Without a doubt, there are still plenty of people who advocate for the ’hustle’ way of life – a life fueled by caffeine and a couple of hours sleep each night, where you aim to do as much as you possibly can in as little time imaginable. But fortunately, there are also voices (getting louder by the week) who have begun to shift the focus towards rest and getting an actual good night’s sleep.
Sleep is one of the most underrated factors of health. It does wonders for the human body: it helps prevent illness by boosting the immune system and by keeping our hearts healthier, it keeps our brains working better, and it provides us with that much-needed energy and focus.
And as we are beginning to realize just how important (not to mention enjoyable) it is, the consumer-focused and technology-driven modern society has begun to make some significant advancements in the way we sleep.
Let’s explore where the future of sleep is heading, and how you can embrace it to your own benefit.
The sleep market is expanding
Three years ago, the sleep market in the US was estimated to be worth around $28.6 billion. It is also expected to grow another 5% each year in the next three years.
That fact alone is enough to tell you that sleep has a very bright future ahead. More and more companies are investing their time and resources into coming up with innovative and creative products, while customers embrace sleep as the next trend.
There is more choice available
While previously, you didn’t really think much about what you slept on and what kind of pillow you had – as long as it was comfortable enough – today you have practically unlimited choice.
Different companies focus on providing all kinds of different options that will fit into any lifestyle and preference: firmer mattresses, softer mattresses, mattresses made of different materials, and so on.
Finding the best mattress for your sleeping specific needs might take a bit of time, but with so many options at your disposal, it is certainly no longer mission impossible.
Make sure you test a couple of different models out before you make your final choice. After all, who knows what you actually like if you have only ever slept on one model.
Quality sleep is no longer out of reach
When shopping for a mattress a couple of decades ago, you had to go to your local department store and make your decision there. Today, you can order one from anywhere in the world and have it delivered straight to your bed.
This means that you are practically no longer limited by any means. True, shipping costs may be a factor to consider, but chances are you will be able to find a company that may not have a store near you, but that does home deliveries at a reasonable price.
It’s no longer just about the bed
Sleeping is about more than just the bed you sleep on and the pillow you nest under your head every night.
You can now buy a sleep machine that not only emits different sounds (and lights), but that can also be hooked up to an app that tracks your sleep cycle and that will wake you up at the most opportune moment. There are aromatherapy products that will help you fall asleep more easily. There are meditation and sleep apps that will soothe you into a lull.
Not to mention, there are the temperature regulators, the innovative alarm clocks, the auto blinds that will wake you up with natural sunlight, and so on. The choices really are starting to look limitless.
Tailored to your needs
Finally, the future of sleep is all about personal choice and individual preferences. There is no longer just one option and one make available – of anything.
You can customize your pillows and mattresses and duvets and blankets in terms of fabric, size, color, pattern, and everything in between.
If you have a non-standard sized bed, you can more easily than ever before find the sleep paraphernalia to go with it. If you are looking for a specific combination of colors (which previously meant you have to buy several sets of pillowcases), now you can buy them individually or in a set of your own design.
You can literally make your sleeping experience into anything you want it to be – and more.
Final thoughts
Sleep, one of the most important pillars of a healthy and happy life, finally seems to be getting the attention it deserves. With that attention comes the ability to customize, tailor, and shape your sleep experience whichever way you want to. Now, all that’s left to do is convince everyone else that sleep is not for the weak, or the wicked.
