Rest Easy - Using All Your Senses to Get Sensational Sleep

Often we think of sleep as a time when our senses all but shut off. It seems as if our resting mind becomes wrapped in a filter through which common sights, sounds and smells cannot pass. Only very intrusive stimulants such as the blaring of the alarm clock or a sudden flash of bright light appear to penetrate the barrier and alert us.

Research is now showing us a very different picture of the resting brain. It seems that even as we sleep our minds continue to respond to stimulants from all of our senses regardless of whether they actually awaken us. By understanding how these subtle signals from each of our senses affects sleep we can achieve truly sensational sleep.

Sight

When exploring the impact of light on sleep the most common place to look is eliminating obvious light sources. Multiple studies have shown that even small amounts of light (such as that from a glowing alarm clock) can interfere with sleep quality. When trying to improve your sleep environment just remember, if it glows it goes. Not being able to see the clock can be a benefit in its self. Checking the clock when your are having trouble sleeping can increase stress and make sleep even more elusive.

Ambient light is not the only way sight impacts sleep. There are indications that even brief exposure to light -- even light that does not wake you up -- can interfere with sleep. The flash of headlights, or the glow from the adjoining bathroom can signal your brain to move from deeper to lighter levels of sleep.

Light blocking shades or curtains can help cut the outside distractions. You may also need to work with your family to help remove distractions introduced by the resident night owl. If you are unable to get the lights down, consider a sleep mask.

Hearing