Unlocking the Power of Rest

We all know that a good night’s sleep is essential, but did you know that quality sleep impacts everything from productivity to immunity? Prioritizing rest isn’t just about feeling refreshed—it’s a cornerstone of overall wellness. Let’s explore how contrast therapy and improved sleep hygiene can help you sleep deeper and feel stronger.

The Connection Between Sleep, Productivity, and Immunity

Productivity Boost: Sleep enhances cognitive functions like focus, memory, and problem-solving. A well-rested mind works more efficiently, helping you tackle your day with ease.

Immunity Support: During sleep, your body repairs tissues, builds bone and muscle, and strengthens your immune defenses. Poor sleep weakens these processes, leaving you vulnerable to illness.

Winter: Nature’s Season for Rest

Winter is inherently a time of rest and renewal. Just as animals hibernate and plants lie dormant, our bodies naturally crave slower, restorative rhythms during the colder months. However, the New Year often brings a flurry of goals and resolutions that push us to accelerate when we might need to pause and listen to our bodies instead.

According to sleep expert Dr. Matthew Walker, author of Why We Sleep, longer nights in winter can signal our bodies to get more sleep, aiding in cellular repair and immune support. A study published in the “Journal of Biological Rhythms” highlights how seasonal changes influence our circadian rhythms, emphasizing the importance of aligning our habits with nature’s cues.

Instead of pushing through exhaustion, consider balancing your ambitions with periods of intentional rest. This not only honors your body’s natural rhythms but also ensures you’re better equipped to achieve your goals sustainably.

Contrast Therapy: Your Ally for Better Sleep

Contrast therapy—alternating between cold plunge and hot sauna—is a proven way to prepare your body for restorative rest. We’ve found that this is one of the first benefits most of our guests at Loyly Sauna Lounge experience: better sleep after a contrast therapy session and it’s one reason that keeps them coming back! Here’s how it helps:

Relaxes Muscles: The warmth of a sauna soothes tension while cold immersion reduces inflammation, leaving your body feeling balanced and ready to rest.

Reduces Stress: By lowering cortisol levels and boosting feel-good endorphins, contrast therapy promotes a calm state of mind, perfect for drifting into deep sleep.

Regulates Temperature: Alternating temperatures help your body find its optimal resting state, supporting a natural and uninterrupted sleep cycle.

Tips for Better Sleep Hygiene

Ready to maximize your sleep quality? Combine contrast therapy with some of our best tips for better sleep:

1. Mouth Taping: Encourage nasal breathing while you sleep to improve oxygen intake and reduce snoring. Not to mention, mouth breathing while sleeping can cause dental issues and supports a healthier oral environment.

2. Red Light Therapy: Swap harsh blue lights for red light in the evening to support melatonin production and signal your body it’s time for bed. By using red light therapy regularly before bed, you may be able to help your body naturally produce more melatonin, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

3. Limit Screen Time & Make it DARK: Blue light from our screens prevents our brains from recognizing it’s time to transition to rest. Along with dimming the lights and adding red light, blacking out light in your bedroom with curtains or a mask can help you sleep better and tap into your circadian rhythm. 

4. Intentional Design: A calming bedroom environment—designed with soft lighting, natural textures, and clutter-free spaces—can make a big difference. Our co-founder Cindy is being more intentional in her interior designs to create spaces that support the circadian rhythm and create a sanctuary that supports rest.

5. Magnesium & Diet: During sleep, we activate our parasympathetic nervous system to rest and digest–a critical time for our body to regenerate naturally for us. Be mindful of what you eat before bed to avoid glucose spikes from sugary treats that wake you in the middle of the night. Try adding a magnesium glycinate supplement in the evening that relaxes muscles and supports better sleep.

Bonus tip: Try to get unfiltered, natural sunlight outside in your eyes within 10 minutes of waking. This supports are circadian rhythm too and powers on your brain naturally to take on your day. 

Sleep isn’t just downtime; it’s when your body and mind recharge. Take the first step toward deeper, stronger rest by prioritizing your wellness routine.

Book your contrast therapy session today and experience the difference quality sleep can make!