Pick a bed that's perfect for you
To the delight of people all over the world, the clocks go back this Sunday, October 30, in what's known as National Sleep in Day, as the majority of people will choose to spend that extra hour in bed.
However, much to some people's dismay, including my own, it also marks the coming months of longer nights and colder weather and, just like many animals, a human's natural instinct is to want to sleep more.
By preparing for a good winter's slumber, people can improve their qulaity of sleep, which is of paramount importance to ensure we keep health and ready for whatever events the following day has in store.
Bed makers, Warren Evans, believe that by answering nature's call and simply going to bed earlier, we will help ourselves get through those sleepy winter months. Warren says:
"There's no doubt that getting a good night's sleep improves our quality of life. Throughout winter we feel compelled to get cosy and comfortable and sometimes it feels like there's no better place to be than a lovely, warm bed. So I'd say, give in and get into bed.
"The best prepartion for a good night's sleep is buying a good, sturdy bed and a supportive matress."
Here are some tips from Warren to help you choose a bed and mattress that is right for you and create a bedroom environment for a perfect night's sleep.
Size Matters. Firstly, take some time to consider how much space you need to get an uninterrupted night’s sleep. If you are sharing with a partner who you know will wriggle and stretch out, it’s worth taking this into consideration before buying to avoid sleepless nights. I would always suggest buying the largest bed possible that will comfortably fit into your room. You need to be able to enjoy a good night’s sleep, moving around naturally, without being disturbed. When you are thinking of buying a bed, be sure to try it out as a couple, to make sure there is plenty of space for you both.
Space Saver. If space is at a premium in your bedroom, look out for a space saving bed. This will give your bedroom a greater sense of space and allows for hidden storage underneath.
Matching Furniture. Having too many colours and styles can make your bedroom look cluttered and messy. When shopping for a bed, always keep this in mind and look for something that will fit in with your existing furniture. Matching materials and colour schemes can also give a greater sense of space in a room. If you are redecorating your room, you may want to start with a bed as this should be the focal point of the bedroom.
Trends. Natural materials are very much on trend so if you decide to buy a wooden bed, I’d always advise you to look for the FSC mark, which means that the wood has come from well-managed forests, so has not harmed the environment. Be sure also to go for a bed that has been made with traditional mortise and tenon joints too, for added strength and durability.
Money Talks. The best bed and mattress isn’t necessarily the most expensive. Having said that, it’s worth spending as much as you can afford – after all, we do spend around a third of our lives asleep. You need to view a bed and mattress purchase as an investment in your health, sometimes it’s wise to spend a little more.
Try Before You Buy. I’d always recommend going in-store to try out the beds before you order. For some it can feel a bit embarrassing, but lying and moving on your chosen bed is the best method of ensuring you have made the right choice.
Choosing Your Mattress. It is incredibly important to invest in a good mattress. Any double mattress retailing for under £100 will almost certainly be very poor quality and will start losing supporting properties and shape within months. And although you can spend over £3000 on a mattress with 1500 pocket springs, mohair filling and Egyptian cotton ticking, you can get just as much support, durability and comfort at a fraction of the cost – if you choose wisely. To test whether or not a mattress is right for you, lie down, put your hand into the small of your back, and move it around. If your hand moves too easily, then the mattress may be too hard for you. But if you struggle to move, then it’s probably too soft. Ideally you should be able to move your hand slightly with some resistance. Organic mattresses are also a good option as they are hypoallergenic as dust mites don’t like living in organic wool, making them healthier for people prone to allergies.
Lifespan of the Bed. If you’ve chosen carefully, and looked after your bed and mattress, then it should last you about 10 years. Try turning your mattress every six months or so to keep it fresh. And, as fun as it might be, try to avoid jumping on the bed – it will only damage the mattress springs and bed frame. An old bed is unhygienic as it collects bed mites and sweat that contributes to its age and degeneration. Rickety or badly made joints can also disturb your sleep and can even be dangerous. Test if your mattress is old by lifting the corner or end, if it sags into the middle or bends too easily, it is time to buy a new one.