Sleep Council Say Put a Spring in Your Step This Season
According to The Sleep Council nothing beats a good night’s sleep to make you feel refreshed and energised and the foundation of good sleep starts with a comfortable bed.
“Buy the right bed and you could be buying into night after night of quality sleep,” says Lisa Artis of The Sleep Council, whose latest campaign ‘May Be Time For A New Mattress’ highlights the benefits a new comfortable and supportive bed can bring and why you need to think about changing your old mattress if it is seven years old or more.
“Anyone who has ever slept in a really comfortable or really dreadful old bed will know how it can impact on the quality of rest. Bed buying needn’t be difficult but it helps to know a few tips. Understanding when it is time to buy a new bed and what to look for when you do tops our poll of frequently asked questions.”
Sleep Council FAQs
Q. I think I need a new bed, but how do I know for sure?
Regularly assessing sleep quality and comfort levels is essential. If you’re not sure if it’s time to invest in a new bed, answer the questions below. Three ‘Yes’ answers and you’re not getting the best possible night’s sleep. Five or more and it’s time to buy a new bed!
• Is the mattress seven years old or more?
• Would it be embarrassing if neighbours saw it without its covers?
• Does it make suspicious noises in the night?
• Did you have your best recent night’s sleep in a bed other than yours?
• Are you waking up more frequently unrefreshed and aching?
• Do you and your partner roll towards each unintentionally in the middle of the night?
• Do you have enough space to sleep comfortably?
• Is it sagging?
• Does it feel lumpy in the night?
Q. What Should I Look For When Buying A New Bed?
The foundation of a good night’s sleep is a comfortable, supportive bed. It’s difficult to get deep, restful sleep on an old, sagging or bumpy bed. A mattress that will hold your spine in correct alignment and provide comfort and space will ensure you wake less, move about less, are less disturbed by your partner and more likely to wake up feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
It is important you make time to try out a variety of mattresses to find the one that is most comfortable for you, and your partner. Comfort is very subjective and what’s right for one person isn’t necessarily right for another. Think about whether you like soft sinking or a firmer feel. Size matters so opt for the biggest size you can afford. For added reassurance that the mattress you’re buying is safe, clean and honest look for the NBF Approved ‘big tick’ label.
Q. How much should we invest in one?
Ideally, spend as much as you can afford – you get what you pay for – both in product and service. Plus it’s probably one of the most important investments you’ll make, not just for your home but also for your own wellbeing! Remember, every £100 you spend represents less than 4p a night over seven years.
Q. What is the most important part of the bed to focus on – is it the frame, the mattress or the bedding?
All of it – they need to work together. When buying a new bed it can be false economy to change only the mattress and keep the original base, especially if you are buying a divan set. The old base could reduce the useful life of the new mattress as well as the comfort and support it can offer. It can also invalidate manufacturers’ warranties or guarantees.
Q. Are those marked ‘ortho’ worth getting if you have a bad back?
For a long time, it was believed that a hard bed was good for a bad back. Nowadays it’s generally accepted that this is not necessarily the case – and could in fact cause more damage. A supportive and comfortable mattress is the best option – it doesn’t matter what type of construction it is. Any reference to beds being orthopaedic – or similar medical sounding terms – does not automatically mean that the bed has been professionally assessed or recommended – it is a term loosely used by manufacturers to refer to extra firm models in their range.
So if it’s time for you to have a spring clean and buy a new bed, for more information on how to choose a good bed and all the options available, visit The Sleep Council website, www.sleepcouncil.org.uk or call Freephone 0800 018 7923 to request a copy of the Bed Buyers Guide. ‘Bed Buying’ and ‘Shopping for a New Bed’ videos can also be found on The Sleep Council website.
