Ask HN: Do you sleep better by the ocean?

#1

Post by freshthought » Wed, Oct 27, 2021, 2:10 AM UTC

I always sleep better by the ocean. My RHR drops 5-10 beats, and I wake up feeling much more relaxed. Am I alone?

What causes this effect? Is it negative ions? Clean air? Ocean sound? I’ve tried with the windows closed, and the effect holds. I’ve tried it on and off vacation, and the effect holds. So I’m really at a loss for what it could be.

Re: Ask HN: Do you sleep better by the ocean?

#2

Post by chestertn » Wed, Oct 27, 2021, 2:16 AM UTC

How do you measure your RHR while sleeping?

Re: Ask HN: Do you sleep better by the ocean?

#3

Post by [deleted] » Wed, Oct 27, 2021, 2:21 AM UTC

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: Do you sleep better by the ocean?

#4

Post by forgotmypw17 » Wed, Oct 27, 2021, 2:22 AM UTC

I sleep better outside in the open air, or at least with windows open and lots of outdoor air circulating.

Re: Ask HN: Do you sleep better by the ocean?

#5

Post by throwaway888abc » Wed, Oct 27, 2021, 2:24 AM UTC

Same here. Over time I would attribute it more to nature. If off the grid = sleep like a baby.

Ocean is also very calming.

BTW. I was trying to "replicate it" in city with various dolby atmos etc. gimmicks and headphones/etc. and without any similar results.

Mother nature

Re: Ask HN: Do you sleep better by the ocean?

#6

Post by GaryTang » Wed, Oct 27, 2021, 2:39 AM UTC

Negative ions — There are various studies that show their impact on physiological and psychological health.

Re: Ask HN: Do you sleep better by the ocean?

#7

Post by pedalpete » Wed, Oct 27, 2021, 2:44 AM UTC

chestertn wrote: post #2

How do you measure your RHR while sleeping?

Oura and I believe Whoop provide this data.

Re: Ask HN: Do you sleep better by the ocean?

#8

Post by silisili » Wed, Oct 27, 2021, 2:56 AM UTC

I believe it's the noise of it. A rainy(but not stormy) night has the same effect on me, also.

Re: Ask HN: Do you sleep better by the ocean?

#9

Post by 1123581321 » Wed, Oct 27, 2021, 4:09 AM UTC

chestertn wrote: post #2

How do you measure your RHR while sleeping?

One of the cheaper Apple Watches with the HeartWatch app provides good data.

Re: Ask HN: Do you sleep better by the ocean?

#10

Post by alx__ » Wed, Oct 27, 2021, 4:18 AM UTC

I'm sure there probably research on it.

But my guess is that we're in a womb of water for 9 months so subconsciously are soothed by it. Personal anecdotal evidence is any time I've slept where i could hear ocean/rain/rivers I've had great sleep.

Would 100% move to Hawaii in the future