4 Ways to Regulate Your Sleep Through Daylight Savings

This Sunday, the U.S, Canada, and most of Western Europe will participate in the spring event of Daylight Savings Time. A day where, twice per year, we adjust our clocks in order to get the most efficient levels of daylight possible. Along with saving energy, the perks are plentiful – but that doesn't mean we like losing an hour of sleep once a year … even if we do get to gain it back later. 

In fact Arizona, parts of Canada, and countries in three other continents have since done away with the practice altogether, opting for standard time year-round. 

For the rest of the population who will be operating on a 23-hour-day this weekend, use these tips to avoid losing out on sleep. And to help keep your body regulated on your new, earlier-than-usual hour. 

1. Ease in With an Earlier Bedtime

We get it, it's hard to sleep when it's still. And it's even harder to get up when it's dark, but the clock will still tick, no matter how unhappy you are about it. If you're not a morning person, go to bed a little earlier at night until you're acclimated to the shift. Even 15 minutes can help.

2. Keep Your Morning Routine

Just a few weeks ago the sun was still sleeping in – so waking before sunrise should be an easy change. Just stick to your daily routine; do the same things at the same times and you'll have an easier adjustment.

3. Absorb Morning Light

Once the sun does come up, soak it in. Even when indoors, the presence of natural light helps to wake the body and can naturally perk up your senses.

4. Power Through

It's safe to say you'll be tired, especially for the first few days. However, sleeping in or skipping chores will only make it harder to adjust. Instead, fake being rested until your body has officially adjusted. 

Don't forget to set your clocks back this Sunday, March 13^th – the jump will take place at 2 am local time and will move your respective time zone to DST until fall. 

Be sure to stay rested through the jump with these proven tips.  

Continue Reading

New Year's Resolutions That Add Comfort

Without a proper night of sleep, it can be difficult to get through the day. Without a few nights of proper sleep, daily functions seem almost impossible. And that's putting it lightly. Because the more rest that's missed out on, the more difficult it can be to enjoy life, and the more we want to be curled up in bed – whether or not it provides us with relaxation. 

That's also why ensuring yourself comfort is a great way to step into 2016. With a bed that's restful and supportive, you can be sure to get as much sleep as necessary throughout the entire year. 

In order to stay relaxed each night, evaluate your current setup. How old is your mattress? How supportive is your pillow? Have you been warned about snoring or waking throughout the night but never been to see a doctor? Whatever comfort moves you've been putting off, now is the time to move forward. With getting a foam mattress cover, a new head cradling pillow, or finally booking your appointment to get looked at for sleep apnea. Each of which can provide years of personalized support.

In contrast, you're left to rest as-is, waking with the same aches and pains, and suffering from the same sleep-related issues. Instead, look to the above, or talk with your doctor about implementing even further solutions.

With these few simple changes, you can become better rested, have more support, and be more comfortable throughout the entire year. And if you're still on the fence about making such a change, look no further than our Comfort Guarantee. Choose an item that qualifies and you're able to return your product – for any reason – for up to 90 days. We're that confident you'll love it. 

Head to the Contour store to get started with your new sleep habits today.

Continue Reading

What's the Ideal Sleeping Temperature?

You might have heard that it's better to sleep in a chilly room. You might even agree from personal experience. But did you know there is actually science behind this old wives' tale? And as to just how cool that room should be? The stats have been taken, the studies done, and the results are in – letting us know the absolute ideal sleeping temp each and every night. And the answer is … whatever is most comfortable, generally between 65 and 72 degrees. Much warmer or cooler and the body is more likely to wake frequently.

Due to different body types, sizes, and preferences, folks were shown to sleep deeper at different degrees. With their bodies also running at varied "norms." However, one thing remained in common: those who slept in a cooler room at night vs. what was comfortable during the day gained better rest. When your body sleeps, your core temperature actually goes down – because you're resting and working to save energy. It's a move that our body takes care of on its own. Achieving this lower temp is much easier when your house itself is chillier at night … vs. forcing the body to cool itself against your bedroom environment. 

These nighttime temps can be found by manually or auto setting a thermostat. Keep a small heater in your living space to add warmth while you're awake, or light a fire. It will raise the thermostat while you're up and aware of your degrees. Then once bedtime hits, the fire will have died down and the house will cool itself off overnight. Allowing you to rest even more soundly throughout the night. 

Look to these simple thermostat adjustments, and keep track of what range is most comfortable for you and your family, and earn access to a scientifically proven way to sleep better. 

Continue Reading

How to Sleep Better on a Plane

Catching rest while traveling isn't exactly the easiest task. Sometimes it's even an impossible task – depending on your schedule and how many children are in close proximity. But when the timing is right, which is to say you have a long flight and courteous co-travelers – naps are a welcome occurrence. In order to gain rest even with distractions in place, we look to the help of industry pros. Flight attendants who offer their best advice at achieving sleep while traveling on a plane.

They suggest:

Boarding the plane without expectations of sleep. Sure it'd be great, but assuming it'll be a quiet, smooth ride is the easiest way for that to not occur. Instead, go in knowing that you'd like to sleep, but there's a good possibility it won't happen. Those who feel entitled to sleep, the flight attendants said, become the most irritable. Adding that reminding yourself how much you need rest is the best way to not be able to sleep – no matter where you're trying to doze. 

Window seats are also ideal for sleeping, as there's slightly more space to rest. (Rather than being wedged between two strangers.) They also point out seats that line up with interior lines so you can keep yourself alongside windows, rather than offset or near an uneven surface. 

Comfortable clothes are also key, such as pants with excess room and shoes that don't fasten too tight. Flying causes the human body to bloat and temporarily grow, meaning clothes can become even tighter in-air. 

Finally, plan for success. Pack a neck pillow, eye shades, back supports – whatever will help bring you comfort. You can also ask flight attendants for a blanket to help keep warm. Compiling all of the above, they say, can provide one of the most perfect recipes for in-air sleep. Keep them in mind the next time you travel. [Yahoo]

Continue Reading

Need an Excuse to Sleep Better? Check out These Funny YouTube Videos

The term “sleeping around” has long since had a sexual connotation. When taken in the more literal sense, however, sleeping around can simply mean sleeping – actually sleeping – in several places other than one’s bed. This can mean falling asleep in school, in the car (hopefully not while driving), in one’s sitting chair, or anywhere else where nodding off isn’t exactly comfortable. Sure, in some of these instances naps are taken on purpose, but when you’re too tired to stay awake in everyday situations, this can become a problem. One known as impromptu sleeping around.

Firm believers in the art of gaining a good night’s sleep, there is now an entire YouTube channel dedicated to this cause. Combined with its entertaining videos, Stop Sleeping Around allows viewers to learn about better sleep while laughing at those who aren’t. Or rather, laughing with them. In each short, someone is falling asleep while said fall or slow drift, is caught by a sleuth-y cameraman. For instance, a teacher falling out of her chair in the middle of class, or an unsuspecting guest diving headfirst into their dinner plate.

Like this one:


Whether using these videos for entertainment or for inspiration to get better sleep, they’re a great example as to what can happen when one doesn’t properly rest. Recharging is one of the body’s most important functions, and depriving it for too long can lead to more problems than just a sudden bout of sleep. But, by taking steps toward regular rest, you can easily keep health functions at their highest while avoiding an embarrassing sleep display in public.

To learn more about getting a better night of sleep at night or to tune into Stop Sleeping Around’s videos, head to their YouTube channel.

Continue Reading