Best Sleep Tips for City Dwellers: New studies show that lifestyle in the town has a negative impact on sleep quality. Nobody goes to bed on time in the city because they are disturbed by noise, air pollution, and artificial light. Professionals are of the opinion that the elements bring about an imbalance in the sleep cycle, which in turn may culminate in disastrous health conditions.
Sleep Duration in Major U.S. Cities.
The research results of a study conducted by the sleep technology company Simba revealed that New York inhabitants sleep for an average of six hours and 36 minutes. It is much less than the seven to nine hours which is recommended. According to different boroughs, the residents of Staten Island are the ones who get the least amount of sleep, six hours and 18 minutes on average. The Bronx and Brooklyn are not so far behind, though with an average of six hours and 30 minutes. Manhattan and Queens have the highest mean, at six hours and 42 minutes.
Specialists discus that in cities, poor sleep patterns are due to the tension and overworking. People residing in noisy settings, in addition, often wake up several times at night. Consequently, a sleep with alternate periods of disruption and continuity, thereby compromising health and work performance, is experienced by them.
The Role of Green Spaces in Quality of Sleep.
The research indicates that residents of the urban areas that are near the parks and green spaces tend to have a good sleep. The scientists at the University of Exeter identified that people from the city who live in an environment that has nature usually sleep longer and feel more refreshed. Green belts provide one a good social condition and promote relaxation, an essential aspect of better mental health.
Moreover, the research study, which involved 18,000 people in various countries, emphasizes that natural areas play a vital role. Dr. Leanne Martin, the leader of the study, says, “Residents in the vicinity of green spaces usually show improvement in mental well-being which results in better sleep quality.”
Experts have come up with a solution that can help you improve your rest, whether it means spending your time in parks or including plants in the areas where you live.
Challenges in City Sleep Environments
Speaking of the urban areas, we can discover many obstacles to the way to the quality of the sleep. Below is a list of major problems:
- Noise Pollution: Street congestion, building site, and the noises coming from the entertainment areas/snacks will upset your night’s sleep during the night. The constant exposure to loud sounds is a cause of stress and sleep disruptions.
- Lights from the night: The strong lights from the streetlamps, roadside billboards, and buildings tend to influence the production of melatonin. This hormone is crucial in regulating sleep.
- Air Pollution: The bad air quality situation in cities is also a trigger of sleep disorders. The polluted air provokes breathing issues, turning into sleepless nights.
Tips for Better Sleep in the City
However, there are also some factors which, can’t be denied the city’s inhabitants do have better sleep quality than others in rural areas. It is because in the city there are actually methods and ways to improve the situation. The experts accomplished the following strategies and the next set could be a source of help:
- Use Blackout Curtains: Keeping the streetlights away from your window and the neon signs off are effective because the sleep environment is darker and quieter.
- Invest in White Noise Machines: Buyers of such devices are lucky, as they reduce the sounds of the city and replace them with such an entrancing sound that is perfect for a calm sleep without any disturbances.
- Limit Screen Time Before Bed: The blue light that enters the eyes due to the prolonged use of smartphones and watching the TV on the bed will destroy the balance of melatonin levels. No screens are allowed at least a whole hour before sleeping time.
- Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule: The natural rhythms of the body are harmonious with sleeping patterns, and when you go to bed and get up at the same time day by day, the body accordingly works as clockwork.
- Keep Indoor Plants: Having plants and cultivable acolytes can be one of the healthier options for air purification in the office and the room and thereby it can be soothing for your mind and help the quality of sleep you get.
Why Sleep Matters
Sleep is important for general health. Bad sleep leads to diseases of the heart, obesity, and mental disorders. According to investigations, people who sleep for less than six hours a night are at a higher risk of serious diseases.
Dr. Lisa Carter, a sleep expert, emphasizes, “The lack of sleep takes away the immune system’s strength and makes us feel stressed. It’s important to take good rest, not let other things be more important.”
The sleep issue is challenging in the city, but even small changes can cause a big effect. If you focus on building a comfortable sleep space, reducing exposure to noise, and spending time in nature you will notice the improvement of your sleep. The citizens of the city should do everything necessary to help protect their sleep health.
To get further information on research into sleep and the tips to stay healthy, do not hesitate to visit our website frequently.