Sleep is one of the great mysteries of existence. We still don’t fully understand what it is and why we need it. Despite that, we know it is absolutely essential for our bodies to function and survive. Which is why issues like insomnia are so dangerous. Not getting enough sleep, or even not getting good sleep, can have devastating effects on your mental and physical health.
Humans have spent hundreds of years trying to figure out ways to improve our sleep. And, thanks to modern technology, it is now easier than ever before to get a better night’s sleep. In this guide we will be showing you how you can use technology to improve the quality of your sleep. And how it can be used to battle insomnia.
How Sleep Works
There is a lot of science behind sleep. And recent studies have shown that the amount of sleep you get each night isn’t all that matters. What matters is that you properly move through the five stages of sleep each night. The five stages of sleep are: wake, N1, N2, N3, and REM.
You will undoubtedly have heard the word REM before. It stands for Rapid Eye Movement. This is the stage of sleep where we dream. During this stage our brain consolidates information and memory. The Wake stage doesn’t actually mean you wake up. Rather it is when the cycle restarts and is where the body does most of its healing and aides in metabolic regulation.
A sleep cycle takes on average 3 hours. Which is why studies say that you should sleep in blocks of 3 hours. Dispelling the idea that you should get 8 hours of sleep a night. Ideally you want 6 or 9 hours a night.
Tracking Your Sleep
One of the reasons why you might not wake up feeling rested is because your sleep cycles were disturbed during the night. Tracking your sleep using a smartwatch can help you better understand where in your sleep cycle you are being disturbed. The data collected by a smartwatch can be used by a doctor to help you identify any underlying health issues that could be impacting your sleep.
Smartwatches are useful for tracking sleep, but the data they provide is only surface level. If you are suffering from serious sleep issues you should go for a Polysomnography. During this study they will attach various sensors to your body that can monitor your brainwaves, heart rate, and much more. From this they can more accurately find the issue with your sleeping habits.
Dry Herb Vapes
If you really struggle with falling asleep you should consider investing in a dry herb vape. This is a healthy way to consume medical cannabis. Many medical professionals have started prescribing cannabis to battle insomnia. Cannabis is extremely good at this as it affects both the mind and body. It can dull pain, reduce both mental and physical stress, reduce muscle tension, and helps release more dopamine and serotonin.
There have been a lot of studies into which strain of medical cannabis is more useful when combating insomnia. The most recent results suggest that indica is the best medical cannabis for battling insomnia. So when you speak to your doctor about getting a cannabis prescription, make sure to enquire about which strain they are giving you.
White Noise Machines
White noise machines are extremely popular sleep aids. The idea is simple. They produce a calming sound throughout the night, helping you sleep better. That noise can be customized to your preference. Some people have the sound of waves gently lapping against a shore. Others have rain gently falling against a window. You will soon find the sound that works for you.
The primary reason why white noise machines work is that they mask other natural sounds that may disturb your sleep. It also works on the principle of conditioning. As you use them more your body will associate the noise with sleep. This creates a feedback loop that actually tricks your brain into thinking it should be asleep while this noise is present.
Temperature Control
Temperature is a vital part of the sleeping process. You will undoubtedly know what it is like when it’s simply too hot or too cold to sleep. And, during the night, rapid changes in temperature can disturb your sleep cycle.
There are a number of useful gadgets you can use to help better regulate your temperature while you sleep. Water mattress toppers are one such tool. Connected to a temperature controlled pump, these toppers slide over your mattress and can provide a consistent cooling temperature all night. A humidifier is also a great tool if you suffer from sinus issues. They increase the moisture in the air which reduces dryness in the nose and throat, helping you get a better night’s sleep.
