Let's Talk About Sleep

Sleep facts, let's talk:

Fact: Over 70% of Australians now sleep for 7 hours or less with over 33% getting just 5-6 hours.

Fact: Sleep disorders cost the Australian economy more than $5.1 billion a year in health care and indirect costs.

Fact: More than 1.5 million Australian adults, 9% of the adult population, now suffer from sleep disorders.

Fact: Poor quality and lack of sleep can affect our mood, and productivity and have been suggested to impact back and neck pain.

So, surely the solution is for everyone to just get more sleep each night? If only that was the case. With busier lives, demanding jobs, family or money pressures, this is impossible for most. However, instead of worrying about the number of hours of sleep you can’t get, focus on the quality of the sleep you can get. For many of us, a sensible, regular bedtime and a comfortable bed and pillow are the keys to sleeping well.

Your mattress:

We spend more time in our beds than in our cars, yet most of us would not think to test out a mattress before purchasing. Check that your mattress has not exceeded its life expectancy, which on average is 8 years, as this may have a huge impact on achy or stiff joints.  

Everyone’s needs are different but the mattress material (i.e. latex, pocket sprung, and memory foam) can have a huge impact on the quality of your sleep. The firmness of the mattress is crucial; if you are suffering from back pain a firmer mattress may be better for you. Equally important is the type and quality of the base, which will provide additional support during your sleep.

Your pillows:

Many of us underestimate just how much of a difference having the right pillow makes to the quality of our sleep and how we feel. If you suffer from neck and shoulder pain, you may find your pillow is the culprit.

The correct pillow and positioning can help align the spine as you sleep, alleviating or preventing many common back and neck conditions. The height of your pillow depends on your sleeping position and body shape - if you sleep on your back you will need a slim pillow which puts the spine in the mid-line position whereas a thicker pillow will provide more support if you sleep on your side. In an ideal world, we recommend you replace them at least every 3 years.

You’re sleeping environment.

Ensure the last 30 minutes before your bedtime are free of all electrical devices (such as TVs and laptops), caffeine, heavy meals, intense exercise and bright lights. Instead, dedicate this time to a calming activity such as reading.  Experts recommend that your bedroom should be cool (between 15 and 19 degrees) and free from any noise, bright lights or smells that may disturb your sleep. A simple solution may be to use devices such as ear plugs, fans, blackout curtains, eye masks or humidifiers.

You can also read here for my 6 Ways to Optimise Sleep. Happy sleeping!! This blog "Let's Talk About Sleep " was written by Whole Health Osteopath Dr. Jess. Whole Health Osteopathy was established in 2017 and is located at 855 Plenty Road, South Morang, 3752.