Better sleep is something many of us are chasing right now. Whether you’re one of the many people reporting new issues with insomnia and other sleep disorders during the pandemic, or you’re simply struggling to wind down and get a better night’s sleep in general, you’re certainly not alone.
This month it’s National Bed Month, so perhaps it’s time to take a good long look at what could be contributing to or causing your sleep issues; your bed. Below, we explore when it’s time for a new bed, how to choose the right one for you, and tips for better sleep. Remember if you’re struggling for sleep long-term, approach your doctor to make sure there are no health issues contributing to your lack of good quality sleep.
IS IT TIME FOR A NEW BED?
You might only consider changing your bed when the slats are broken, but you should consider purchasing a new mattress at least every 8 years. Over time, even the most robust mattress begins to offer less and less support. If you’re sleeping with poor posture due to this, it could be impacting the quality – and quantity – of your sleep. Whether or not you opt for a replacement mattress or a new bed entirely is up to you. However, since the mattress is the most important part of the bed, these tips below will help you get the right one for you.
MATTRESS BUYERS GUIDE
There are many ways in which you can check whether a bed or mattress is right for you. They include:
1) DON’T CHOOSE IT ALONE.
If you don’t sleep alone, don’t make the mistake of choosing a mattress alone. You and your partner need to both be comfortable with the bed you’re purchasing. After all, hopefully it’s a purchase that will last for nearly another 8 years.
2) LIE ON PROSPECTIVE MATTRESSES.
It might feel odd, but it’s the best way to test out whether you’ll be comfortable. Good bed companies will encourage this too! Everyone’s idea of soft, medium and firm varies slightly. Testing for comfort before you buy is essential.
3) CONSIDER THE SIZE OF YOUR BEDROOM.
While it might be lovely to have a bed big enough for a king or queen, not having enough space for furniture or to move around will quickly make your new bed a bit of a problem. Carefully measure the space you have before you head off to the bed store. If you’re particularly short on space, you could always opt for a pull out sofa bed or one with hidden storage underneath. Having a de-cluttered bedroom could help aid better sleep, so it’s well worth considering.
4) CONSIDER YOUR BACK
If you often wake with backache, it could be because your mattress is not supportive enough, or because your bed doesn’t work with your mattress well enough to support you while you sleep. Slat and spring beds are your go-tos for back support. If you’re really struggling to find a comfy position to sleep in, you might want to consider an adjustable bed.
5) MAKE SURE YOUR BED AND MATTRESS WORK TOGETHER.
It’s useful to remember that your mattress and your bed work together to support you, so choosing both a bed and a mattress at the same time is ideal. Spring mattresses tend to match with spring beds, while slatted beds are likely to be coupled with foam mattresses.
6) DON’T SKIMP.
While it might be tempting to opt for what seems on the face of it, a great deal, if you’re opting for a bed on price rather than on how well it suits your needs, this could be a false economy. Shop around and look for the best deal on a bed that fits your needs, rather than opting for the cheapest one you can get.
BETTER SLEEP TIPS
Creating a good atmosphere for sleep is as important as your bed. Some useful tips for better sleep include:
1) CREATE A BEDTIME ROUTINE
If you can, try and stick to the same routine each bedtime. Little cues for your body to recognise it’s time to sleep could include a warm drink, a few pages of your favourite book, or your night time skincare routine. Going to bed at the same time every night could help aid better sleep too.
2) MINIMISE BLUE LIGHT
Turning off your screens an hour before bed could be useful in helping your brain wind down before bed. If you can’t manage this, consider blue light blocking glasses to help avoid blue light at bedtime.
3) CREATE A WELCOMING BEDSPACE
Getting the temperature right can be tricky. It’s important to air your bedroom out, but you don’t want it to get too cold for you to sleep comfortably. If you struggle with the cold, a heated blanket or pad could be a good option.
4) TRY DIFFERENT SLEEPING POSITIONS AND ACCESSORIES
One person’s perfect sleep position isn’t the same as everyone else’s. While some people might prefer to sleep on their back, others may be side sleepers, but side sleeping sometimes leads to postural issues. There are plenty of bed accessories designed specifically to help support you in the position you like to sleep in. A leg pillow, or even a maternity pillow may help support you in your favourite sleeping position, allowing you to wake refreshed and without aches and pains.
5) INVEST IN A MATTRESS TOPPER
If you’re struggling to get comfy but it’s not quite time to replace your bed or mattress, consider a mattress topper. Comfy and soft, these toppers can really help you sink into a better night’s sleep.
Getting better sleep can help improve your mood, concentration, stress levels and general health. Whether you need to purchase a new bed or mattress, or simply need to consider changing your bedtime routine, focusing on getting better sleep could be the best thing you do for yourself this month, and beyond.
Photo by Greg Rivers on Unsplash