Sleep is essential for our health and well-being. It is something we all need to keep our hearts, minds and bodies healthy.
A recent survey by the Massey University Sleep/Wake Research Centre reveals that one-quarter of Kiwis are not getting enough sleep. Further, approximately half of us never or rarely wake feeling refreshed in the morning, while one-third of us have difficulty falling asleep at night.
Dr Karyn O’Keeffe, Research Fellow at the Sleep/Wake Research Centre, says sleep is important for our overall well-being, health and our ability to function at our best.
"Without enough good quality sleep, our bodies experience more sensitivity to pain and stress. We can have slower reaction times, make poorer decisions, have trouble getting on with others and have poorer concentration and motivation. Longer term, a lack of sleep may also lead to an array of health problems, such as high blood pressure, weight gain and make us more susceptible to having a stroke, heart disease, diabetes, along with other illnesses."
On the positive side, Dr O’Keeffe confirms that better sleep health is able to be achieved for all New Zealanders, by simply making some small changes.
"Sleep can be improved and there are many lifestyle changes people can make to create a significant difference."
If you’re waking up in the morning feeling fatigued or uncomfortable, it might be time to invest in a new bed. And because we spend about one-third of our lives sleeping, it’s worth spending the time to find the right bed for you.
Sealy Posturepedic beds have all been designed to provide deep, relaxing sleep. Our top-of-the range Crown Jewel beds provide a sleep haven for your body to recharge and recover, whilst our luxurious Exquisite beds provide absolute comfort and support, helping to ensure a more restful sleep. Find out more information about our range of beds here.
When considering a new bed, a great place to start is our ‘bed selector’ - which asks a series of questions (such as your favourite sleeping position, preferred comfort levels … and more) then recommends the Sealy Posturepedic bed best for you. Try it for yourself here.
We chatted to some notable New Zealanders about what sleep means to them ... Here’s what they had to say:
"Sound sleep is a treasured function and one of the pillars of health, along with a balanced diet and adequate exercise. Whether it’s catching a solid eight hours overnight or enjoying a light doze in the afternoon, I absolutely adore quality sleep and how it makes me feel." – Libby Matthews, nutritionist.
"A good night’s sleep is just as important to me as what I eat. If you sleep well, you feel revitalised and that gives you the motivation and energy to eat well, exercise and get all the things you need to get done, done!" – Nadia Lim, chef and food writer.
"As an athlete, I’m always trying to make sure that my muscles, mind, and body are in top shape. And that means prioritising sleep. When I sleep well, I feel like I can take on the world!" – Maria Folau, Silver Fern.
Bringing morning rituals into your life can help improve your day, boost your overall well-being and enhance the quality of your sleep. Read through some tips to help a morning routine.
Having a regular bedtime routine is a great way to improve the quality of your sleep. Find some great ideas to help create a night-time routine.
To function at our best we need sleep - getting a good night’s rest is essential for our health and well-being.
With busy, action-packed schedules, many of us struggle to calm our minds for a restful sleep at night - try these mindfulness techniques to help you relax.
