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Why a Regular Sleep Schedule is Essential

Why a Regular Sleep Schedule is Essential for Your Health, Mood, and Waistline

In today's fast-paced world, sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice when life gets busy. Whether you're staying up late to meet a deadline, binge-watching your favorite show, or scrolling through your phone in bed, irregular sleep habits and chronic sleep deficits can take a serious toll on your physical health, emotional wellbeing, and even your weight.

Let’s explore why a consistent sleep schedule matters so much—and how you can take simple steps to sleep better, feel better, and live healthier.


What Is a Sleep Deficit—and Why Should You Care?

A sleep deficit occurs when you consistently get less sleep than your body needs. Most adults require between 7 and 9 hours of quality sleep per night. Missing even an hour or two each night can add up quickly and cause what scientists refer to as “sleep debt.”

This debt doesn’t just make you feel groggy in the morning. It affects almost every system in your body, from brain function to metabolism.


The Real-World Effects of Sleep Deficits

1. Impaired Health and Immune Function

Lack of sleep weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses. Over time, chronic sleep deprivation increases your risk for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke.

2. Mood Swings and Poor Mental Health

You’ve probably noticed that you’re more irritable or anxious after a bad night’s sleep. That’s because sleep plays a crucial role in emotional regulation. Without adequate rest, your brain struggles to manage stress, control impulses, and maintain a positive outlook.

3. Difficulty Managing Weight

Sleep has a direct impact on your appetite-regulating hormones—ghrelin and leptin. When you're sleep-deprived, ghrelin (which increases hunger) goes up, while leptin (which signals fullness) goes down. This can lead to late-night cravings and overeating, making weight management far more difficult.

4. Decreased Focus and Productivity

Cognitive performance takes a hit when you’re sleep-deprived. Your ability to concentrate, solve problems, and retain information diminishes—impacting everything from work performance to safe driving.


Benefits of a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Creating a regular sleep routine—going to bed and waking up at the same time every day—helps to regulate your body’s internal clock (your circadian rhythm). This consistency improves sleep quality, supports hormone balance, and makes falling asleep and waking up easier over time.

Even better? Regular, high-quality sleep boosts your energy, sharpens your mind, and helps you feel emotionally resilient—allowing you to show up as your best self each day.


Top 5 Tips for Better Sleep Health

  1. Stick to a Sleep Schedule
    Go to bed and wake up at the same time—even on weekends. Your body thrives on rhythm.
  2. Limit Screen Time Before Bed
    The blue light from phones and laptops suppresses melatonin, the hormone that helps you fall asleep. Try turning off screens at least an hour before bed.
  3. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
    Signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. This could include reading, journaling, gentle stretching, or listening to calming music.
  4. Watch What You Eat and Drink
    Avoid caffeine and heavy meals in the hours leading up to bedtime. Instead, opt for a light snack like a banana or herbal tea if you need something before bed.
  5. Invest in the Right Sleep Environment
    A supportive, comfortable mattress and a properly fitted pillow can make all the difference in your sleep quality.

Support Local, Sleep Better

Looking to upgrade your sleep setup? Support your health and your community by purchasing a locally built supportive mattress. Locally crafted mattresses often offer better quality control, more eco-friendly options, and personalized service that big-box brands can't match.

Don’t forget the importance of a properly fitted pillow—it aligns your neck and spine, reducing the chances of waking up sore or stiff. The right pillow and mattress work together to cradle your body and help you fall—and stay—asleep longer.


Final Thoughts

Sleep isn't a luxury. It's a non-negotiable foundation for good health, balanced moods, and sustainable weight management. By establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating the ideal sleep environment, you’re making an investment in your well-being that pays off every single day.

So tonight, power down your screens, fluff that perfect pillow, and slip into a supportive mattress made right here in your community. Your body and mind will thank you.

Sweet dreams!

Collecting Toys for the Children

Chocolate and Peanut Butter go together

 

You may have seen Bike Stop Bakery on Studio STL with us on the new M. H. Gray promotion.

The #graysleep SMART SUPPORT mattresses are Luxury Mattresses Made in #Missouri with simple ingredients, all killer, and no filler. You'll sleep better with a SMART mattress with DUAL SUPPORT and NOW you can get a DOZEN of Bike Stop Cafe's best selling Jodi's Peanut Butter Balls - DIPPED IN CHOCOLATE for FREE with every MH Gray Mattress purchase.

Peanut Butter & Chocolate go together like Comfort & Support

and simple ingredients that are good for you should fuel your body and support it comfortably every night.

Ask your Sleep Specialist to see the MH Gray Luxury Mattresses Made in Missouri, and you'll get this delicious treat for FREE stlmattressdirect.com/graysleep

 

Trade In Event
Trade In Event

Trade In Event

The Sharing Shed

 

Mattress Trade In 

When you select a new Relax-O-Pedic, MH Gray Luxury Mattresses, or other Premium Sleep System and get up to $2000 in Trade In Rebates and your old mattress will be repurposed for a family in crisis. 

We make it easy to get a better night's rest. If you've been living with, but not loving your bed..but didn't feel like it was quite time to replace it. Let us make it easy for you. We'll get you up to $2000 for your old mattress, and help The Sharing Shed support families in need. 

 

Donate and Save

 

Helping The Sharing Shed and getting a better night's rest all in one move?  We help make it easy.

 

The Sharing ShedWhen you buy a new mattress, you have the ability to donate your current mattress set to our partners at the Sharing Shed.  The Sharing Shed is part of a larger non-profit and focuses on collecting furniture and household supplies, which are then distributed to families in need.  This assistance is offered to clients who are going through the process of getting back on their feet.  The Sharing Shed creates a store-like environment where clients can choose the specific items they would like to have in their new home. 

They get referrals from many non-profit organizations in the St. Louis area, which help all sorts of people suffering from things like fire or flood damage, displacement due to job loss, fleeing abusive relationships, recovering from homelessness, or dealing with other hardships.   You also have an opportunity to donate other items, including dishes, household furniture, and small appliances. If you'd like to donate a new bedframe, pillow, or mattress protector from Mattress Direct, these items can be purchased and set to deliver directly to the Sharing Shed.

Additionally, the Sharing Shed runs solely with the help and assistance from volunteers.  If you have the time and ability, they are always looking for volunteers to help sort through and organize donations and to help clients through the process of choosing their items.  Learn more by visiting thesharingshed.org.

What can I do if my family and I need help?

Our friends at the Sharing Shed work with several different organizations in and around the St. Louis area.  These organizations work to help people in all kinds of situations and are the ones who can offer referrals to the Sharing Shed.  These partner organizations work to help individuals suffering a wide array of hardships.  Below you'll find basic information on different organizations associated with the Sharing Shed and their contact information. 

 

For a list of items the Sharing Shed can and cannot accept please visit their Website : thesharingshed.org
 
Overnight Warming Center Fundraiser

 

OVERNIGHT WARMING LOCATIONS Alton, Edwardsville, and Granite City Illinois

 

The Overnight Warming Locations (OWL) in Alton and Edwardsville address a critical need for our unhoused neighbors when the overnight temperature is projected to be 20 degrees or lower.

 

GET INSIDE Our first objective is to prevent death or serious injury to our most vulnerable population during extreme cold. We provide warm housing, meals, clothing, showers, and survival items such as tents, sleeping bags and personal hygiene items. GET CONNECTED Once inside, our focus is getting connected personally, learning their stories and building a culture of mutual respect and concern. This connection can be life changing for both guests and volunteers. GET WELL Lastly, we actively build partnerships with area organizations and service providers to help individuals connect with resources they need. We have assisted guests in obtaining housing, getting medical care, securing transportation, applying for IDs and assistance programs, and addressing city ordinances.

 

Individuals Served in 2023–2024 148

Average Activations Per Year 20

Meals Served in 2023–2024 1200

Total Volunteers 226

Volunteers Per Activation Night 50–60

 

OWL HISTORY The Overnight Warming Center of Alton was formed in 2019 by local ministers and concerned volunteers after a homeless man froze to death in Alton. The organization has operated every winter season since then. During the inaugural year, we located a facility, recruited and trained volunteers, researched and prepared operating protocol, secured operating supplies, arranged for food preparation and delivery, and fundraised to pay expenses. The next two years brought the challenge of restructuring the entire program to incorporate COVID precautions. The goal was to stay open while keeping our guests and volunteers safe. As the program grew, other communities began to reach out for guidance on opening a warming center. In 2023, the Alton location assisted Edwardsville in opening a warming location, bringing them into the fold under the revised name of the Overnight Warming Locations (OWL).

Ice Cream for Breakfast Day

 

This Saturday is ICE CREAM FOR BREAKFAST DAY! 

So, Number 1, you've got to get a good night's sleep and

Number 2, you've gotta get to Ices Plain & Fancy when they open at 9A!

When you get there, (or before) tag Mattress Direct and Ices Plain & Fancy in a Facebook or Instagram post, show us YOUR ICE CREAM, and you get a FREE Sleep Rules T shirt BELLA+CANVAS - excellent for sleep wear or for every day! 

Tag both again from Mattress Direct or wearing your Sleep Rules T Shirt and get a FREE SET OF SHEETS from Campbell Mattress!

 

See store for complete details! #shoplocal

Sleep Doctor

Great Gift Ideas

 

Pillows, sheets, and sleep accessories like these Sleep Rules T's are great gifts for under the tree.

Visit the showroom nearest you for best selection, and bring home a gift they'll use night after night.

Black Friday Savings

Santa Clause at Campbell Mattress

2 Deluxe Campbell Pillows

 

Get 2 FREE Deluxe Campbell Pillows AND a FREE Set of Sheets with all Relax-O-Pedic Sleep Systems this week at Mattress Direct in Alton, or a showroom near you!