Ah, sleep! We all need it, but for many of us, a good night’s sleep is elusive. Then too, it can be confusing to figure out how much sleep you actually need. Don’t worry! We’ve got the answers to your questions about sleep and how to get it.  

  • How much sleep do we actually need, anyway? One reason this is a topic that confuses is people is that sleep needs are subjective. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults between the ages of 18 and 64 get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night, but that’s a pretty wide window. The best way to tell if you’re getting enough sleep is to pay attention to your body, your mood, and how you function. If you’re wide-awake in the morning without having to hit the snooze button, you’re alert, your mood is good, and you’re at the top of your game, that means you’re getting enough sleep.  
  • Does the quality of sleep matter as much as the amount of sleep? Absolutely! Low-quality sleep prevents you from getting enough rest, which can have serious consequences. In the short-term, poor sleep can affect your judgment, your ability to learn and retain information, and your mood. It can also increase your risk of serious accidents or injury, and in the long term, it can cause health problems like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and early mortality.  
  • How can you know if you’re not getting enough sleep? There are several signs you’re suffering from sleep deprivation. You’re probably sleep deprived if you: 
    • Can’t wake up on time without an alarm clock 
    • Tend to hit the snooze button 
    • Struggle to get out of bed in the morning 
    • Hit a point in the afternoon at which you’re sluggish 
    • Find yourself getting sleepy in meetings or warm rooms 
    • Feel drowsy when you’re driving or after a heavy meal 
    • Often fall asleep when you’re trying to relax or watch tv 
    • Need to sleep in on the weekends 
    • Fall asleep as soon as you get into bed, or within 5 minutes 
  • What can you do if you’re not getting the sleep you need? You can improve your sleep by sticking to a sleep schedule, even on weekends, getting enough exercise, avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and sugary foods before bed, and turning off electronics before bedtime. It’s also smart to reevaluate your sleep environment, making sure your bedroom is at a cool, comfortable temperature, dark, and quiet. Find the right mattress and pillow, to ensure a good night’s sleep. 

If you’re looking for a good night’s sleep in Northern California, you owe it to yourself to check out Mancini's Sleepworld. Since 1969, the Mancini family has owned and operated their store in Sunnyvale, CA, selling brand name mattresses at fair prices and treating every customer with respect. Beginning an expansion in 1989, we now have 33 locations across the greater bay area, allowing for same day mattress delivery in most cases. To learn more about Mancini's Sleepworld, contact us through our website or call 800-647-5337.