There are a number of factors that affect sleep quality. These can be broadly categorised as:
• Behavioural – including pre-bedtime habits and lifestyle
choices
• Environmental – including the light, temperature and
sleep surface in the bedroom
• Physical – including conditions such as osteoarthritis or
an injury that causes discomfort at night
• Medical – including conditions such as depression
Tackling physical and medical issues can be a significant challenge, typically requiring the support of health professionals such as doctors and physiotherapists.
By far the easiest way to improve sleep is to address environmental and behavioural factors. In many cases, making a few simple changes can result in immediate and
dramatic improvements to the sleep cycle.
