National Make Your Bed Day

We all need sleep! While we'd all like to say we get the recommended hours of sleep each night, many of us, in reality, don't get enough. That's why each year, on September 11, National Make Your Bed Day is here to remind us of all the good sleep benefits a well-made bed can offer!

Your sleep environment
Studies by the National Sleep Foundation have found that your bedroom plays an essential role in getting a good night's sleep. There are several elements to consider when optimising your bedroom:

Temperature –

As we fall asleep, our body temperature drops. It is entirely normal and our body's way of preparing us for a deeper sleep. However, if our environment is too hot or too cold, it can make falling asleep much harder than it should be.

When temperature, heat and moisture are managed correctly, the advantages include less overheating, less chilling and less sweat, ensuring more comfort while you sleep. Try our Thermal Balancing range, or our naturally insulating Wool range to get the temperature right!

Bedding –

Depending on your sleep preferences, you'll need different bedding to suit your own personal sleep style. For example, the type of pillow you choose should support your back and neck. This will keep your body aligned, with the added benefit of preventing a sore back and neck in the morning.

Follow our handy guide below to know which type of pillow is right for you:

• Back Sleeper – Memory Foam or Latex
• Side Sleeper – Latex, Memory Foam or Posture Sleep
• Stomach Sleeper – Microfibre 
• Allergy Sufferer – Microfibre, Memory Foam, or Latex
• Nursing Mother – Tri, Body or Euro
• Back Pain Sufferer – Body or Knee Wedge

Besides selecting the right bedding, there are a couple of other tips you can follow for a better sleep:

• Make the bed before sleep!
  Studies have found that most people who turn down their beds several times a week (if not daily) sleep better at night. A made bed also allows you to crawl into bed and fall asleep more quickly.
• Keep your sheets fresh
  You should wash your sheets at least once every two weeks, and if you're a sweaty betty, share your bed with a pet, or sleep in a hot and humid climate, you'll want to increase that to once a week! Washing your bedding regularly helps prevent dust mites and body oils from building up and promotes better sleep. Studies have found that most sleepers are more excited to go to bed when they have freshly scented sheets.

Light –

Short waves of blue light can interfere with sleep as your brain confuses them for daylight. Try turning your phone on night mode and turning off electronics such as TVs and computers at least an hour before you go to bed.

Turning off your main lights and using softer lighting from a lamp will also help make your bedroom a relaxing retreat, making it much easier to fall asleep at bedtime.

Noise –

It's no surprise that it's easier to fall asleep in a quiet room rather than one filled with distracting sounds. Noise while sleeping can cause sleep disruptions, leaving you tired in the morning and negatively impacting your physical and mental health.

The whirring of a fan, a white noise machine, or soothing music can all help to mask other sounds leaving you sleeping deeper for longer.
 

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