When it comes to getting trusted information, it doesn’t get much better than Huffington Post co-founder, president and editor-in-chief Arianna Huffington.
So when she writes a book entitled The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life One Night at a Time, it’s worth sitting up and taking note.
Last year, Ms Huffington spoke to Radio New Zealand about why someone more associated with fast-breaking news and the shifting world of media, suddenly felt the need to become evangelical about getting a healthy night’s sleep.
And the answer was couched both in terms of “incontrovertible science” – and her own discoveries after making lifestyle changes so she now sleeps eight hours a night rather than four or five hours.
“When we are sleep deprived we don’t make good decisions,” she told Jesse Mulligan. “We are more likely to get sick… we show up with 40 or 50 or 60% of our capacity – it’s simply delusional to believe otherwise.
“The key is to recognise that every aspect of our lives is impacted for the better when we do that. For me, the difference is transformational.”
Studies in New Zealand in recent years have revealed the problems associated with a lack of sleep or broken sleep patterns for shift-working nurses, children and Maori – and nearly three-quarters of us claim to get fewer than eight hours a night.
Ms Huffington told Radio NZ that during research for her book, she had found links to Alzheimer’s, poor nutrition and poor skin. She also said the Huffington Post had a couple of nap rooms so workers could recharge on the job and revealed her tips to a trouble-free bedtime.
"I turn off all my devices and gently escort them out of my bedroom. Then I have a hot bath with Epsom salts and a flickering candle nearby.
"I wear dedicated sleep clothes - not the same stuff I go to the gym in - and I read only physical books in bed, I don't read anything on screen.
"I try to give the closing scene of the day to the good things that happen. By writing down three things I'm grateful for, I tend to focus on the good things rather than allow my mind to go to all the dark places."
At Bedpost, we understand everyone has their own individual needs when it comes to sleeping well – that’s why we advise you to come in and sleep test our beds and pillows. For more information on your nearest Bedpost store. Check out our blog for the latest sleeping tips!
