Getting good sleep is essential for plenty of reasons, but many of us just aren't getting enough sleep... especially the deep, good-quality sleep we need.
This can be especially true when you're sharing a bed with your spouse!
So as our Valentine's Day gift from Ear Plug Superstore to you, we'd like to share three tips for sleeping better -- together.
1. Be calm. Take the time to do something relaxing together before bed: a gentle shoulder rub or a little PG- rated cuddling is a great way to wind down and de-stress. Lay off the caffiene at least six hours before you plan to sleep. Night time restlessness can often be cured with a little exercize during the day, but not too close to bedtime -- get your exercize done at least two hours before bedtime. And last but not least: never go to bed angry. Resolve your differences and make your peace before you hit the hay. It's good for sleeping, and it's most likely good for your relationship, too.
2. White noise is your friend. There's nothing quite like white noise to create a soothing, sleep-friendly environment. (Block out that snoring!) Of course, we recommend a white noise machine for a superior sleeping experience... but even just running a fan can help a little to block traffic noises, sirens, airplanes, noisy neighbors, etc. Some white noise machines can even play soothing nature sounds, so you can find the perfect white noise blend for you and your spouse to enjoy during a peaceful night's sleep together.
3. Make it dark and quiet. It seems like obvious advice -- but an amazing number of us don't realize how often we have to sleep in relatively noisy and bright places, or during the day, etc. And even if you sleep during the dead of night, noisy neighbors and street lights filtering through the windows can seriously distress your sleep cycles. And if one of you is sleeping poorly, odds are good your spouse isn't getting the best quality of sleep, either. A sleep mask can make it dark anywhere, no matter the time or place -- and a soft pair of earplugs for sleeping can bring some much-needed quiet.
So there you have it. Get calm and relaxed before bedtime, turn on the white noise, and make it dark and quiet where you're sleeping. These three very simple tips can dramatically improve the quality of sleep you and your spouse share for Valentine's Day this year (and all year round!).
Until next time, be safe, do the right thing -- and have a Happy Valentine's Day!
--Tom "Dr. Earplug" Bergman