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What to try to get better sleep

9 of 10 Americans struggle with getting enough sleep, according to a recent Consumer Reports survey. If the time change has you a little more groggy than normal this week, it might be time to make some changes to the way you sleep.
Posted 2023-03-14T20:34:14+00:00 - Updated 2023-03-14T21:31:37+00:00
How to get better sleep during Daylight Savings Time

9 of 10 Americans struggle with getting enough sleep, according to a recent Consumer Reports survey. If the time change has you a little more groggy than normal this week, it might be time to make some changes to the way you sleep.

Tanya Christian with Consumer Reports says the key to adjusting quickly, is light. "Expose yourself to light as early as possible because light signals to the body that it’s time to wake up."

There are other options if you’re waking up before the sun. "We found that sunrise alarm clocks are very helpful," Christian told 5 On Your Side. They simulate the sunrise and even come in kid-friendly versions.

If your mattress is seven to 10-years-old, it may be time for an upgrade. Consumer Reports says you can do that without spending thousands.

"The Denver Mattress Doctor’s Choice Plush is one that does really well in our tests. It’s $800," Christian said. "The Casper Original Mattress is $1,300. It also has our CR recommended label, which means that it meets our rigorous standards."

For a good pillow, Consumer Reports recommends Sleep Number’s ComfortFit Ultimate customizable pillow.

100% cotton linen sheets help give you a breathable, cool environment that’s good for sleep.

And as good as light is for waking up, it might be what’s keeping you from falling asleep. Consider black-out curtains or a sleep mask, which is very affordable.

One more thing CR suggests, stop drinking coffee at 2 pm.

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