Blog > Reddit on Sleep: 15 Science-Backed Tips from r/sleep 2024
Reddit on Sleep: 15 Science-Backed Tips from r/sleep 2024
15 Science-Backed Tips from Reddit on Sleep
If you’ve never heard of Reddit, it’s a social discussion site where people from all walks of life get together to discuss issues of all kinds. What makes Reddit different from sites like Facebook and Twitter is its upvote and downvote feature. Users vote posts up or down depending on the quality that they offer. Since users vote based on quality, Reddit can be a great site to look for advice and tips. Tips that aren’t factual or evidence-based are typically downvoted into obscurity, while high-quality tips and solid advice receive hundreds if not thousands of upvotes from Reddit users.
There are multiple Reddit communities, called subreddits, that are dedicated to individual interests. For example, r/getmotivated is dedicated to personal growth, while r/sleep is focused on giving people the best sleepof their lives. In fact, r/sleep has so much good advice we’ve collected 15 science-backed tips on sleep here to ensure you can sleep soundly tonight.
Reddit user u/beefus_nodrinski noticed that they slept better when exposed to three hours of sunlighta day. Don’t worry, you don’t need to have three spare hours to spend in the daylight. Researchers suggest getting at least 15 minutes of exposure to direct sunlight a day to improve the body’s natural production of melatonin which will lead to better sleep at night.
While researchers did suggest that you should get sunlight between 8 AM and 10 AM, this is easily achieved. You can either open the shades in your office and allow the sun in or you can take your morning coffee break outside and soak up a bit of sun.
In a recent study, researchers gave patients with insomnia zinc and magnesium every day for 8 weeks and found it improved their quality of life dramatically. While it is very scientific, zinc and magnesium are essential in sleep regulation. They give your body what it needs to fall and stay asleep.
To improve your intake of these essential minerals naturally, increase your consumption of green leafy vegetables, like spinach, and nuts, like cashews. You can also take a supplement, but you should talk with your doctor first.
If you enjoy eating lots of sugary and high carbohydrate food, it may be affecting your sleep. Research has shown that high intakes of low-fiber high-carbohydrate food can reduce the amount of slow-wave sleep and REM sleep. Slow-wave sleep is deep sleep and that is integral for brain restoration and human recovery. REM sleep also helps to refresh and restore the brain.
By eating a diet filled with complex carbohydrates and staying away from foods that are too high in fats and proteins you should sleep better. For the people in the study, it showed that a Mediterranean diet that has lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats was able to help lower incidences of insomnia.
If you want to improve the quality of your sleep get some house plants. Research has shown that the freshness of bedroom air has been able to improve the qualityof sleep and reduce feelings of sleepiness in participants. While some Redditors use expensive air purifiers you can use houseplants to improve both the air quality and the decor of your sleep surroundings.
While you can buy any house plant, certain house plants are better at reducing pollutants like benzene, xylene, ammonia, formaldehyde, and tricholorethelyne, which Reddit user xXguitarsenXx says are detrimental to sleep. One plant, the peace lily, removes all the elements. However, if you don’t like peace lilies there are other plants available.
If you are constantly tired even when you get enough sleep, you may be lacking in vitamins B12 and D3. There is research to support the idea that lower levels of vitamin D3 are related to poor sleep quality, short sleep duration, and sleepiness. Lack of vitamin B12 has been linked to disorders of the sleep-wake rhythm.
To improve your intake of vitamin D3 eat more oily fish, liver, egg yolks, and butter. For B12 drink more milk and eat more fish, meat, poultry, and eggs. While you can use supplements, it is best to consult a doctor before adding them to your daily regime.
If you find yourself tired during the day, take a nap, just do it correctly. To nap correctly make sure it is for no more than 10 to 20 minutes and never after 3 PM as this can affect nighttime sleep.
This tip is particularly useful for shift workers who may not get the best sleep at night and need some way to awaken themselves during the day. If this is you, remember to keep your nap shorter than 30 minutes. Over 30 minutes and you will get into a deep sleep and it may make it harder to wake up.
It has happened to many of us, sitting in bed until almost dawn scrolling our feed. You wonder, how did this happen? You missed an entire night’s sleep and didn’t feel tired at all. It could be caused by the blue light that comes from your electronic devices.
Studies have shown that blue light can push back your body’s natural sleep signals by up to three hours. If you want to reduce your exposure to blue light get a filtering app for your phone and other electronic devices and set it to turn on at least two hours before your bedtime. Reddit seems to really like f.lux, but there are many different options in the google play or apple app store. You can also do the same on your Windows 10 enabled PC by checking the display settings.
Some foods that you eat may be making it harder for you to sleep. According to some experts, you should avoid heavy, rich, fatty, spicy, and fried foods along with most citrus fruits and carbonated drinks.
While some of these foods can cause indigestion, others are linked to causing disturbances in the sleep-wake cycle making it harder to either fall or stay asleep. This isn’t saying you can never enjoy a plate of buffalo wings, but if you have sleeping problems it may be best to eat them earlier in the day.
You may have a sufficiently comfortable mattress and still be unable to get the sleep of your dreams. If this is the case, you should try taking a hot bath one to two hours before bed.
In one study, researchers found that when participants took a bath between 104°F to 109°F it helped them to fall asleep easier. It works because the hot water allows the body temperature to drop allowing the body to fall asleep naturally. During the natural sleep cycle, the body temperature lowers as you fall asleep and will continue to fall as you sleep. As you get closer to waking up, your body temperature begins to rise as part of your body’s natural alarm clock.
Are you waiting all week to sink into your luxe mattress on Friday night and stay asleep until Sunday to make up for a lost time? Well, think again. Although it can be hard to do so, you should attempt to stick to a sleep schedule.
Participants in a study with irregular sleep schedules were found to have more insufficient sleep than those with a regular sleep schedule. According to Harvard doctors, trying to catch up on sleep on the weekends will likely not have any overall benefit. If you want to be the most rested overall, it’s best to maintain your sleep cycle as consistently as you can.
Studies show that taking in some carbs before bed can help to improve slow-wave sleep and REM sleep. Study participants that didn’t take in any carbs, saw a decrease in deep sleep. Researchers believe that the increase in serotonin from carbohydrates improves deeper sleep.
Some foods that are considered good for sleep are milk, cherries, kiwi fruit, and fatty fish. So maybe mom and dad knew what they were doing when giving you a bedtime snack.
If you’re like Reddit user fakesnakesablaze and you can’t shut your mind off when it’s time to go to sleep, making and reciting a list may help. This user chose an alphabetic list of countries, but you can choose anything you want.
This method works because it uses a technique that is loosely related to mindfulness which researchers have found helps with insomnia. Mindfulness can help to reduce stressors and allow the mind to stop focusing on its problems and calm down so it can sleep. If this doesn’t work for you there are other mindfulness-based approaches you can try like meditation.
Redditor violetgay has seen improvements in her ADHD-related sleeplessness using weighted blankets, but they can be good for a variety of neurological disturbances including autism and psychological issues like anxiety.
While studies related to sleep and weighted blankets are scarce, the advice comes from the success that weighted blankets have had in clinical settings regarding people with autism and those with anxiety. To use a weighted blanket choose one that is approximately 10 percent of your body weight.
Are you a night owl? Have you tried everything from a new fancy mattress to melatonin to help you go to sleep before midnight to no avail? If so, you may need to talk to your doctor about Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS) also known as Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD).
People with this disorder have a chronic dysregulation of their normal circadian rhythm. This means that if you have this problem your body doesn’t signal tiredness until way later, sometimes well past midnight. You may also have trouble waking for normal school or work hours. There are treatments that have been useful in treating people with this disorder. One treatment that is effective is light therapy — using a box that mimics natural outdoor light.
Adults are typically recommended to get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. While it depends on age and other health concerns, it is usually not advised to sleep more than this. Since sleep is so important it may seem like more sleep would be better for you, but it isn’t. According to research, getting too much sleep will give people too little energy.
If you’re always tired and get more than nine hours of sleep a day, you may be sleeping too much and may need to talk to your physician about a larger problem.
Trying out these tips for a few nights can be the difference between a sleepless night and the sleep you’ve been longing for. You don’t have to incorporate every tip immediately to start to see results. For some of these tips, especially those related to diet, it may take a few weeks to see results. If you’ve already tried all of these tips and still can’t get a good night’s sleep. It may be time to look into buying a new mattress.
Shanir Kol, founder and CEO of SleePare, pioneered the “Try and Buy” model in eCommerce, enhancing mattress shopping by combining in-store trials with online purchases. Launching in 1999, his company focuses on customer satisfaction and eco-friendly practices, aiming to minimize mattress waste and expand sustainably.
I purchased an M lily mattress at the New York City store a month ago and selected a mattress by M Lilly because of its firmness. When mattress was delivered, it was tightly rolled in a tube and vacuum packed, which concerned me from the onset as I felt the springs would be compromised . when I put the mattress on my bed it felt much softer than the mattress in the store, and when I looked at the tag on the mattress the manufacturing date was almost 3 years old, I called and spoke to Bruce in the customer service department a guy. He assured me he would credit me the price of the mattress as well as pick up the mattress “soon”. since then I have made several follow up phone calls and nobody answers and nobody returns my calls. I bought the mattress with a credit card and I am going to make a claim that my credit card company not pay this invoice. This was really a terrible experience with a terrible salesman..
the only reason I went to Sleepare was to try one of those online mattress brands.The only reason why i left the store buying two mattresses was only because of Valerio, the sales guy.Not only did he help me made the right mattress choice but he did it with his extensive knowledges and joyful spirit.He didn't just recommend the most expensive options-he focused on finding the mattresses that would fit my needs.
I had an exceptional experience shopping for mattresses here. After doing some of my own research online, I was left feeling a bit overwhelmed by the prospect of purchasing a new mattress, but visiting Sleepare helped simplify the process. I was helped by Valerio who went above and beyond to explain the qualities in a mattress I should be looking for while taking my sleep habits into consideration. He was very honest about the expensive name-brand mattresses and explained how the most expensive is not necessarily the best mattress to meet my needs. I was able to spend time trying out several different mattresses. After speaking with Valerio, I left feeling far less daunted than when I arrived. I ended up purchasing a mattress that I am very happy with! They offer a four month trial period in case the mattress does not meet my expectations. I highly recommend coming here for your mattress needs.
Valerio is incredibly helpful. He is knowledgeable and listens to our needs. Compared to some large mattress chains, this store carries good brands that don’t put out aggressive marketing & have reasonable pricing.
Horrible experience dealing with customer service out of NY. Bruce was very rude. I will never buy again at any SleePare and do not recommend this store to anyone.
Could not have had a better experience to find our new mattress! I set up our appointment with Valerio over the phone, and he was extremely helpful and kind. He was very honest about the pros and cons of each mattress, and gave us valuable insights that we otherwise might not have known when testing out each mattress. Thank you again Valerio!
Valerio was extremely helpful with helping me choose the perfect mattress. He was patient, very very funny and gave me a great deal. I highly recommend Valerio for anyone who is looking for a mattress!!
I didn't buy a mattress during my visit, but had a very positive experience thanks to Valerio. He was very helpful in guiding me through the different options and recommending what to evaluate and consider based on my personal circumstances. A true expert and partner in navigating a category I know very little about!
We had to replace our Nest mattress due to water damage while in storage. I went in wanting to try the WinkBed, and after trying several mattresses over and over, we went with a Helix. Valerio helped us and made the entire process enjoyable. I appreciated his transparency, humor, and patience as we carefully weighed our options. We requested a delayed delivery so we have not received the mattress yet. If there are any issues with the delivery, I will update this review. I highly recommend stopping by to try out mattresses here if you're in the market for a new mattress!
This was surprisingly a GREAT experience! We were helped by Fazi, who was friendly, knowledgeable, and NOT PUSHY. I thought I'd be leaving with a totally different mattress that I'd researched, but based on Fazi's thoughtful recommendations, I'm happy to say I got a mattress that is much better for me. I was afraid that this was going to be stressful and overwhelming, but instead, Fazi offered water upon arrival, provided shoe covers for hygiene, and let me explore the different mattresses at my own pace. I'm so glad SleePare exists, because it's intimidating buying an "online" mattress for so much without ever trying it, even with the 100 day trial offers. This experience helped me feel confident in my purchase, and I'm excited about my new mattress! Thank you, Fazi!
We purchased a mattress here from Valerio, who was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. We left with a perfect mattress for us and the entire process was simple, transparent and enjoyable! Highly recommend stopping here.
Valerio is the best! He made sure to listen, made great suggestions, and is super friendly and personable. Made the whole shopping experience a breeze. Would absolutely recommend shopping with him here!
Valerio is an exceptional representative. He fully explains how the mattress is both the best for you & the worst for you while showcasing how knowledgeable he is about each type of mattress. He wont steer you wrong with your purchase.
My husband and I have been in search for a new mattress and we decided to go to SleePare because of the variety of brands they offer. We had no intention of purchasing a mattress the same day but ended up doing so because of the phenomenal service we got working with Valerio. From the moment we stepped in, Valerio was welcoming and kind. He was so knowledgeable about each of the brands, answered all our questions and most importantly he was honest which is so important, especially when you’re making a large investment! We learned a lot about different mattress types and what to look out for in mattresses moving forward. But honestly, so long as Valerio is there I will only work with him and will refer all my friends and family to him. Thank you for such a great experience!
We were looking for a firm mattress to replace the current old one. After some research online, through the detail product descriptions and many reviews, we thought that we found the mattress which fits our needs. However, we still like to experience the mattress in person. From Google, we found out the SleePare store in New York city, they have may brands of mattress that normally are not available in many mattress stores.We made an appointment with SleePare to check out the mattress that we are interested. We were kindly greeted by the store manager Fazi, and she was very attentive and knowledgeable. We were glad that we try out the mattress in person before making the purchase, it turned out that the mattress that we were looking for did not really meet our need. Fazi understand our need and was so helpful in showing us different brands of mattress.We ended up purchasing the Milly PowerCool firm mattress. The firmness of the mattress is perfect for us. Purchase process was simple and easy. Good communication with Fazi and her team throughout the sale and posted sale periods. Shipping was free and fast. It was the best mattress purchase experience for us. It is highly recommended to check out SleePare store when you need a mattress!Thank you so much to Fazi and her team!
Had an incredible experience here. Valerio was incredibly helpful and kind. He explained everything to us very well, which really helped us with our decisions. Would def go back here
Absolutely thrilled to share my amazing experience at SleePare, especially with the incredible Valerio! Let me start by saying, mattress shopping had been so stressful before I came here. I dealt with so many pushy salespeople who were more focused on selling me the priciest option rather than finding the right one for me. It was exhausting!Enter Valerio – a true gem! From the moment I walked in, he made me feel comfortable, never rushed me, and was genuinely interested in what I needed for a good night’s sleep. His knowledge about all the different mattresses was mind-blowing, and he took the time to answer every question I had. His only goal was making sure I left happy and confident in my choice.And guess what? I did! I ended up choosing the Helix Twilight Luxe, and I couldn’t be more excited. I am confident that it is going to be a game-changer for my sleep. I’m so thankful to Valerio for making what started as a stressful process end with a smile (and a perfect mattress). Highly recommend SleePare and *definitely* ask for Valerio!
I recently had a great experience at SleePare, thanks to Valerio's exceptional service. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the different mattresses and took the time to teach me how to choose the right one without being pushy about making a sale. I appreciated all the information. After my visit, I decided to do some research and checked out a few other stores. It didn't take long to realize the difference in quality and service. I was so impressed that I returned to SleePare the same day and made my purchase. If you're looking for a great mattress and a quick delivery, I highly recommend visiting SleePare and speaking with Valerio.
They have a great selection of mattresses, and their customer service is even better. I bought an Mlily but unfortunately in the end I had to return it before the end of the trial period - it was a good mattress but it didn't perform as I expected. They were great throughout the return process. This is probably the best mattress store in the city.
Terrific place! If you are in any way reluctant to roll around on mattresses in a public space like I initially was, don't be! The experience was enlightening, fun and beneficial in helping me pick a mattress that suits my needs. The SleePare team is informative, patient and congenial. I'm glad I stopped by; it sure beats reading tons of online reviews and still winding up confused. Before buying your next mattress, do yourself a big favor: Visit SleePare!
My son and I found this store after much research. He needed a bed as his old bed would cause him to roll into the middle. He was an active skateboarder and BMX biker and really needs excellent support for his spine and neck. Valerio was exceptional in his knowledge and tact. He had a great sense of humor and I found him to be genuine. He gave us his cell contact which I had to use to ask a few questions and he responded immediately even over the holiday weekend. I would highly recommend this store and Valerio. My son loves his new Helix Elite mattress and I love the value and service we received. Thank you Valerio and Sleepare!
Valerio made the process of buying a mattress enjoyable and effortless. His extensive knowledge and engaging personality set him apart as the most fun and personable salesperson we've encountered in the mattress industry. Highly recommend visiting this store!
Online reviews are great but trying in person these beds rly helped me choose “my bed”. I ordered new Winkbed Blue Luxe with latex and slept on it for 3 weeks so far but gosh, it did make such a big difference on my sleep! I will update in about 6 months
Had a great experience here with Rory. Got tired of shopping online and looking at reviews online only to still get a mattress I was unhappy with and returned. Found SleePare on google and made my way here from Queens. Rory was extremely helpful and patient. His first recommendation was the one I ultimately ended up purchasing after spending almost an hour here trying all the mattresses. The price also ended up slightly cheaper than the online price from the manufacturers website and included the sleeping bundle the manufacturer was offering for online customers. I can't recommend this place enough. Don't buy blindly based off of all the Youtube reviewers. Come here and try for yourself in a no pressure environment. Thanks again Rory!
Brenda and Kirsten were awesome to work with! They were friendly and knowledgeable making me and my wife's shopping experience top notch. I would highly recommend SleePare to anyone shopping for a matress, :)
Wonderful attentive service. Valerio was kind and patiently explained the pluses and minuses of the mattresses I was interested in. And ultimately he led me to a mattress that I think will be perfect. Thank you!
Sleepare is a store that will give you the opportunity to test several mattresses that are only available on-line. Patrick is very knowledgeable about the characteristics of the different brands and will help guide you through the decision making process.
I recently purchased the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Firm mattress from Sleepare in NYC, and it has been a game-changer for my sleep quality. I have chronic back pain, and the Aurora's targeted support zones have made a noticeable difference. Fazi helped me choose the right firmness, and after a few weeks of use, I can confidently say l've found my perfect match. The mattress sleeps cool, too, which is a huge plus during the humid NYC summers. Highly recommend both the mattress and the Store !
Rory helped me with the mattresses and was very helpful in explaining the differences between each mattress. I came back and place the order with Valerio and he made sure the shipping process was seamless as possible. He even helped me with the mattress to my car.
I and my partner worked with Fazi and she is the most pleasant to work with. Cannot express how grateful I am to sleep on a new mattress with NO shoulder pain or hip stiffness. We ended up going with Winkbeds Blue and absolutely love it!
Such a cool store and concept. They have huge variety of mattresses but I specifically wanted to try Winkbeds mattresses, they even had new Blue line of Winkbeds which I decided to order. Great visit !
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Meet The Author:
Shanir Kol
Shanir Kol, founder and CEO of SleePare, pioneered the “Try and Buy” model in eCommerce, enhancing mattress shopping by combining in-store trials with online purchases. Launching in 1999, his company focuses on customer satisfaction and eco-friendly practices, aiming to minimize mattress waste and expand sustainably.