It's been an intense flu season so far. Nationwide, about 27% of tests are coming back positive for the virus, and there's also RSV and COVID-19 to contend with. But getting some good Zs may offer some protection. Sleep does play *** crucial role in supporting and regulating the immune system. Michelle. with Cleveland Clinic says adequate sleep can actually help the body defend against infection and inflammation, and the key to getting good shut eye is focusing on sleep hygiene. So things like making sure you're limiting or avoiding napping during the days and not having caffeine too too late or exercising too late. Other things may be important and helpful. Other ways to promote good sleep, make *** habit of going to bed and getting up at the same time every day. Keep your bedroom relaxing, quiet, and at *** cool temperature. Turn off electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bed. Avoid large meals and alcohol before bedtime. Derup says to also only use the. for sleep and allow time to wind down. The crux of it for *** lot of people is that sleep is *** natural process, um, and we don't want to force it or put *** lot of effort into it. That actually makes it harder to fall asleep. And if you're having persistent sleep problems, Derup says to see *** doctor, there are treatments that can help. For Health Minute, I'm Mandy Gaither.
Good Housekeeping lists 10 ways to invest in quality sleep
Donât snooze on these easy improvements.
Updated: 9:56 AM CST Mar 5, 2025
Blame it on the babyâs 3 a.m. hunger cries, the dogâs middle-of-the-night potty needs or your significant otherâs industrial-strength snoring â whatever the reason, the struggle for sound slumber is real. Sure, you may have learned to power through the next day like a pro by chugging mega-size mugs of coffee (or whatever caffeinated beverage you favor). But with that push comes the afternoon crash, when all bets on being productive are off.The thing is, we all need quality sleep, and for very good reason. âGood sleep quality is central to physical and mental wellness,â says Karina Jordan, M.D., a sleep-medicine physician in McLean, Virginia. âSleep supports immune function, heart health and muscle recovery, and is a crucial component of memory consolidation, focus and attention, as well as overall energy levels.âConversely, the effects of poor sleep can be serious. âIt is associated with an increased risk of elevated blood pressure, stroke and even heart attack,â Dr. Jordan says. Whatâs more, she notes, since sleep regulates emotional stability and affects essential hormone production and balance, chronic deprivation can increase the risk of depression and anxiety. Sleep also influences the hormones that regulate hunger, and poor sleep has been linked to weight gain and obesity, she says. Consider this your wake-up call.The good news is that you donât have to make major life overhauls for an improved snooze. âInvesting in the right products can significantly contribute to improved sleep quality,â Dr. Jordan says. Setting the scene with relaxing bedtime accouterments like a supportive mattress, an extra plush pillow or breathable sheets can help immensely. So we put together this selection of dreamy finds from Saatva, a luxury handcrafted mattress and bedding company, so you can get started on your most blissful drift yet. Comfort to the coreItâs a given: A cozy mattress lays the groundwork for the soundest sleep experience. But buying one thatâs simply plush to the touch wonât do. The Saatva Classic has comfort through and through at each layer â from the pillow-top surface and sheath of memory foam beneath to the lumbar layer that supports with pocketed coils. Cool and collectedThings can heat up real quick between the sheets (in a bad way) when theyâre made from cheap material. And really, who wants to wake up in a pool of sweat? Turns out, studies show keeping temps cooler can lead to deeper sleep. A cotton-viscose blend like the Saatva Essential Sheet Set not only helps your body chill out thanks to a breathable weave, which allows for better airflow, but itâs super-silky and lightweight, too. Restorative supportIf youâre suffering from back issues, investing in a therapeutic mattress like the Saatva Rx is worthwhile. Specially designed for sleepers with chronic back and joint conditions, itâs crafted with patented lumbar tech made from pressure-relieving, gel-infused memory foam. Flexible micro coils add even more support to the center and perimeter of the mattress, minimizing the tossing and turning that can happen all through the night. Contouring from head to toeWhether you or your significant other is a back, side, stomach or starfish type sleeper, a memory foam mattress like the Saatva Contour5 is a versatile option that cradles every curve to slay any style. The high density, body-hugging feel and memory foam all help with motion isolation, which keeps you from waking each other up every time you switch positions. Perfect alignment Without proper head and neck support, sleep can be elusive (waking with aches, anyone?). The Saatva Latex Pillowâs natural latex core feels fluffy but has targeted support. Once your head hits it, pressure points are relieved, allowing for better sleep and less back and joint pain. (Latex also doesnât retain heat as much as memory foam, making it a better choice for hot sleepers.)Year-round regulationRegardless of whether you run hot or cold, your body may have its own agenda if itâs not properly regulated while you sleep: Studies show being too hot or too cold is linked to increased wakefulness and decreased REM sleep, when we dream. Having a cover that won't leave you at either extreme, like the Saatva All-Year Down Alternative Comforter, can help you remain in the deepest slumber throughout the night.Cloudlike luxuryLaying your weary head to rest can be, well, more restful with an extra plush pillow. The Saatva Organic Quilted Pillow has all the pomp and circumstance â extra support, breathability, hotel-like comfort â of the latex iteration we listed above. But the organic cotton knit cover is quilted with organic New Zealand wool for extra fluff.Padding to perfectionOnce youâve invested in a high end mattress, one way to keep it working for you as it should is with a mattress pad. The Saatva Organic Mattress Pad not only provides an extra layer of protection from stains and general wear and tear, but its plush diamond quilting makes your sleep experience even more comfortable.
Blame it on the babyâs 3 a.m. hunger cries, the dogâs middle-of-the-night potty needs or your significant otherâs industrial-strength snoring â whatever the reason, the struggle for sound slumber is real. Sure, you may have learned to power through the next day like a pro by chugging mega-size mugs of coffee (or whatever caffeinated beverage you favor). But with that push comes the afternoon crash, when all bets on being productive are off.
The thing is, we all need quality sleep, and for very good reason. âGood sleep quality is central to physical and mental wellness,â says Karina Jordan, M.D., a sleep-medicine physician in McLean, Virginia. âSleep supports immune function, heart health and muscle recovery, and is a crucial component of memory consolidation, focus and attention, as well as overall energy levels.â
Conversely, the effects of poor sleep can be serious. âIt is associated with an increased risk of elevated blood pressure, stroke and even heart attack,â Dr. Jordan says. Whatâs more, she notes, since sleep regulates emotional stability and affects essential hormone production and balance, chronic deprivation can increase the risk of depression and anxiety. Sleep also influences the hormones that regulate hunger, and poor sleep has been linked to , she says.
Consider this your wake-up call.
The good news is that you donât have to make major life overhauls for an improved snooze. âInvesting in the right products can significantly contribute to improved sleep quality,â Dr. Jordan says. Setting the scene with relaxing bedtime accouterments like a supportive mattress, an extra plush pillow or breathable sheets can help immensely. So we put together this selection of dreamy finds from , a luxury handcrafted mattress and bedding company, so you can get started on your most blissful drift yet.
Getty ImagesOlga Dobrovolska
Comfort to the core
Itâs a given: A cozy mattress lays the groundwork for the soundest sleep experience. But buying one thatâs simply plush to the touch wonât do. The has comfort through and through at each layer â from the pillow-top surface and sheath of memory foam beneath to the lumbar layer that supports with pocketed coils.
Cool and collected
Things can heat up real quick between the sheets (in a bad way) when theyâre made from cheap material. And really, who wants to wake up in a pool of sweat? Turns out, studies keeping temps cooler can lead to deeper sleep. A cotton-viscose blend like the not only helps your body chill out thanks to a breathable weave, which allows for better airflow, but itâs super-silky and lightweight, too.
Restorative support
If youâre suffering from back issues, investing in a therapeutic mattress like the is worthwhile. Specially designed for sleepers with chronic back and joint conditions, itâs crafted with patented lumbar tech made from pressure-relieving, gel-infused memory foam. Flexible micro coils add even more support to the center and perimeter of the mattress, minimizing the tossing and turning that can happen all through the night.
Getty ImagesAdene Sanchez
Contouring from head to toe
Whether you or your significant other is a back, side, stomach or starfish type sleeper, a memory foam mattress like the is a versatile option that cradles every curve to slay any style. The high density, body-hugging feel and memory foam all help with motion isolation, which keeps you from waking each other up every time you switch positions.
Perfect alignment
Without proper head and neck support, sleep can be elusive (waking with aches, anyone?). The natural latex core feels fluffy but has targeted support. Once your head hits it, pressure points are relieved, allowing for better sleep and less back and joint pain. (Latex also doesnât retain heat as much as memory foam, making it a better choice for hot sleepers.)
Year-round regulation
Regardless of whether you run hot or cold, your body may have its own agenda if itâs not properly regulated while you sleep: Studies being too hot or too cold is linked to increased wakefulness and decreased REM sleep, when we dream. Having a cover that won't leave you at either extreme, like the , can help you remain in the deepest slumber throughout the night.
Cloudlike luxury
Laying your weary head to rest can be, well, more restful with an extra plush pillow. The has all the pomp and circumstance â extra support, breathability, hotel-like comfort â of the latex iteration we listed above. But the organic cotton knit cover is quilted with organic New Zealand wool for extra fluff.
Padding to perfection
Once youâve invested in a high end mattress, one way to keep it working for you as it should is with a mattress pad. The not only provides an extra layer of protection from stains and general wear and tear, but its plush diamond quilting makes your sleep experience even more comfortable.
All-Year Down Alternative Comforter