Which activity is essential for obtaining restorative sleep?

Preparing the physical environment for sleep is essential for obtaining restorative sleep because a conducive sleep environment can significantly affect the quality of sleep. This includes factors such as controlling light and noise levels, maintaining a comfortable temperature, and ensuring the bed and bedding are comfortable. A well-prepared sleep environment helps to signal to the body that it is time to sleep, which promotes relaxation and the ability to fall asleep more easily.

In contrast, engaging in physical exercise before bed could potentially lead to increased energy levels rather than promoting relaxation. Consuming caffeinated beverages is known to disrupt sleep patterns, making it harder to achieve restorative sleep. Watching television late at night can expose individuals to blue light, which interferes with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, and can lead to difficulty falling asleep and decreased sleep quality.