Creating a Comfy, Cozy Bed for Better Sleep

Tossing and turning in an uncomfortable bed is no one’s idea of a good time. Restorative sleep is so crucial to your health that it’s absolutely worth investing in a quality bed, mattress, and bedding so that you are completely rested in the morning. Even small changes can help you get a better night’s rest. Considering that you spend up to one-third of your day in bed, it makes sense to create a place that feels wonderful when it’s time to rest your weary head.

Sleeping Frame of Mind

The ideal bed frame is sturdy and strong, with weight evenly distributed on all sides. If your wooden or metal bed frame creaks and squeaks every time you roll over at night, check the bolts and connectors to see what is causing the distracting noise. The sound could be coming from the bedposts grinding into wood flooring; you might want to consider placing felt or rubber pads beneath the posts to mute the noise. If your bed frame contains wheels, make sure all four wheels are correctly in place. A broken or missing wheel makes weight distribution uneven, disrupting your sleep. Bolsters placed beneath the bed frame can help support the mattress, if necessary.

Choosing a Mattress

There are many, many different types of mattresses out there. Some people prefer mattresses that are quite firm; others prefer cushy pillow-top mattresses. Either way, choose a mattress that adequately supports your spine and neck. Some air mattresses and waterbeds might not provide a firm enough foundation for sleeping throughout the night. Mattresses should be inspected and potentially replaced every five to seven years, depending on manufacturer recommendation. After that, interior springs or cushioning could become compromised and offer insufficient support.

Best Bedding Options

Consider purchasing mattress covers to protect against allergens or dust mites that could interfere with your sleep; these should be washed once a month, along with your pillows, for best comfort. Sheet options often depend on personal preference; some people like the soft feel of satin sheets, while others might find them too slippery, for example. Choose sheets that feel comfortable against your skin. If the thread count is too low, sheets might feel rough and scratchy. The number, size, and thickness of blankets and comforters will probably change throughout the year as seasons shift, but avoid piling on too many layers. Feeling overheated at night will keep you awake.

The Perfect Pillow

Pillow selection also comes down to personal preference, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Pillows that are too firm or too squishy will prevent you from totally relaxing. Choose pillows that don’t force your neck to awkwardly crane while lying down. You don’t need more than one or two pillows on the bed while sleeping at night. More than that takes up valuable bed real estate, compromising your sleeping.

What Else Belongs in Bed?

That’s a trick question. Nothing else really belongs in bed at night other than your bedding and perhaps your bed partner. Kids and pets are better off in their own beds. You should certainly not attempt to sleep with books, magazines, cell phones, or other items scattered among the sheets with you. Place these items outside the bedroom or on a nearby table instead so that you can relax and sleep.

References

The Better Sleep Council, Mattress Types
http://bettersleep.org/mattresses-and-more/mattress-types

National Sleep Foundation, Americans' Bedrooms Are Key to Better Sleep According to New National Sleep Foundation Poll.
http://sleepfoundation.org/media-center/press-release/americans-bedrooms-are-key-better-sleep-according-new-national-sleep-foundation