Consumer Reports offers steps to help people slumber more soundly in times of stress.
The coronavirus pandemic is clearly not helping any of us sleep more soundly. But other factors may also be messing with your slumber. Aging may increase the likelihood of developing conditions that can affect sleep, such as obstructive sleep apnea, arthritis, and reflux disease, says Jeanne Duffy, Ph.D., a neuroscientist in the division of sleep and circadian disorders at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
There’s no temperature that is optimal for everyone. The National Sleep Foundation advises aiming for 60 to 67 degrees. Find a temperature that feels comfortable, neither too hot or too cold.
Staying indoors may affect your sleep cycle and make it harder for you to nod off at night. Getting out in daylight can help, especially if you combine outdoor time with exercise.
