: Sleep tracking devices, such as fitness trackers or smartwatches, can help monitor your sleep patterns and provide insights into your sleep quality. These devices track your heart rate, movement, and sleep stages to determine the quality and duration of your sleep. Some popular sleep tracking devices include the Fitbit, Apple Watch, and the Oura Ring. With the help of these devices, you can track your sleep habits and make necessary adjustments to improve your sleep quality.
2. Smart Beds: Smart beds are designed to adjust to your body’s position and provide support where it’s needed most. These beds use sensors to track your movement and adjust the bed’s firmness, elevation, and temperature to provide optimal comfort. Smart beds also have features such as built-in massage, anti-snore technology, and sleep tracking capabilities. Some popular smart bed brands include Sleep Number, Tempur-Pedic, and Eight Sleep.
3. Sleep Sound Machines: Sleep sound machines are designed to create a peaceful and relaxing environment to promote better sleep. These devices use white noise, nature sounds, or soothing music to mask background noise and create a calming atmosphere. Some sleep sound machines also come with light therapy features to regulate your circadian rhythm and promote deeper sleep. Popular sleep sound machine brands include Hatch, LectroFan, and Marpac.
4. Meditation Apps: Meditation apps, such as Calm and Headspace, offer guided meditations and breathing exercises to help you relax and fall asleep faster. These apps also offer sleep stories, calming music, and nature sounds to create a peaceful and relaxing environment. Meditation has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, which can lead to improved sleep quality.

Conclusion

     Technology has revolutionized the way we sleep, providing numerous gadgets and apps to enhance our sleep quality and establish healthy sleep habits. From sleep tracking devices to smart beds and meditation apps, there are many options available to improve your sleep quality. However, it’s important to remember that technology is only one aspect of achieving good sleep habits. Establishing a regular sleep routine, avoiding caffeine and electronics before bedtime, and creating a comfortable sleep environment are also important factors to consider. With the help of technology and healthy habits, you can achieve a good night’s sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

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