During this unprecedented global health crisis, one thing rings true: COVID-19 has completely upended life for the vast majority of us. Extreme situations can spark several unwelcome reactions in your body and mind. Do you feel more achy or tense than usual? Are you anxious or distressed? If so, just know that it’s okay to be experiencing any of these things- or all of them at once. There is no playbook on how to properly handle situations like this. That’s why we’re inviting you to stop what you’re doing right now, take a few deep breaths, and check out these tips for rest and recovery to help bring balance to your life. Better Sleep for a Stronger Immune System When a virus is detected in your body, your immune system springs into action to fight the infection. Research shows that an overload of stress hormones caused by insufficient sleep can prevent the immune system from carrying out its defenses properly. People who do not get optimal sleep are more likely to become infected after being exposed to a virus [2]. Protect your sleeping sanctuary with MOLECULE While a lot remains unknown about the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, health experts are certain that our best bet for protecting ourselves is washing our hands and disinfecting household surfaces frequently. It’s important to apply similar hygiene practices for your bedding, where you spend 7-8 hours every day! MOLECULE leads the way in hygienic sleeping with our AEGIS Microbe Shield and SILVERbac technologies. These safe and durable sleep innovations support immunity by eliminating microbes and greatly reducing cross-contamination in your bed linens. MOLECULE's Microban Mattress is engineered with this extra layer of protection from pathogens. Sleep soundly knowing that our hygienic sleep products have you covered with an extra layer of protection from germs. The Quality of your Sleep Matters Comfort is one of the most important factors in sleep health. Your body depends on restful, restorative sleep to maintain peak wellness. Inadequate support for your body can have major effects on the health of your sleep. If your sleep sanctuary is overdue for a refresher, consider that not all bedding is created equal. MOLECULE’s experts have spent years developing products that are unmatched in personalized comfort. We create mattress toppers that deliver targeted support and pressure relief. Our pillows are fully adjustable so you can choose your ideal firmness depending on your unique needs and sleep style. MOLECULE mattress toppers are engineered using TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers. This Eco-friendly, ultra-soft material ensures optimal moisture and temperature regulation for the healthful sleep you need. Master Your Sleep Routine to Manage Stress One of the ways that sleep keeps us healthy is by regulating the endocrine system, which includes stress hormones. If anxious thoughts are keeping you up at night, you’re bound to get caught up in a vicious cycle of insufficient, stress-induced sleep. Establishing a supportive sleep routine may take time, but it’s well worth the effort. Try these techniques to help ease your mind before you hit the sheets: Daily exercise: Moderate or high-intensity physical activity, such as a 30-minute run, can help promote better sleep and reduce stress [1]. If you’re in a state with shelter-in-place guidelines, try swapping out your normal cardio regimen for a high-intensity home workout routine. Current quarantine guidelines have caused a surge in ready-made online fitness classes. Many of them are available for free. Take a breather: What does your bedtime routine look like right now? Does it support a restful state of mind? The hour or so before you go to bed should be the time when you give yourself a break from the stressors of everyday life. Resist the urge to check work emails and stay away from any other media (TV shows, podcasts, etc) containing subjects that could churn up feelings of unease for you. And once you get into bed, ditch your screens entirely. Give yourself the mental space to completely unwind. Bringing it back to balance Change is unavoidable. Your ability to adapt will be one of your strongest assets during these adverse times. Take time to explore these options for balancing self-care and rest with any new obligations and stressors that arise from the COVID-19 pandemic. Favorable rest and self-care habits will include setting necessary boundaries and establishing a routine that emphasizes restful, sufficient, and hygienic sleep. In times of uncertainty, it’s important to remember that there are still ways to take control. Start by taking care.  Written By: Guest Collaborator, Jessica Lamb
Research shows that an overload of stress hormones caused by insufficient sleep can prevent the immune system from carrying out its defenses properly. Read this post on the MOLECULE Sleep Lab Blog for rest and recovery tips to help build a stronger immune system with better sleep.