Getting enough regenerative sleep is necessary for overall health and well-being. Sleep is the body’s time to heal, grow, and restore. As a result, creating the right sleep environment is a must.
Claus Pummer, a sleep health expert and owner of SAMINA Sleep, offers valuable insights on enhancing restorative sleep. He provides guidance on designing a bedroom environment that supports deep, rejuvenating rest.
What Drives Your Passion for Helping Others Take Back Their Health?
First, my mom fell ill and passed, then my father. It became clear to me that health and happiness are deeply connected. I had the knowledge to help others live healthier, happier lives. This work is more fulfilling than anything I’ve ever done, and I love it!
I focus much of my time educating people about healthy sleep and what I call the “hardware” of sleep – your bed. We spend a third of our lives in bed, yet people often put more time, money, and effort into choosing a dining chair or sofa. It’s frustrating! A bed is much more than just furniture; it’s a healthcare device. After all, where do chronically ill people spend most of their time? In bed.
Your bed should be a place for restoration and regeneration. It’s only when you sleep that your body heals, muscles grow, your immune system renews, and so much more.
Why Are the Popular Springform Mattresses a Problem?
Great question! Metal spring mattresses can cause issues for many sleepers without them realizing it. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Metal spring mattresses were invented over 150 years ago. This was long before we had electricity, Wi-Fi, and radio frequencies all around us. Metal acts like tiny antennae that attract these waves. Since our bodies are conductive, we absorb these millivolts. While this happens when we’re awake, it’s even more important at night because electromagnetic radiation (EMR) can disrupt our natural circadian rhythms.
- Most mattresses are made entirely from petrochemicals, polyesters, formaldehyde, and VOCs. These materials don’t breathe. They trap heat and moisture to create the perfect environment for dust mites, bacteria, mold, and mildew.
- In my opinion, memory foam is even worse. Many people complain about the off-gassing of this foam. I can’t find reliable information on what exactly is in it. Manufacturers often use proprietary names and hide behind “trade secrets,” making it hard to know what materials are actually used. It feels shady to me.
What Can Someone Do to Slowly Improve Their Bed and Sleeping Environment if They Are on a Budget?
First and foremost, people need to clean up their bedrooms. When I consult with clients, I often find that their so-called bedroom doubles as a social room, office, media center, storage area, and even a playroom or pet hangout. Sleep should be sacred; your bedroom should be a sanctuary. Waking up in a messy room is not a peaceful way to start your day, is it?
The next thing I recommend is removing all electronic devices from the bedroom. While working with a client in San Francisco, I measured the EMFs and RFs in his room and found that his office desk full of electronics was the source of his concerns.
A router has no place in the bedroom and shouldn’t be on at night. Many people also keep a cordless phone right next to their bed. These phones send out invisible pulses all night. Don’t get me started on cell phones.
A 3G or 4G phone sends signals at 3 or 4 billion Hz, while your heart beats at just 6.7 Hz. It’s hard to believe this doesn’t affect your sleep. Charge your devices elsewhere and turn them off at night. I always suggest using a landline for those who need to be on call.
Our circadian rhythm is triggered by light. The kidneys rely on it to determine when it’s time for sleep. As daylight fades, darkness signals the production of melatonin, our sleep hormone. Modern lifestyles with artificial light disrupt this. I once visited friends whose child has ADD. After dinner, every light in their house was on. The child was hyperactive and couldn’t settle down. It’s no surprise! Lights should be dimmed in the evening. We use candles, lamps with dimmers, and soft nightlights in the bathroom.
What Is Special About SAMINA Beds?
Everything. SAMINA is more than just a bed. It’s a complete sleep system. It offers excellent back support, promotes circulation, and is made from natural, breathable materials that help improve airflow, especially for allergy sufferers.
The bed’s unique open-air design is one of the reasons it has gained significant attention from the medical community. It all started with Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt—renowned for developing Lyme disease treatment protocols.
He discovered that many of his chronically ill patients were suffering from mold toxicity, often caused by their beds. When you think about it, it makes sense. A dark, warm, damp environment with hydration and nutrients (like dead skin cells) creates the perfect breeding ground for microorganisms. SAMINA is designed to be a “self-cleaning” bed, helping to prevent these issues.
What Healthy Lifestyle Habits Have Made the Biggest Improvement in Your Health?
Fortunately, I lead an active and fulfilling life; surrounded by my family’s love and meaningful work. We make it a point to stop and appreciate the simple pleasures. This includes exploring different cultures and enjoying their foods. One thing I’ve noticed from working with people facing health challenges is that many overlook simple, yet impactful habits.
One of these is maintaining a clean household. When pets take over, their hair and dander can contribute to problems like allergies, breathing issues, and skin rashes. Cleanliness is highly valued in German culture. I believe it’s an area where many Americans could improve. Some people’s living conditions are shocking.
I walk the talk when it comes to sleep. It’s a priority in my life. My wife—Denise—whom I married in 2013, will tell you it’s had a positive impact on her life as well. How do you feel after one night of poor sleep? What about after a week or a month? Lack of sleep is a public health crisis, as recognized by the Centers for Disease Control. It affects productivity, creativity, and safety, even after just one bad night.
In addition to sleep, we focus on eating whole foods. Our fridge is free of processed meals; our freezer is stocked with frozen fruits and veggies. We love our Vitamix and miss it when we travel. Morning smoothies, packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients, have become a habit for us.
We’re also fortunate to attend many conferences and trade shows, like your upcoming Take Back Your Health Conference. Though the primary goal is business, we gain so much more – connecting with health professionals, attending lectures, and trying new products.
Recently, we met Dr. Josh Axe. Now, he sleeps on a SAMINA bed. His bone broth protein powder is revolutionary, and we absolutely love it!
How Do You Relax After a Stressful Day?
This is a great question and something I encourage clients to do – develop a ritual. As a hands-on business owner, working with many clients referred to me by doctors or other SAMINA users takes a lot of energy – body, mind, and soul. It’s important for me to recharge on all levels. Our travel schedule can be unpredictable and disrupt my routine. However, when we’re home, it’s simple.
My workday often ends around 7 or 8 pm. Once home, I shower and then relax in my infrared sauna for at least 20 minutes before showering again. It’s both relaxing and rejuvenating. The quiet time is meditative. By the time I’m done, I’m usually starving.
Fortunately, my wife enjoys cooking. So, we have a nice meal together at home. Being German, I regularly enjoy a Weissbier with dinner. Living in California has also introduced me to a nice glass of wine with my wife. A glass or two a couple of hours before bed is nothing to worry about.
Sleep experts agree that bedtime rituals are incredibly beneficial. While we often establish them for our children, we tend to neglect them as adults.
One thing that surprises me is how many people don’t bathe before bed. We have a shoes-off household to limit dirt and bacteria. We also rinse off the “funk” of the day – both psychologically and physically. It helps keep our bed and bedding clean, and we really love our bed!
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We’re glad to host Claus and SAMINA Just Healthy Sleep as a Take Back Your Health Sponsor! Meet Claus Pummer and ask more questions about how to get better sleep at Take Back Your Health LA!
Buy your tickets here: www.TakeBackYourHealthConference.com