TRANQUIL TIPS

Sleepless in Singapore? Check out these soothing finds to help you sleep better.

SUNDAY BEDDING FRENCH LINEN SHEETS

Known for its rumpled aesthetic and natural feel, French linen is durable and ideal for air-conditioned rooms.

Retails from $355 per set at www.sundaybedding.com.

Singaporeans, according to studies, are one of the world’s most sleep-deprived populations. Covid-19 and its variants have also negatively impacted our stress levels, mental and emotional health, and work routines, disrupting sleep.

Getting enough sleep is vital to our mental and physical well-being. A lack of it slows cognitive processes and concentration. Other detrimental effects include anxiety and clinical depression, ageing skin and weight gain. We are at a greater risk of heart disease and diabetes as well.

During sleep, the body goes through non-REM and REM sleep cycles. REM or Rapid Eye Movement usually happens 90 minutes after you fall asleep and is associated with consolidating your memories. Your body repairs and rebuilds tissue, bones, and muscles while boosting the immune system as you sleep in the deep stages of non-REM. When you wake up exhausted, it is a sign that you are not getting enough deep sleep.

According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults need seven to nine hours of sleep while children and teens require eight to 12. The reasons Singaporeans lack sleep include Internet distractions and a culture of long work hours. Caffeine and alcohol can also impair sleep quality, so it is best to consume them earlier in the day.

Where do you start?