March, 2024
Research shows that Finnish people sleep above average. What their secrets are? You can read about that here.
Not only are they happy above average, in Finland, they also sleep better. Must be related, the British Happy Beds team reasoned. They extracted these seven tips from the northerners.
1. Freshen your comforter weekly - Almost half the population does not wash their comforter, but hangs it outside. The cold air acts as a washing machine.
2. Go for two comforters - Do you have a partner? Finns go for separate comforters. One per person. Smart, because the temperature is better regulated and you have less trouble with the other person turning. Studies show that couples who do this spend more time in deep sleep.
3. Air your bedroom, even when it's cold - Leave your bedroom window open for at least 15 minutes before bedtime, as they do in Finland. Some even let their baby sleep outside. Exposure to the cold is said to better regulate body temperature, thus calming your body.
4. Walk before your first cup of coffee - Finns have a coffee-break tradition. Many take their first cup of comfort at lunch, or while walking in nature. Twenty minutes outside with your coffee at lunch can positively affect your circadian rhythm, making you more alert. Then as evening approaches, cortisol levels drop again and melatonin (the sleep hormone) emerges.
5. Air your cushions - You can also air pillows outside regularly. One in four people keep their pillows longer than two years, but it's healthier to replace them with fresh, new ones every two years.
6. Undergo a sauna session - Typical tip from the Finnish people, of course: the sauna. If you go in the evening, you will experience a positive effect on your sleep quality and duration. It relaxes your muscles during sleep and you lie around less tossing and turning.
7. Warm bath - A warm bath before bed can also work wonders, according to the Finns. Add a few drops of soothing essential oils, such as lavender, chamomile or eucalyptus, to lower your cortisol (the stress hormone) levels.
