Getting proper rest is the foundation for proper health. And not getting proper rest can disrupt your body's natural functions and immune system. And let's face it, not getting a good night's sleep can make you feel miserable. But how much of that can be attributed to your sleep environment?

A good night's sleep starts with good choices:

• Going to bed at a consistent time
• Ridding your sleep environment of sensory distractions
• Breathable bedding
• A supportive pillow
• A comfortable and supportive, breathable mattress
• An empty stomach

At Nest Bedding, we want to help you get proper rest, not just sell products. Yesterday, I had a very nice young couple come into the store and when I asked what they were currently sleeping on, they said they had gone to a warehouse sale and purchased a mattress for $500, and at the time, thought they were getting a good deal. Buying a cheap mattress is like going to fast food for dinner: yes, it is cheap and will fill your stomach, but there will be consequences down the road. 

Your choice of mattress, bedding and a whole host of other factors which you can control can dictate the quality of rest you get. I am not advocating that you spend a fortune on a new mattress and pillows, just that you spend enough to get good quality. The high quality organic latex mattresses and the breathable, non-toxic memory foam mattresses at Nest Bedding are the best in the business for the price. And the Pillows and Organic Sheet Sets are priced to be competitive with the junk you find at Walmart and Target, which are made in China.

Going to bed at a consistent time gives your body a rhythm, a familiarity that allows it to get into sleep mode. By going to bed at inconsistent times, you can find it hard to fall asleep.

Ridding your environment of sensory distractions can be a tricky proposition. You have seven senses: Sight, Hearing, Smell, Touch, Taste, Intuition and Balance. This means complete darkness, no sound or consistent low sound, no harsh or distracting smells, no pressure or movements in the bed, a quiet mind and a consistent, supportive surface. Any distractions can keep you from getting into and staying in a deep sleep. Some of the benefits of the mattresses at Nest Bedding is that they don't cause pressure on the body, they don't transfer partner movement and they sleep cool. All those are key factors in getting proper rest.

Don't eat a large meal right before bed time. Your body wants to shut down functions such as digestion so it can perform the very important task of rebuilding and restoring, and if it has to digest, it is going to disrupt your sleep. 

Nest Bedding in San Francisco and Berkeley/Albany is committed to helping you get a great night's sleep.