Feeling drained while working from home? It might not be the endless emails or video calls — it could be your sleep! The quality of your sleep (and your mattress!) greatly impacts your productivity during the day.
That's why proper sleep setup is vital; it boosts your focus, memory, decision-making skills, energy, and overall work performance! And since we at Stucky's Furniture and Appliance are the sleep experts, we'll show what you need to find the perfect balance between productivity and quality rest!
Picking the Perfect Mattress for Peak Productivity
Tossing and turning all night does not lead to a good workday; sometimes, it feels like you didn't get anything done. And if nothing changes, those days keep coming, which is why a supportive mattress is more crucial than you might think!
- Proper Support: A mattress that supports your spine keeps your body aligned, which means fewer aches and pains in the morning. Without discomfort, you're more likely to wake up refreshed and ready to concentrate.
- Firmness Based on Sleep Position: Side sleepers usually need a softer mattress to cushion pressure points, while back and stomach sleepers benefit from firmer mattresses that align their spines. Choose a mattress that matches how you sleep for deeper, uninterrupted rest.
- Temperature Regulation: Look for mattresses with cooling technologies like gel foam or breathable materials that help regulate your body temperature through the night (like latex) so you don't wake up sweaty and sluggish.
- Durability: If your mattress is over 7 years old or you wake up sore, it's probably time for a new one. A high-quality, durable mattress ensures long-lasting support to help you consistently get the sleep you need to stay focused at work.
Creating a Sleep-Friendly Work Environment
When your office and bedroom share the same space, it's easy for the lines between work and rest to blur. But setting up a clear separation between the two is vital to maintaining productivity and getting quality sleep!
- Designate a Work Zone: Keep your work setup outside the bedroom if possible. If space is limited, create a specific work area, even if it's just a desk in a corner, to help your brain distinguish between work time and rest time.
- Keep Work Out of Bed: Using your bed for work might seem comfortable, but it trains your brain to associate the bed with alertness instead of sleep. Stick to using your bed for sleep and relaxation only, so when you lay down, your body knows it's time to rest.
- Optimize Your Sleep Environment: Block out the light with blackout curtains, keep the temperature cool (around 60 to 67°F is ideal), and reduce noise with earplugs or a white noise machine. The more comfortable and calm your space, the better you'll sleep — and the more focused you'll feel during the day.
Balancing Work and Rest
When working from home, it's easy to let work spill over into every corner of your day — sometimes even into your sleep! But if you find the right balance between work and rest, it'll help you stay focused and energized while avoiding burnout.
- Stick to a Sleep Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, aiming for 7 to 9 hours of sleep. This keeps your internal clock consistent, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up without feeling groggy.
- Take Meaningful Breaks: Step away from your workspace every 60 to 90 minutes, even just for a few minutes of stretching or walking. Research shows that regular breaks help reset your focus and keep energy levels up.
- Set a Hard Stop for Work: Set a specific time each day when you're officially done with work to help shift your brain from work to rest (that means no late-night emails, no quick tasks!).
Healthy Habits for Better Sleep and Productivity
A restful night's sleep doesn't start at bedtime — it's shaped by your choices throughout the day. By building healthy habits during and after work, you set yourself up for better sleep and more productive days.
- Set a Daily Wind-Down Routine: After wrapping up your workday, signal the end with a relaxing activity like a 10-to-15-minute walk, light stretching, or reading to help turn off your "work-brain" for the day.
- Optimize Your Workspace Lighting: Maximize exposure to natural light during work hours, or use bright daylight bulbs to keep your energy levels up. In the evening, switch to dimmer, warmer lights at least an hour before bed to help your body produce melatonin for easier sleep.
- Light Meals for Better Sleep: Avoid heavy meals high in fat or spice within 2 to 3 hours of bedtime, as they can cause indigestion or discomfort that disturbs sleep. Instead, choose lighter options like a salad or small protein-rich snacks to support restful sleep.
- Smart Hydration: Stay hydrated throughout the day (about 8 glasses of water), but limit fluid intake an hour or two before bed to avoid waking up at night.
- Gentle Movement Before Bed: Do light stretching or a 10-minute yoga routine to release tension from sitting or standing throughout the day, relax your body, and improve sleep quality.
Snooze, Don't Lose
As you can see, great sleep and productivity don't just go hand-in-hand; it's the natural progression! So, if your current mattress is leading to grueling workdays that you can't keep your eyes open for, don't wait; stop by Stucky's Furniture and Appliance and find your new mattress! We have plenty of top brand-name mattresses that'll improve your sleep and give you the work boost you need!
And if you have any questions, call or stop by! We're always happy to help with your sleep!