
We can’t stress the importance of a good night’s sleep enough. Getting a full night of rest leads to plenty of benefits and boosts to your physical, mental, and emotional health. And while everyone has the habits that work best for them, we were curious if anyone had found a scientifically proven “best time” to hit the hay. Well the results are in, and they’re pretty fascinating.
First of all, don’t get your hopes up for a perfect solution. Dr. Matt Walker, the head of the Sleep and Neuroimaging lab at UC Berkeley, tells TIME that there’s no such thing as a perfect “magical” night of sleep. Your sleep quality changes and shifts as the night progresses. But the time you go to bed can also have a significant effect on the structure and restfulness of your sleep.
As we snooze, our brain goes through cycles lasting about 90 minutes each. The cycles move from deep sleep to REM sleep, when your brain is extremely active (this is when you dream). Non-REM sleep is particularly restful, and it tends to occur more prominently in your sleep cycles the earlier you go to bed. As the hours pass, and it gets to be early in the morning, REM sleep becomes more common.
So what’s the final verdict? Well, the later you go to bed, say around 3:00am, the more likely your sleep is to be dominated by REM moments rather than deeper non-REM sleep. That reduction of restorative sleep might make you groggier the next day, even if you get a full eight hours.
Shoot for a bedtime of between 8:00pm and 12:00am to get some quality non-REM ZZzs. But don’t force yourself to jump under the covers the moment the sun goes down. Your genetic makeup, which dictates whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, isn’t something to fight against. Hit the sheets at the time in that window when you feel sleepiest, and let your brain and your pillow do the rest.
Will this data affect your sleeping habits? If you’re ready to shift to early bedtimes because of this article, tell us below!
(Illustration by Peter Oumanski for TIME)
A Spring Fitness Challenge You Can Do Anywhere
A Spring Fitness Challenge You Can Do Anywhere
Back in January, we introduced you to a feel-good cause to inspire your New Year's resolution: a walking challenge to help raise funds for the amazing cancer fighters at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I took part in the challenge with the Brit + Co team and ended up walking 105+ miles in January — it was awesome.
This spring, there's a new challenge on the horizon, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Big Climb. The ask: On May 15, 2021, you can step up to take cancer down by committing to climb 1,311 steps, walking 3.2 miles, or doing 440 chair step-ups at home as part of the Big Climb. If you need some motivation to bring movement back into your daily routine — look no further!
As always, it's free to sign up, but climbers are encouraged to set a fundraising goal to help beat cancer. We'll be organizing another Brit + Co team to step up, and I hope you'll join us too! Keep scrolling for a peek at where I'll be completing the challenge in my Los Angeles neighborhood around the hidden Silver Lake Stairs. Happy climbing!
Never underestimate the power of an accountability buddy! I asked my in-laws, my partner, and a few friends to join me so we can keep each other motivated and accountable in completing the challenge — virtual high-fives all around! Also, my dog Fox is a great climber, too.
An aesthetically pleasing backdrop is a huge motivator for me! I'm fortunate to have all sorts of painted steps around my neighborhood to keep the challenge interesting, but you can also keep cool inside with at-home chair step-ups.
Don't forget to share your progress on social — #BigClimb!
Feel free to break the challenge up if you need to by tackling half the distance in the AM and half at sunset. Here's me 1,311 steps later and ready for a break — but, think I earned this one!
More on Brit + Co
17 Size-Inclusive Athleisure Brands To Shop This Spring
The Best At-Home Workouts If You're New To The Whole Moving Thing
5 Foods You Should Never Eat Before A Workout