Sleep is essential for humans as it is a crucial time for the body to rest, repair worn-out parts, reduce the risk of diseases, and slow down bodily deterioration. However, modern lifestyles reflect an increasing problem with sleep. A global study by IKEA Life at Home revealed that 55% of respondents ranked sleep as the most important daily activity at home for their quality of life. Conversely, the study also showed that a significant number of adults, about 1 in 2, feel dissatisfied with their sleep quality. Poor sleep quality affects their daily lives and work performance, which aligns with statistics from the Department of Mental Health indicating that over 40% of Thais, particularly among the 'youth to working-age' group, are experiencing insomnia. Therefore, IKEA Thailand emphasizes the importance of quality sleep and collaborates with Dr.. Wiralpatchar Sakthongkul , an expert in otolaryngology (general diseases and specializing in nose and allergies) at Prince Suvarnabhumi Hospital, to address all questions and provide accurate information about common misconceptions regarding sleep, promoting better health for Thais through quality sleep and enabling them to start fresh each day and engage fully in daily activities.

Say Goodbye to Common Misunderstandings About SleepQuality sleep means deep, uninterrupted sleep for at least 6-8 hours per night without waking up in the middle of the night, allowing the brain to rest fully. However, there are many misconceptions that people often misunderstand about sleep. Dr. Wiralpatchar has provided accurate information about sleep along with recommendations to improve sleep behavior for greater effectiveness, including:

  • Exercising vigorously before bed helps you sleep soundly is a common misconception. It is advisable to avoid heavy exercise before bedtime as it raises body temperature, stimulating the brain and causing insomnia. If you want to exercise, it should be done at least 3-4 hours before bedtime.
  • Drinking alcohol before bed helps you sleep comfortably is another incorrect belief. It is best to avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages such as tea, coffee, soda, energy drinks, and heavy meals at least 4-6 hours before bedtime to reduce the risk of sleep disturbances.
  • Snoring is not harmful is a misconception. Snoring occurs when air passes through narrow airways, causing vibrations in the throat tissues. It may be associated with allergies, swollen nasal walls, a deviated septum, or nasal polyps, making it difficult to breathe through the nose, leading to mouth breathing. Snoring tends to increase with age as the throat becomes more relaxed, and in overweight individuals with neck fat, the airway narrows. If it narrows significantly, it can lead to obstructive sleep apnea, causing oxygen deprivation during sleep, putting strain on the heart and brain, and increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. If snoring occurs, it is advisable to consult a doctor for evaluation and diagnosis of any underlying conditions.

In addition to various behaviors affecting sleep, the sleep environment is another crucial factor that contributes to effective sleep. Recently, IKEA has invited Thai consumers to pay attention to quality rest through the campaign ‘Take a Break! It’s Time to Sleep’ (Wake up! It’s time to sleep) by launching a short video to prepare Thais for an elevated sleeping experience when quality pillows and mattresses fall from the sky, leading to a soft sleep like being on a cloud, reinforcing its leadership in developing sleep solutions through the presentation of a short film IKEA Comfort Lab that reveals the behind-the-scenes production of mattresses with technology that IKEA has invented and thoroughly tested for quality and durability to meet the sleeping standards and needs of everyone.

Additionally, IKEA offers a special service allowing consumers to consult physical therapy experts from Prince Suvarnabhumi Hospital, who will provide advice on selecting sleep products suitable for individual body types and sleeping behaviors for more comfortable rest at no additional cost. Expert consultations will be available every Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the bedroom department showroom on the 1st floor of IKEA Bangna, starting this weekend until August 2025.

IKEA believes that a good quality of life stems from quality sleep and recognizes the importance of 6 factors affecting sleep quality: temperature, light, comfort, noise, air quality, and room organization. In addition to mattresses that come with a warranty of up to 10 years, IKEA also offers various solutions and items that meet all sleep needs with innovations designed to promote a suitable resting atmosphere while minimizing disturbances to the sleep cycle for maximum effective rest.

Stay updated on the campaign activities ‘Take a Break! It’s Time to Sleep’ (Wake up! It’s time to sleep) from IKEA at IKEA stores and on the website IKEA.co.th.