In case you haven’t had a chance to look at our other Q&A sessions, I’m Brandon Jackson, a sleep expert at Gallery Furniture in Houston, TX. Every Tuesday, I reveal answers to some of your submitted questions and comments regarding anything sleep-related. I cannot stress the importance of sleep health enough, as it is the third pillar of health along with diet and exercise. No question is too small!
Q: Often times, I wake up many times and have trouble going back to sleep. I have a great bed and mattress already, but still I wake up. Is there any alternative to drugs to help me sleep through the night?
A: A lot of people, including myself, suffer from similar experiences. You may want to try exercising more, watching your diet–especially caffeine intake or sugar intake past the early afternoon (say 2PM). You also should try to get as much sunlight as you can in the morning, and throughout the day. Good for you avoiding drugs in your efforts to get more restful sleep!
Q: I sleep without a pillow, is this bad?
A: Absolutely not! Many people sleep comfortably without a pillow and have for centuries. If you are comfortable without one, and sleep restfully through the night or the sleep period your schedule allows (daytime for night shift workers), then by all means it is certainly okay. Thanks for asking!
Q: Hey Brandon. I hardly ever sleep for more than 4 hours in a row when I’m in bed. My bed is crappy. I’ve found that sleeping on the floor, on top of a puffy quilt and carpet, is better for me and my back. Is there anything “wrong” with that? People I’ve told tell me I’m crazy and I’m going to mess up my back. I beg to differ. I’d like your input on that. Thank you.
A: If you find a firm surface comfortable, it certainly will not cause you physical or mental problems as long as you are getting the appropriate amount of sleep (about 8 hours). People have slept on the floor or on a pallet for centuries with no detriment, they do also make ultra-firm mattresses where you may find a comfort level that you find ideal without having to sleep on the floor, but what you are describing does not sound harmful to me, and certainly should not “mess up your back.” Thank you!
Thank you all for participating with me! Email me at AskBrandonJackson@gmail.com to get an answer to your sleep question. Sleep is a unique experience for each of us. As long as you are comfortably getting 7-9 hours of high quality sleep, you are on the path to success!
No comments yet.