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Tips to Help Seniors Get a Better Night’s Sleep

May 16, 2019 by buismattress Leave a Comment

As people get older, sleep patterns change. One study conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago analyzed the sleep patterns of a group of male subjects aged 16 to 83 and found that, on average, the total time people slept at night went down by 27 minutes with each decade of age. This is a natural part of aging. As people get older, the suprachiasmatic nucleus, or “SCN,” the part of the brain that regulates the internal clock, begins to deteriorate. Many seniors struggle to get the hours of sleep that the body needs to stay healthy and the mind needs to stay alert. These three tips can help people maintain or regain their sleep patterns as they age.

Stick to a Routine

Most people have some sort of routine that prepares them for bed, whether it’s showering, brushing their teeth, or bedtime reading. Keeping not only the steps of the routine but the time of it can condition the body to feel tired and ready for sleep at a certain time each evening. Some things should not be part of the evening routine, like watching TV in bed or drinking liquids (especially alcohol) close to sleep time. Instead of a drink to calm down at the end of the day, seniors should try some sort of meditation or mindfulness for five to ten minutes.

Maintain the Right Sleep Environment

Two of the biggest sleep detractors are light and sound. Natural light is desirable in the bedroom during the day, but too much artificial light at night will prevent sleep. Blackout curtains are a good option to keep a room dark in the evening and block out streetlights, car headlights, and other sources of artificial light. Persistent noise can also be a problem. For those who find earplugs intrusive or uncomfortable, white noise machines may be a good option to drown out exterior noise with benign and even soothing sounds that fade into the background.

Monitor the Effect of Medications

One factor that can be detrimental to sleep in seniors particularly is the effect of medications. Many of the common medications that senior citizens take, like diuretics to reduce high blood pressure, have the adverse side effect of keeping people awake. While these medicines serve important and even essential functions, it may be possible to alter the dosage or ingestion time to help with sleep if a doctor approves of the change.

At any age, having the right mattress is the key to a good night’s sleep. At Buis Mattress, we handcraft all of our mattresses in Holland, MI. We use the highest quality materials to produce a wide range of products designed to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Take care of your mental and physical wellbeing with deep sleep on a Buis Mattress. Check out our unique products at our showroom or on our website, or contact us at 616-396-6257 for further information.

How Too Much Screen Time Impacts a Good Night’s Sleep

January 22, 2019 by buismattress Leave a Comment

Getting a good night’s sleep is important for feeling energized, alert, and content every day. Spending too much time looking at cell phones, laptops, tablets, and other screen-based gadgets can significantly impact sleep quality, especially if done too close to bedtime. Here’s a look at the science behind too much screen time and its effects on sleep and serenity.

Screens Suppress Melatonin

A girl looking at a tablet in the dark

The screens on all of our most commonly used gadgets emit what’s called “blue light,” which has a very short wavelength and produces a high amount of energy. Blue light is responsible for the suppression of melatonin, the hormone that controls the body’s circadian rhythm, also known as the sleep/wake cycle. When melatonin production is reduced and the sleep/wake cycle is disrupted, even the world’s most comfortable mattress won’t make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Stimulated Brains Stay Active Longer

It may be part of your routine to check into social media, read the news, or watch a few funny videos right before bed, but all that late-night screen time diminishes your sense of serenity right when you need it most. That’s because bright screens keep the brain engaged, making it harder to mentally relax and unwind when you’re finally ready to drift off to sleep. Having at least 30 screen-free minutes before bed can impact how quickly and comfortably you fall asleep.

Technology Doesn’t Sleep

Even if you avoid too much direct screen viewing at bedtime, simply having gadgets too close to the bed can impact how well you sleep. There’s always the chance that a text, call, or email will arrive, and even if the interruption doesn’t wake you, it can still disturb the serenity of a resting brain. So unless you’re waiting for a very important phone call or message, it’s better for your sleep quality to sleep with the gadgets turned off.

At Buis Mattress, we believe that a great mattress is one of the home’s most important features. Check out all our unique, high-quality products in our Holland, MI showroom. For questions about our products and services, contact us online or call (616) 396-6257.

Best Types of Mattresses for Different Stages of Life

December 27, 2017 by buismattress 1 Comment

Since a mattress is a purchase that a person usually plans to keep for a while, it’s especially important to find just the right fit. One way to make the shopping process easier is for the purchaser to consider what stage of life he or she is in. Here are a few tips.

Children and Teens

Most parents have heard the adage that children grow in their sleep, but now there’s proof! Researchers at Emory University in Atlanta found that levels of human growth hormone (HGH) increase during deep sleep and immediately after sleep. Since sleep is so vital to a young person’s growth, it’s important to have a mattress that is the perfect balance between comfort and support. Innerspring mattresses are durable and supportive, and the weight of a child is typically not enough to cause strain on the springs or to create uncomfortable pressure points. Buis Mattress offers custom youth mattresses to ensure safe and supportive sleep.

Adulthood

Choosing a mattress as an adult is a rite of passage. There are new considerations to take into account, such as back pain, economy, and the preferences of a spouse or partner. On top of that, mattresses today come with a variety of features, including cooling gel, removable covers, individually pocketed coils, and the list goes on. However, the focus should remain on durability, comfort, and support. Innerspring and foam mattresses are traditionally good options, but latex mattresses are quickly gaining popularity among this age group.

Older Adults

As adults enter their golden years, it’s more important than ever to have a mattress that will provide proper lumbar support. Innerspring mattresses are always a good choice, but it should have enough coils as to be supportive, such as the affordable 660-spring National line from Buis Mattress. Many older adults find that foam mattresses distribute weight comfortably; however, they can retain heat and cause sleepers to become uncomfortably warm. Latex mattresses can provide the support of foam mattresses without the heat.

Customers in Holland, MI who are looking for the perfect night’s sleep should visit Buis Mattress. Call us today at (616) 396-6257 or contact us online.

6 Bedroom Design Tips for Superior Sleep

July 17, 2017 by buismattress Leave a Comment

Getting enough sleep is an essential component of being healthy. With the right design choices, any bedroom can become an oasis of restfulness and tranquility. Try these tips to prep the bedroom for sleep.

1. Take Stock of Temperature

Experts say the ideal sleep temperature is between 65 and 69 degrees Fahrenheit. Installing a ceiling fan and sleeping with the window open helps keep the bedroom cool enough for optimal rest. As a bonus, the whir of a ceiling fan creates white noise that can lull anyone into a deep sleep.

2. Welcome the Dark

Adorning windows with blinds and light-blocking curtains prevents the morning light from interrupting sleep too early. LED motion lights are an excellent solution for those who often get up in the night to use the bathroom, as keeping a light on can interfere with the process of falling asleep.

3. Choose Calming Colors

It’s no secret that colors have a profound effect on emotions. In the bedroom, color should be used to create a calm and comfortable vibe. Achieve the look with warm earth tones like rich terra cotta and soft, cool colors in natural shades of blue, violet, and green. Avoid colors that stimulate the senses, like pinks, reds, and oranges.

4. Clear Clutter

It’s hard for the mind to calm down enough to sleep deeply when it’s surrounded by stimulating objects. The room should be free of anything that isn’t used for sleep and intimacy, including televisions, computers, family photos, and gaming systems. Avoid storing items under the bed or under mattresses, as feng shui practitioners note that this clutter can block the flow of energy within the room.

5. Consider Ideal Furniture Positioning

Another tip from feng shui concerns positioning of the bed, which should be as far from the door as possible while keeping the entrance in view. Placing the bed in the diagonal corner opposite the door promotes a feeling of safety while maintaining optimal energy flow. Experts also recommend against desks and mirrors, which can hinder restful energy.

6. Appeal to the Senses

Choose fabrics that create a cozy environment for the best sleep, such as soft, plush bedding and cushioned area rugs. Older mattresses should be replaced, especially when sleep is impacted. Most mattresses last about eight years, so anything older will negatively affect sleep. If a newer mattress is uncomfortable, a mattress topper can help. While it’s important not to overstimulate the senses, soft scents like lavender promote relaxation.

With these six tips, the bedroom becomes a sanctuary where occupants can rejuvenate and recharge for the day ahead.

What to Know When Sharing a Bed With a Pet

May 18, 2017 by buismattress Leave a Comment

Snuggling with furry family members can have surprising benefits for everyone. Feel free to dismiss the naysayers who tell horror stories about stained mattresses and focus on the positives of spending extended time with animals.

They Provide Stress Relief

Having a warm and furry presence in the bed at night can give pet owners a strong sense of calmness and relaxation; just look at therapy dogs as proof. In addition, those suffering from insomnia may feel more at peace with a dog or cat in the bed, hopefully leading to a better night’s sleep.

Your Personal Home Security System

Constantly worrying about burglars or intruders can be unsettling. Having a protective dog asleep at the foot of the bed can be comforting for many owners, especially those with children. Dogs have much better hearing than humans, and they’re cheaper than most home alarm systems!

Added Warmth on a Cold Night

A curled up pet on the mattress can give off a lot of body heat. While this may not be ideal in the summer, there’s nothing better than cuddling with a cozy pet on a cold winter night.

They Can Help Fight Depression and Anxiety

Feeling sad and lonely can be hard to bear. However, having a loving pet in the bed can be helpful for those dealing with depression or anxiety. Since dogs are known for their unconditional love, having this furry friend nearby can provide some needed comfort during hard times.

It’s Great for the Pets, Too!

As good as this sleeping arrangement is for humans, it has possibly stronger benefits for pets. Dogs usually have a strong devotion and connection to their masters. We often forget that they receive comfort from us just as we do with them. So, allowing them to sleep on the same mattress works only to strengthen that cherished bond.

With an attentive and adoring pet around that wants nothing more than to spend time with its owner, sharing a bed can be a win-win situation for everyone involved.