Category: Sleep Hygiene

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Health Sleep Hygiene

Why Investing In Your Mattress Is So Important

When you think about quality night’s sleep, not many people think about the quality of their mattress as well. Many people buy new mattresses when the one that they already own is completely worn out, or if they feel they are having back issues. A lot of people may not realise that investing in a high quality mattress has many versatile benefits to your health.

An average person spends around 56 hours a week in bed or about a third of their life sleeping,  so getting a good night’s sleep is vital to our overall health and well-being.

You will be sleeping on the mattress for years

On average, we spend about seven to nine hours a day in bed sleeping. Then add in a couple more hours for time spent reading, napping, watching tv, working on your laptop or relaxing and you start to realise how much time you actually spend on your bed.

For something you use every day, you need a mattress that can provide you with consistent quality of comfort for at least eight to ten years.

Improved sleep quality

Several factors affect your overall wellbeing. While diet and exercise are the obvious ones, quality of sleep plays a huge part, too. Lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can affect your immune system, cognitive abilities, metabolism, blood pressure, and is also related to obesity and other ailments.

Consider buying a new mattress as the first step to preventing any causes that may arise due to lack of quality sleep.

Old or worn out mattresses are uncomfortable

Worn out or old mattresses can cause discomfort to the spine and muscles of your body, due to the poor condition of the mattress. Changing these every 8-10 years is important to ensuring your body is getting the spinal support it needs.

It’s important to look for a mattress that can support pressure points and keep your spine properly aligned in various positions as you sleep. Maintain good spine and body posture while you sleep with specialised mattresses designed to give proper support for the body.

Invest in the best

A premium mattress is a worthwhile investment into our health. Remember to think about your needs and the features that the mattress offers, then get the mattress that is right for you. A mattress is an investment, and a good one will last for years to come – we can guarantee you won’t regret it! 

 

 

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Sleep Hygiene Sleep Tips

How Working in Bed Can Affect Your Productivity

We are all more than familiar with the term “work from home” and we know how tempting it can be to reach for your laptop and conduct your business from the comfort of your bed.

But what happens when your office is based in your bedroom and the line between work and sleep becomes blurred?

Why You Should Avoid Working in Bed

Working and studying from bed may have its benefits. For example, if you’re quarantined in a busy household, your bedroom can provide some much-needed solitude and space to focus.

However, working from bed can also come with a number of disadvantages; mainly it makes us less productive, is bad for our posture and – crucially – impacts our sleep. 

So unless you leave home to go to a coffee shop or the shops, working from home can mean it’s tough to separate work from your regular life because you are relaxing and working in the same place.

It’s easy to start mixing the two, but unless you are careful to maintain boundaries, you may start to feel like you’re always at work and losing a place to come home to.

If you live in a busy shared house and working in the bedroom is your only option, follow our top 5 tips to make the most out of your bedroom office.

  • Sit at a desk and try to keep your screen in your direct eye line so you don’t have to move your neck. Also ensure your wrists are straight while working and your monitor is roughly arm’s length away from your body.
  • Let the light in. It’s important during quarantine to make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D. Therefore, let any natural light in where possible. If you can place your desk next to a window, even better.
  • Take regular breaks. Schedule in walks, runs, or general sit downs outside to make sure you’re getting enough fresh air and a regular change of scene.
  • Tidy up. This may seem tedious when deadlines are looming, however it’s important to make sure your bedroom is clean if you’re going to be working in it.
  • Get dressed. We all know a day in our pyjamas is tempting, however, always try to get dressed, even if you’re not planning on leaving your bedroom. This will help you feel more awake and productive before a full day’s work.

So how are you finding working from home? Let us know over on our social channels and to keep up to date with all things Sleepeezee, like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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Mattress Care Sleep Hygiene

Signs you need a new mattress

We’ve all been prone to a bad night’s sleep. But what happens when every night becomes a bad night’s sleep? We find ourselves tossing and turning, trying to get comfortable and only becoming frustrated at our inability to drift off. then may start to introduce new lifestyle habits, such as limiting time on electronics before bed, or cutting out caffeine.

But what happens if these habits aren’t working?

It might be that the problem lies in, well, what you’re lying in! Sleeping on a mattress that is past its best can cause a multitude of problems, from a lack of energy, to aches and pains, and even feeling low emotionally. At first it may not be obvious, in that you’ve become used to the mattress you currently own. But with so many lifestyle factors already impacting on our sleep, improving your sleeping arrangements could be the first step in achieving more peaceful nights, energetic days and a general boost in your mood. Indeed, your mattress can have a dramatic effect on your life – so it’s worth making sure that yours is suitable for you.

To help you decide on whether you think your mattress demands a change, Sleepeezee has listed 10 questions to ask yourself about your current mattress. If you are answering ‘yes’ to more than one, it is probably time for you to investigate getting a new mattress.

  1. Is your mattress over 7-10 years old?
  2. Is your mattress discoloured?
  3. Does your mattress make noises when you turnover?
  4. Do you find you sleep better when you are staying away with friends, family or in a hotel?
  5. Are you waking up more often in the night?
  6. Are you waking up with aches and pains?
  7. Are you finding your concentration and focus has got worse?
  8. Do you roll towards the middle of the bed in the night?
  9. Is the mattress sagging?
  10. Is the mattress lumpy?

 

So, what’s the next step? Well, if you were agreeing to a lot of the questions, now may be the time to consider a new mattress. Luckily, we have a handy tool to help personalise your mattress to you. Whether you’re looking for a specific size, price or level of comfort, we’re here to help. Discover our range here and become one step closer to your next good night’s sleep.

Categories
Health Sleep Hygiene Sleep Tips

Why Is Sleep So Important?

In stressful times, it can sometimes be difficult to get the rest you need. Whether you find yourself waking up frequently or simply feeling too anxious to sleep, it’s common to find ourselves struggling to switch off. Many people will experience bouts of insomnia – defined as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep –  at some point in our lives, with around 30% of adults experiencing sleep disruption.

There’s a reason why inadequate rest can leave us feeling so drained – sleep is vital to the healthy functioning of the body and brain, up there with diet and exercise as an important part of anyone’s self-care routine.

Healthy sleep, healthy brain

Getting enough sleep is crucial for optimum mental performance. Research has shown that sleep has a big impact on concentration, productivity and cognition, allowing us to get through the tasks and challenges each day brings.

There’s a reason that parents of newborns often describe themselves as being in a zombie-like state – sleep deprivation can seriously impair our memory, recall and ability to focus, making even simple tasks feel like a minefield.

Keeping you fighting fit

Have you ever found yourself craving junk food after a poor night’s sleep? Medical studies suggest that there’s a link between sleep quality and calorie consumption, with shorter sleep patterns affecting the hormones that regulate our appetites.

What’s more, many athletes and fitness enthusiasts find that optimal performance goes hand in hand with sleep. Some experts recommend that athletes aim for as much as 10 hours sleep a night. This is due to the healing that the body undergoes during sleep, as well as the better coordination, improved mental function and higher levels and energy we experienced when we’re well-rested.

Tackling poor sleep

Having a set bedtime and wake time that you stick too – yes, even at weekends! – will help signal to your body that it’s time to rest. Try introducing a relaxing bedtime routine, such as taking a warm bath, enjoying a milky drink or doing some gentle stretching. Put away your phone and laptop, and give your brain chance to switch off.

If you’re experiencing poor sleep, use it as an opportunity to look at your lifestyle. Rich foods, too much caffeine and alcohol can impair our sleep quality; there’s a reason why a hangover is often accompanied by extreme tiredness! Getting into a regular exercise routine can also help your sleep quality, and is a great way to relieve stress.

For more advice on getting a good night’s rest and to keep up to date with all things Sleepeezee, like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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Health Health and Wellbeing Lifestyle Sleep Hygiene Sleep Tips

How To Manage Anxiety And Improve Sleep

In these unprecedented and challenging times, you may find yourself worrying more than usual. It’s no surprise, therefore, that many of us are finding that anxiety is affecting our sleep.

Lack of sleep can affect your mental health, but mental health problems can also affect how well you sleep and how much sleep you get.

Sleep is absolutely vital for our daily performance. From bodily repair, cognitive function and general all-round health, it’s recommended that we get around eight hours of sleep a night – but for those suffering from anxiety, that’s not something that comes so easy.

How to improve sleep when you feel anxious

Anxiety can cause many different psychological and physical symptoms. From racing thoughts to tense muscles and a faster heart rate, to finding it difficult to fall asleep or waking during the night, anxiety can make it difficult to get the rest we need.

There are many different methods and strategies that you can put into place. As one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of mattresses, we know a thing or two about sleep. Try our top tips below to beat sleep anxiety.

Keep a routine

You may be working from home, but try to maintain some control on your sleep/wake sleep schedule. Not only will the routine keep you focused, it helps to keep the body’s internal body clock in sync. Avoid the temptation to take lengthy naps or sleep in, as this can throw your schedule off-track and upset your body clock.

Stay active

Exercise can aid better quality sleep and the endorphins pumping through your body are also great mood boosters. Exercise not only improves heart health and blood pressure, it can help you to build and strengthen your body and can work to relieve stress. Regular exercise can help in lifting your mood and getting your sleep back on track.

Get as much natural light as possible

Working from home, social distancing or self-isolating during the coronavirus pandemic may mean you’re struggling to enjoy being out in the natural light, and this could be negatively affecting your mental and physical wellbeing. Where possible, try to go out for a quiet daily walk, spend some time in your garden or on your balcony, and open the windows to help fresh air circulate around your home.

Invest in your mattress & bedroom environment

Don’t neglect the basics when it comes to sleeping better. Your bedroom environment plays a big part in achieving a good night’s sleep. It should be cool, quiet and dark, and your mattress should be comfortable and supportive. Natural fillings such as wool and silk can help keep you cool during the night, especially as the weather gets warmer, and modern fillings such as memory foam and gel will help your bed adapt to the contours of your body.

Stay away from devices

It’s recommended that we stop using electronics an hour before bedtime, as the blue light emitted from phones, tablets and laptops can keep us awake. Given the current COVID-19 crisis, you may find yourself watching the news or scrolling social media late at night, and feeling anxious as a result. To avoid this, set yourself an hour of downtime before bed, and keep phones, computers and clutter out of the bedroom – this is the room where you should feel calm and clear-headed, not distracted by work or news.

And breathe…

Finding ways to relax before you fall asleep is key, and especially when you’re feeling anxious or stressed. Practice relaxation techniques and deep breathing exercises. You may find it helpful to use apps that offer guided meditation, mindfulness techniques or even white noise to help you feel calm and relaxed. Alternatively, read a good book or listen to soothing music. Whatever makes you feel better, it’s important that you take time just for you each evening, to help you truly relax and rest.

For more sleep tips and to keep up to date with all things Sleepeezee, like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

 

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Health and Wellbeing Sleep Hygiene Sleep Tips

How Working From Home Can Impact Your Sleep

It’s been four long weeks (did anyone notice how long March was?) since the coronavirus lockdown began, and for many of us, working from home has become the new normal.

People working remotely is not a new concept, however the global Covid-19 pandemic means that a larger proportion of us are now working from home, as advised by the UK government.

But what many people don’t realise is that working from home can often negatively impact our sleep. Disruptions to our normal day to day routine, not to mention stress and anxiety, can have a knock-on effect. As a result, you may find that your sleep has been affected since you began working from home.  Luckily, as the experts in rest, we have a few simple tricks to help you get a good night’s sleep.

 

  • It’s important to keep a regular daily routine to keep you mentally focused and your body clock in sync. Our sleep/wake schedule is controlled by our body clocks, so try to go to bed and wake up around the same time each day.

 

  • Before you start working from home, or when taking a break, get some fresh air. A brisk walk around the block or just ten minutes sat in the garden with a morning cuppa can make a big difference.

 

  • Put boundaries in place. While there is flexibility in working from home, don’t be tempted to ‘available’ at all times. Checking emails or even working too close to bedtime could see you having trouble falling or staying asleep.

 

  • Have a designated area for working, and where possible commit to using it only during work hours. Avoid working in your bedroom, as this should only be used for sleep. Working from your bed may seem appealing, but it’s no good for your posture or productivity.

 

  • Take regular breaks. Even if you find that you can work solidly at home for hours at a time, take the opportunity every hour to stretch your legs and get a change of scenery. Your brain will thank you for it, and it’ll make it easier for you to switch off at the end of the day.

 

  • Working from home can be surprisingly hard on your mental health, which in turn can affect your sleep – especially during stressful times. You may miss the social interaction of being around your colleagues, but luckily there are many platforms for people to stay connected. From Zoom to Skype, Microsoft Teams and even WhatsApp, find what works for you and your colleagues to stay in touch.

 

It’s no surprise that when our sleep is disrupted, our performance suffers. So when you need to get a good day’s work done at home, follow these tips to get your routine in check and help your body and brain relax.

For more sleep tips and to keep up to date with all things Sleepeezee, like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

 

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Sleep Hygiene

Why Do I Sleep So Much?

Oversleeping

In a nation where so many of us are struggling to get enough sleep, the issue of oversleeping might seem like a luxury problem.

We know that sleeping is vital for brain function, memory and physical health. It’s a time when our brains process all of the information and stimuli from the day, and it’s when our bodies repair, grow and heal.

You’ve heard the phrase “too much of a good thing,” and this also applies to your sleep routine too. If you are someone who “needs” more than nine hours of sleep per night, you may be doing more harm than good. The effects of oversleeping include an increased risk of a variety of health challenges, including obesity, diabetes, depression, heart disease and mood disorders.

What is Oversleeping?

Most experts agree that eight hours is the ideal amount of shuteye for adults.

However, keep in mind that everyone is different depending on your age, daily energy expenditure and lifestyle-you may need more or less sleep than what’s recommended.

So, to answer the question of what constitutes oversleeping or excessive sleeping – it’s any regular sleeping habits that are longer than nine hours.

Quality of Sleep

What Are the Symptoms of Oversleeping?

The most visible symptoms include irritability, weight gain, low mood, increased pain levels and fatigue.

To know if you’re suffering from oversleeping, keep a log of how much you sleep each night and how you feel in the morning and throughout the day. If you find that you’re sleeping more than the recommended amount and still feel groggy, you may be oversleeping.

Sleep Symptoms

How to Prevent Excessive Sleeping?

Eat Healthily

If you find that you’re exhausted even after the right number of resting hours, you may be eating an unhealthy diet that’s deficient in vital nutrients.

Limit Alcohol Intake

Alcohol affects the sleep cycle so you may need to cut back or avoid it altogether to see if it helps improve the quality of your rest and your daily energy levels.

Exercise

Movement and exercise are helpful in increasing energy by boosting endorphin levels.

Three Pillars Of Health

It might take a couple of weeks to find your new rhythm when adopting new lifestyle traits, but once you do, you should feel a lot better!

For more sleep tips and to keep up to date with all things Sleepeezee, like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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Health and Wellbeing Sleep Hygiene Sleep Tips

How to Make The Most of National Bed Month

National Bed Month

National Bed Month is here!

Yes, that’s a whole month dedicated to encouraging you to spend more time in bed – what could be better?

Organised by the National Sleep Council, National Bed Month takes place every year throughout March. Its main purpose is to create awareness of the importance of getting a good night’s sleep – and how having the right bed can help.

Here at Sleepeezee, we couldn’t agree more and we think you should get involved too. Here’s a list of ways you can make the most of National Bed Month.

  1. Put your bed through an MOT

You sleep in it for 6 – 8 hours a night, almost 365 nights a year. In fact, you probably spend more time in your bed than in any other place in your home. But when was the last time your bed had an MOT?

Fortunately, a bed MOT (that’s Mattress Obsolescence Test) doesn’t involve lugging your mattress to the nearest servicing centre. You can carry out your very own assessment from the comfort of your home, by taking The Sleep Council’s quick quiz.

  1. Complete a digital detox

Do you frequently find yourself falling asleep with the TV playing away in the background?

There’s no denying technology has a big role to play in our lives – but it shouldn’t at bed time. It’s well known that digital distractions can play havoc with our sleeping routines, so why not kick tech out of your bedroom this month and see how it improves your sleep – chances are you won’t even miss it!

  1. Watch your diet

Avoid over-eating before bedtime this month and choose foods with sleep-promoting chemicals such as chicken, turkey, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, peanuts, beans and milk.

Equally, limit stimulants such as alcohol and caffeine which reduce sleep quality and prevent you feeling rested.

  1. Try out a new mattress – Sleepeezee style

National Bed Month is the perfect time to start thinking about a new mattress. What you sleep on plays a huge part in how well you sleep.

A bed with the correct support and comfort will ensure you wake less throughout the night, aren’t disturbed by your partner and are less likely to wake up feeling tired or aching.

If your bed isn’t doing its job make sure you discover our collection of handcrafted beds, each designed to give you the perfect night’s sleep.

  1. Upgrade your bedding

When it comes to creating your optimal sleeping environment, it’s not just about the bed itself.

While your bed and mattress are vital to a healthy, rested night’s sleep, it’s really important to combine them with bedding that performs too.

So if you’ve completed your bed MOT and are happy with your mattress choice, it’s time to turn your attention to your bedding. And what better way to treat yourself than with some luxury textiles? For maximum comfort, look for natural fibres for the perfect sleep-enhancing combination.

There you have it, our five top tips to help you make the most of National Bed Month.

We’ll be sharing more tips and advice on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages so follow us for your daily dose of all things Sleepeezee!