Most of us today are monophasic sleepers. That means we sleep for just one segment each day, typically during the nighttime hours. But this is a relatively modern sleep pattern.  From as early as the stone age and up to the 17th century, people typically slept in multiple separate segments. They would wake up in the middle of the night, have an interlude for an hour or two, then drift back to sleep till morning.  This type of sleep involving two sleep segments is called biphasic sleep. If you sleep for more than two segments, it is called polyphasic sleep.  Brief History of Biphasic and Polyphasic Sleep? Sleeping for a single continuous period each night seems pretty normal. Having more...

Daytime naps can be good or bad for your sleep at night depending on when you nap and how long you nap. Generally, a short nap (less than 30 minutes) taken earlier in the day is the best if you don't want it to interfere with your sleep at night.  Benefits of Napping  Power naps during the day can help you get back on track if you are feeling tired, sleepy or you are unable to focus. Many of us automatically turn to coffee for a zap of energy. But a nap is far more effective at boosting energy levels and mental performance compared to coffee, and there’s an actual study to prove it.  If anything, that cup of coffee...

While it’s a highly effective way of dealing with a snoring partner or different sleep preferences, a sleep divorce (where couples sleep in separate beds or bedrooms) has some significant drawbacks. It can negatively affect your intimacy, reduce the quality of your sex life and even cause resentment in your marriage.  So before you part ways at night, consider the following alternatives.  1. Fix Whatever’s Causing The Problem  Most couples opt for a sleep divorce because of an issue that keeps one or both partners from sleeping well. Some common issues include snoring, different sleep preferences, varying sleep patterns and too much tossing and turning.  Try to find a solution to the particular problem before you sleep separately. We’ve highlighted...

“Honey, I think we should get a divorce.”  “Whaaat? Why?”   “Uhh, sorry…I meant, a sleep divorce.” Much like an actual divorce, these are words you hope never to hear from your partner or even say them yourself. But at some point, for both your sake, a sleep divorce is something you have to seriously consider.  What Is Sleep Divorce? Don’t worry, a sleep divorce doesn't mean an end to your marriage. If anything, it will probably make it better. It also doesn't mean one of you has to move out.  A sleep divorce means sleeping separately. It could be separate beds or separate bedrooms. To be honest, I think the term ‘sleep divorce’ is unfortunate as it has a negative...

Blue light is the new big enemy of sleep. We are told that blue light from our phones, TVs and other gadgets is messing up with our sleep quality. At the same time, there has been a huge increase in blue light blocking glasses, which purport to protect your eyes from this harmful exposure.  But do blue light glasses actually help you sleep better?  What Is Blue Light? Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum. Blue light, along with indigo and violet have the shortest wavelengths. That means blue light has a high frequency and carries more energy compared to other colors like red, orange and yellow.  There’s blue light all around us. The sun gives off blue...

Insomnia can be a frustrating condition to deal with. Because so many issues can lead to it, it can be difficult to narrow down the exact causes of your sleeping problem.  The circular relationship between insomnia and its causes can also make it challenging to treat it. For example stress causes insomnia, which causes more stress, which worsens insomnia…on and on it goes. So you have to find a way to improve your sleep quality while also dealing with the root issue at the same time.  So you’ll need all the help you can get to tackle insomnia, including making lifestyle changes and adding a few essentials to your bedroom. Here are 10 products that are great for insomniacs.   1....

We’ve talked a lot on this blog about hot sleepers and how they can enjoy better sleep. But what about those who get cold at night? Is there any hope for them? Fortunately, it is a lot easier for cold sleepers to get warmer than it is for hot sleepers to cool down. Typically, a couple extra blankets or a warmer comforter is enough to cozy up your bed. Below are our top recommendations for the best type of bedding for cold sleepers (as well as winter weather).  Best Bedsheets for Cold Sleepers & Cold Weather  Breathability is important whether you are getting sheets to keep you cool or warm. So just because polyester sheets tend to get too hot,...

People with sensitive and acne-prone skin have to be super careful about what comes into contact with their skin. Anything from the cream they use to the clothes they wear can trigger a reaction or cause a breakout.  You also have to be careful about your bedding. Considering you are in contact with it for hours every night, the wrong sheets or mattress can cause serious skin problems.  In this post, we recommend sleep-related products for people with sensitive and acne-prone skin.  1. Silk Pillowcases & Sheets If you have the budget, silk bedding is the absolute best for your skin. Make sure it is 100% natural mulberry silk, and not synthetic satin fabric.  For one, silk is super soft...

The human body is wired to run on a 24-hour circadian rhythm that mostly responds to varying levels of light during the day and night. Daytime signals being awake and darkness signals it’s time to sleep. Try as you might, it’s really difficult to switch the body to a different cycle.  That’s why many shift workers suffer from sleep difficulties and disorders. If you have to work when your body knows it should be asleep, that means you have to force yourself to sleep when your circadian clock says you should be awake.  If you are a shift worker, here are five things that can help you sleep better during the day.  1. Blackout Curtains The biggest sleep challenge for...

Enjoying amazing sex in your bedroom is not just about having good moves and great chemistry. Even if you have all those, there’s a lot in your bedroom that can derail your sex life. Details like lighting, hygiene, smell and even the kind of mattress and bedding you have matter a lot when it comes to good sex.  If you want to up your game, here are some bedroom essentials you should get.  1. A Comfortable and Responsive Mattress  Most people don't think about sex when shopping for a new mattress. But if you are sexually active, how good a mattress is during a romp matters a lot.  Let’s start with what to avoid. You don't want a mattress that...