Sleep Well, Be Well

(ARA) - Many people are familiar with Ben Franklin's observation that "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." This founding father clearly understood the connection between a good night's sleep and a better quality of life. Like proper nutrition and exercise, sleep is essential to maintaining good health and well being, and most people spend 33 percent of their lives sleeping.

"Consumers should evaluate how their sleep environments and everyday habits affect the quality of their sleep," says Nancy Blatt, executive director of the Better Sleep Council. "For example, a comfortable and supportive mattress that enables better sleep is an investment in personal health and happiness."

To help consumers understand how their rituals and sleep environments influence other aspects of their lives, the Better Sleep Council has developed the Sleep Well, Be Well quiz, available on the Web at www.bettersleep.org.

Consumers who take the quiz will be directed to one of three categories, determined by their answers to lifestyle questions -- Well Rested and Clear Headed, 'Sleepy' but not 'Dopey' or Drowsy and Fuzzy -- each of which will provide them with additional sleep tips and resources for more information, including the Better Sleep Council's 10 Tips for Better Sleep:

1. Give yourself "permission" to go to bed

2. Unwind early in the evening

3. Develop a sleep ritual

4. Keep regular hours

5. Create a restful place to sleep

6. Sleep on a comfortable, supportive mattress and foundation

7. Exercise regularly

8. Cut down on stimulants

9. Don't smoke

10. Reduce alcohol intake

Courtesy of ARA Content