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If you are like many people in the Denver area, you may love summertime for the warmer weather, longer days, and plentiful opportunities for outdoor recreation. However, this season does have a few downsides. You might even find that it becomes more challenging for them to get an adequate amount of high-quality sleep! Why does that happen, and what can you do to get the rest you need? This blog post explains.
How Summertime Interferes with Sleep Quantity and Quality
Summer can negatively affect the quality and quantity of your sleep in a few ways:
- Warm temperatures. Most people sleep best in a slightly cool environment. If your home does not have AC, that can be nearly impossible to achieve.
- More daylight. With later sunsets, it can be easy to forget what time it is. You could easily stay awake past your usual bedtime!
- Busy schedules. Social engagements are plentiful in summertime. Whether you are enjoying concerts in the park or joining friends for drinks, you might find that you frequently stay out until late in the evening.
- Travel. If you are traveling this summer, jetlag and red-eye flights can seriously mess up your sleep routine.
Get Higher-Quality Rest This Summer
Here are a few things you can do that may help you to get the sleep you need this summer:
- Stick to a regular bedtime. A regular bedtime routine can help you fall asleep faster, even if it is still light outside or you have a busy schedule.
- Create a comfortable environment. If you do not have AC, a fan, some cooling bedsheets, and blackout curtains might create a bedroom environment that is more conducive to sleep.
- Create space in your schedule around trips. Try to reserve at least a full day before and after any vacations so your body can rest.
- Reduce your alcohol consumption. A cold beer or icy cocktail can be a refreshing way to wind down in the evening. Unfortunately, alcohol can reduce the quality of your sleep. It is best to finish drinking at least a few hours before bedtime.
- Monitor the quality of your sleep. If, despite good habits, you find that you are still struggling to feel well-rested, you might have a sleep disorder. For example, you could be suffering from sleep apnea. Fortunately, this condition is usually easy to treat with a custom oral appliance from a sleep dentist.
You should enjoy summertime, but do not let it rob you of the rest you need! Take steps to establish and stick to a good sleep routine throughout this season and well into the future.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Glenn Thompson and Gary Radz of Downtown Denver Sleep Solutions have both suffered from sleep apnea, so they have personal knowledge of what it feels like to suffer from poor-quality sleep! They are passionate about helping members of our community to experience the many benefits of high-quality, rejuvenating rest. If you believe you have sleep apnea, our team would be pleased to consult with you. Contact our office at 303-377-5337.