Losing a spouse or loved one often complicates finances, socializing, and even physical health. Often, your stress levels are elevated, and as a result, you start losing more sleep. Getting quality sleep can help you in many ways. Here are some useful items to help you sleep better.
- Air purifier
Studies have shown that household allergens, chemicals from cleaners, and even furniture flame retardants can pollute the air in your home. Cleaning up the air and reducing allergens or irritants is a critical part of getting adequate sleep and feeling better. An air purifier can help you expel some of the toxins in your home. There are purifiers of all sizes and prices that will best meet your needs.
- New mattress
Chronic pain from arthritis or other conditions requires a mattress that is simultaneously soft enough to cushion pressure points and joints, while also providing firm enough support. A new mattress can help you sleep more soundly and comfortably. If you’re experiencing excessive back pain or other problems with your sleep, a new mattress might be in order.
- Sleep mask
According to Shape, sleep masks can help improve the basic biology of your sleep by improving melatonin production and reducing light disturbances. Some sleep masks can even help muffle noise. A good sleep mask should fit comfortably around your head without hurting you, and rest on your eyes in a way that it covers up any excess light.
- White noise machine
Sources suggest that an important part of any bedtime routine is including things that help to relax you and reduce your stress. The gentle sound of a white noise machine can drown out background disturbances and give you something quiet to focus on as you fall asleep. Some white noise machines are no larger than your palm and can be placed on a bedside table.
- Cooling pillow
If you’re one of those people who likes to flip over the pillow to get the cool side, you’re in luck. Research has actually demonstrated that cooling off the head and neck area is an important part of increasing the amount of sleep you get. Thanks to modern technology, there are cooling pillows that maintain a constant temperature, and help you stay asleep and regulate your body temperature.
- Blackout curtains
Articles on building sleep routines often recommend that you find a way to reduce excess light. Light from electronics can interfere with your body’s natural production of melatonin, a chemical which helps you feel tired and sleep well. Blackout curtains are a great way for you to give your room a sleepier feeling without having to change up too much. You can always open them up in the morning and enjoy the light.
- Fans
Our bodies naturally cool themselves down slightly when we sleep, which is why using a fan to circulate air and help cool things down can be beneficial for sleep. Some fans are specialized bed fans that blow air under the covers. You can also get a regular rotating fan to circulate air throughout your room. If the fan dries you up, get one with a timer on it so you can fall asleep to the noise of the fan without feeling like you’ve fallen asleep in the desert.
These tools can be extremely useful for improving sleep in the wake of losing a loved one. However, making lifestyle changes, like exercising and avoiding unhealthy food, is also important to work through grief and get quality rest. Sleep may be difficult to come by at first. As you continue over time to take care of yourself, you too can enjoy the benefits of sleep.