The Philippines Has a Sleep Problem (And We Feel It Every Day)
Let’s be honest—kulang tayo sa tulog.
Whether it’s late-night scrolling, early call times, or just trying to squeeze more into the day, sleep usually ends up at the bottom of the priority list. But according to sleep experts, it’s not just about habits.
It’s also about environment.
Your body follows a circadian rhythm—a natural internal clock that responds to light, temperature, and routine. When your space doesn’t support that rhythm—too bright, too cluttered, too noisy—your body struggles to fully shut down.
So even if you’re in bed for 7–8 hours, hindi pa rin quality sleep.
That’s where Best Sleep 101, the first of the SM Home Masterclass series, comes in.
One Masterclass, Four Experts, One Goal: Better Sleep
Instead of focusing on just one aspect of sleep, SM Home brought together four experts from completely different fields—and that’s what made the session feel complete.
Because sleep, as it turns out, is not just about your mattress.
Start With What You See: Your Space
Christine Dychiao, a KonMari-certified organizing consultant, shared something simple but easy to overlook: your bedroom reflects your mental state.
A cluttered bedside table, piles of clothes, random items within your line of sight—these keep your brain subtly active. Even when you’re trying to rest, your mind is still processing.
Her approach? Keep your bedroom intentional. Calm. Clear.
Not for aesthetics—but for rest.
Then Shape How It Feels: Your “Sleepscape”
Interior designer IDr Raiza Poquiz introduced the idea of a sleepscape—a bedroom designed not just to look good, but to help you wind down.
It’s in the details:
Softer lighting instead of harsh overhead lights
Layered textures that feel inviting
Pillows that aren’t just decorative, but functional
Even something as simple as switching your bedsheets or adjusting your pillow setup can shift how your body responds when it’s time to sleep.
Think Like a Hotel (Yes, Really)
Sanj Valenton-Licaros, a certified butler, gave a different perspective—one rooted in hospitality.
Hotels don’t leave sleep to chance.
Every detail—from mattress firmness to pillow options—is designed to make you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. There’s a reason you sleep better in a hotel room, even if it’s not your own.
The good news? You don’t need a five-star budget to recreate that feeling.
You just need to be more intentional with your choices.
The Science Part That Changes Everything
Then came Dr. Agnes Remulla, a sleep specialist—and honestly, this is where things got real.
She explained that sleep isn’t just about feeling rested. It’s directly linked to your overall health—your mood, your energy, even your long-term wellness.
But one of the most practical takeaways?
Your pillow matters more than you think.
It’s not about softness. It’s about alignment.
Side sleepers need higher loft pillows to support the neck
Back sleepers need moderate support to keep the spine neutral
Stomach sleepers need thinner pillows to avoid strain
Wrong pillow, wrong angle—and your body compensates all night.
Kaya pala kahit mahaba tulog mo, pagod ka pa rin.
So Where Does SM Home Come In?
What makes this whole Masterclass work is that it doesn’t stop at theory.
Everything the speakers talked about—from pillows and mattresses to linens and storage—can actually be found at SM Home’s Bed & Bath section, available across 77 branches nationwide.
So instead of just learning what to change, you can actually start doing it.
And that’s really the point.
Sleep Is Something You Set Up
Walking out of Best Sleep 101, one thing became clear:
Sleep isn’t passive.
It’s something you build—through your habits, your space, and the choices you make every night before you lie down.
And maybe that’s the shift a lot of us need.
Hindi na pwedeng “bahala na.”
Because better days don’t just start in the morning.
They start the night before.
