It’s no secret to most of us that a good night’s sleep helps us feel more rested, energetic, and able to take on the day. However, recent research has revealed that environmental pollutants such as air pollution, heat, carbon dioxide, and noise can all detrimentally affect our quality of sleep, especially for those living in urban areas where these factors tend to be at much higher levels than rural locations.
By understanding how air pollution and other factors influence our sleeping patterns, we can develop strategies and solutions to help minimize the negative impact they may have.
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The new study published in Sleep Health was one of the first to measure multiple environmental variables in the bedroom and examine the association with sleep efficiency. Researchers compared sleep efficiency during exposures to environmental variables and measured from the highest 20 percent of levels versus the lowest 20 percent of levels.
It was found that high noise was associated with a 4.7 percent decrease in sleep efficiency compared to low noise plus high carbon dioxide with a 4.0 percent decline, Low levels with high temperature with a 3.4 percent decline compared to low temperature, and high air pollution with a 3.2 percent decline compared to low air pollution.
Due to these findings, researchers suggest that more studies may be needed to help build interventions to improve sleep efficiency by reducing exposure to sleep-disrupting factors.
“This could be as simple as leaving a bedroom door open to lower carbon dioxide levels, and using triple-pane windows to reduce noise,” Bhatnagar said study author, Aruni Bhatnagar, Ph.D.. “We also applied for funding that will allow us to investigate whether planting trees can improve sleep and cardiovascular health through improving health behaviors and the bedroom environment.”
In today’s environment, many people are suffering from poor sleep efficiency. This lack of proper sleep has previously been linked to a higher risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, depression, and dementia, so it is vital that we find resources to help people get the sleep they need.
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As this study shows, many factors can play into poor sleep. However, with proper knowledge and a few lifestyle changes, everyone can benefit from a good night’s sleep.
Promoting Optimal Sleep
Sleep Sure Plus is designed to help promote optimal sleep and restfulness through a variety of ingredients. One of the most important ingredients included in this unique formula is melatonin.
Melatonin is a hormone essential for regulating the circadian rhythm (the internal clock of the body). Sleep Sure Plus also contains valerian, one of the best natural ingredients for promoting rest and relaxation. These two essential ingredients are joined by another 6, which all work together to provide a better quality of sleep.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
