Rest

v.
1.) cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength
2.) allow to be inactive in order to regain strength, health, or energy
3.) place hope, trust, or confidence on or in.
n.
1.) an instance or period of relaxing or ceasing to engage in strenuous or stressful activity
2.) a motionless state
3.) an object that is used to support something.

It seems like rest can be a complicated thing — both a verb and a noun.

We understand, you are stressed...

If you aren't feeling rested when you wake up, despite getting to sleep at least 8 hours prior, then it might not be the quantity of your sleep that's the problem. It could be your sleep quality that needs some attention.

The amount of sleep you get is important, but equally important is the quality of that sleep. Just like you need a certain amount of sleep — seven to nine hours for most adults — you also need a certain proportion of that sleep to be what is known as "deep sleep."  Poor sleep can get in the way of productivity and set the stage for hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and even heart failure.

Deep sleep is the stage of sleep where your brain waves slow down and your entire body is able to rest. Deep sleep allows your body and brain to completely recover from the day before and prepare itself for the day ahead. It is absolutely vital for proper cognitive functioning, memory retention, physical vitality, and energy levels. Glucose metabolism in the brain increases during deep sleep, supporting short-term and long-term memory and overall learning.

Deep sleep is also when the pituitary gland secretes important hormones, like human growth hormone, leading to growth and development of the body.

Other benefits of deep sleep include:

  • energy restoration
  • cell regeneration
  • increased blood supply to muscles
  • promoting growth and repair of tissues and bones
  • strengthening the immune system

Tips for better sleep

Heat may promote more slow wave sleep. For example, taking a hot bath or spending time in a sauna before bed may help improve your sleep quality, or drinking a warm beverage, like Melt Into Zzz.

Getting enough sleep in general may also increase your deep sleep.

Here are some useful suggestions:

  • Put yourself on a bedtime schedule where you go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day.
  • Get plenty of exercise, research shows about 20 to 30 minutes each day is a good start, just avoid working out in the hours before bedtime.
  • Stick to water and other decaffeinated drinks before bed, like Melt Into Zzz.
  • Creating a bedtime routine to unwind from the day, like reading a book or taking a bath.
  • Banish bright lights and loud noises from your bedroom. Too much TV or computer time may make it hard to relax.
  • Don’t lay in bed tossing and turning. Consider getting up and doing a light activity, like reading, until you’re tired again.