If you wake up feeling as though you didn’t get any rest at all, you’re not alone.  Most American adults are sleep deprived and  the quality of our sleep is generally poor.  There are a few factors contributing to this, but the good news is that the reasons you wake up tired are fixable.

Here are the main reasons you don’t feel well rested when you wake up:

  • Your mattress isn’t supportive enough. Studies have shown that a medium-firm mattress is your best bet, and if you have anything other than that, it’s likely contributing to your sleep problems.  The age of your mattress is also a contributing factor.  Again the newer your mattress is, the fewer aches and pains you’re likely to have, which translates directly into a better night’s sleep.
  • Your mattress might be dirty. It may be home to a motley collection of dust, pet dander, pollen and other allergens which can clog your nose at night and lead to nighttime coughing and sneezing, even if you don’t suffer from significant allergy problems.
  • Your bedroom is too hot or too cold. Studies have shown that the optimal temperature band for a good night’s sleep ranges between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit.  If the temperature of your bedroom is outside that band, the quality of your sleep is likely to be suboptimal.
  • You don’t have an established routine or bedtime. Routine matters.  If you commit to the idea of going to bed at the same time every night, it will psychologically prepare you for sleep, and the quality of your sleep will improve.

Getting a better night’s sleep isn’t rocket science, and if you address the issues described above, you’ll go a long way toward improving the quality of your sleep. That will make you healthier, happier, and more productive.