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Everything You Need To Know About Mattresses!

People spend more time on their mattresses than on any other piece of furniture in their home. In fact, we spend half of our lives asleep. That’s why shopping for your mattress is so important and not picking the right one can lead to sleepless nights and achy mornings.

Mattresses can also cost anything from a few hundred pounds to thousands, so you’ll want to make sure that your chosen mattress is worth the investment before you buy.

Here, we’ve put together everything you need to know before you hit the high street or browse the web.

Firmness Levels

One of the most confusing and often complicated options to choose is the firmness of your mattress. Your body shape and weight as well as your sleeping position can all play huge factors in this decision-making process.

You are likely to come across a variety of different firmness levels when you start looking for a mattress, but some will be better suited to you than others.

Firmness levels relate to the utmost support that the layers within the inner mattress build provides, however a well-made mattress will provide you with support regardless of how soft the top layers feel.

To find yours read our blog on firmness levels.

The right mattress if you suffer from a bad back

Memory foam mattresses are an ideal choice if you suffer from back problems, as it will mould to your body, absorb your weight and relieve any pressure on your joints. If you suffer from allergies, you’ll be delighted to hear that memory foam mattresses are often hypoallergenic too.

How can I be sure I’m making the right choice?

Even when armed with this information, it can still be hard to know what it is you’re looking for. The best way to get a feel for the difference between a soft, firm and extra-firm mattress is obviously to try them out, in-store at one of our retailers.

Next up, how should you be looking after your mattress?

Should I air my mattress?

It’s important that you give your mattress a regular airing. You should do this for three to four hours as soon as you get it home from the manufacturer to remove any storage smells.

Should I continue airing it once it’s home?

It’s important to give your mattress a regular weekly airing. This is simple and straightforward to do and just involves removing the bed linen.

Do I need a mattress protector?

Mattress protectors do exactly what they say on the tin. They protect and help keep your mattress clean, which will ultimately prolong its life.

Do I need to turn my mattress?

Yes, it’s essential that you regularly turn your mattress. Remember, you made the investment according to your sleeping style and individual requirements. Not turning it may begin to impact this, as over time it will soften, gradually reducing the level of support it gives you.

How often should I turn my mattress?

You should try and turn your mattress around every three months. However, there’s no one size fits all rule and you should try and use your judgement – if it’s starting to feel soft and like it won’t give you the required support, turn it.

So now you know, a good mattress is a real investment, so take the time to look at all your options and try out models in store. Remember Everything Is Easy When You Sleepeezee.

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How to Become a Morning Person

In a perfect world, we would all be morning people. But unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Many of us have hectic morning routines that are considered a success only if we’re able to make it to work on time and without arriving with coffee stains down on our shirts.

But did you know that waking up early actually has many advantages. Not only does it allow more time for both productivity and leisure, but it also makes our days less stressful. However, try as we might, it seems no matter how early we set the alarm, we always end up hitting snooze (one too many times).

Well luckily for you, we’d like to think that over the years we’ve picked up a tip or two on how to achieve this.

 

1. Make a schedule.

I know what you’re thinking – because we thought the same thing: “I can’t possibly get up earlier because I have zero willpower.” But it turns out morning people aren’t using willpower to rise and shine; they’re using habits.

In other words, early risers don’t think about getting up—they just do it. To help establish this new habit, we suggest creating a nightly schedule. After all, the most effective way to wake up early is to go to bed early!

 

2. Stop pressing snooze.

If we wake up feeling groggy, it is likely because a REM (Rapid Eye Movement) cycle has been disrupted. Firstly, make sure you’re getting enough sleep – our deepest sleep usually lasts between 70 and 90 minutes, and this is the point in the cycle where we dream. It is best to wake up at the beginning stages of a REM cycle where we are in the least deep of sleep.

With most sleep apps you can set an alarm and it will pick up on your frequency waves of sleep and only sound a calming alarm when it knows you are no longer in a deep stage of the REM cycle.

 

3. Expose yourself to natural light.

Throughout the day make sure you get a healthy dose of vitamin D. Not a sunny day? At least go outside for 15 minutes to get some fresh air, or sit by a window that exposes you to natural light

 

4. Get moving as quickly as possible.

Your room should be a tranquil place of relaxation, so when it is time to get going, we need to leave that room ASAP — even if it means walking to the kitchen for a glass of water. When we lay in bed, checking our Twitter feed, or rolling around yawning, we are allowing ourselves to let the grogginess sit in. The moment you wake up, get up and get moving (here’s a handy playlist that should help with morning motivation).

 

5. Work out in the morning.

You’re probably thinking, “Are you insane? But working out can help release bad toxins in your body, ones that negatively affect our sleep. Obviously, a good workout is something everyone should be fitting into their schedules on a regular basis. But for those of us that are so busy we think we can’t even afford more sleep, working out can sometimes be put on the back burner.

 

The changes shouldn’t be drastic, but it is important to recognize that it will be a bit of a change. Start incorporating these tips into your morning routine and take advantage of those extra hours in the morning! For more on prioritising your sleep in 2021, follow The Big January Snooze on our FacebookTwitter and Instagram

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How To Fall Asleep On Christmas Eve

Getting excited for Christmas is one of the best parts of the year. The only downside (and we say this lightly!) is the impact on how we fall asleep on Christmas Eve.

Particularly for youngsters, Christmas Eve can become unbearably exciting, making sleep almost impossible until you’ve been told that the big red guy won’t visit if you don’t fall asleep. But it’s not only children who struggle to nod off on Christmas Eve, even adults do too!

Apart from those lucky, organised few who have everything ready, the majority of us are running around like headless chickens trying to tie up loose ends before the big day. To help, we’ve compiled our best tips for getting to sleep on Christmas Eve:

Avoid caffeine

When you have a cup of coffee, the caffeine stimulates all the nerves in your frontal lobes – waking your brain, boosting adrenaline and blocking sleep-inducing chemicals. Caffeine also increases your chances of developing a headache and can make your heart rate jump, causing you to feel more awake and disrupting your wind down time.

Stay busy in the day

Make sure you have a well-planned day so that the weight of productivity sends you into a deep slumber. Hopefully, gifts will already be wrapped so you can concentrate on the big day. The best way to guarantee a fully productive day is to make a check-list of what needs to be bought, wrapped, cooked and decorated. All the energy that might have kept you awake at night will be depleted, leaving you to sleep like a baby.

Watch classic holiday movies.

Nothing puts you to sleep quite like a late-night film. Elf, Home Alone and Miracle on 64th Street are just a few of our favourites!

Use warming lights

Cosy lighting can also help with getting to sleep – and if you’re lucky enough to be around a roaring fire, that will work wonders. Unlike the bright and blue lights that come from electrical devices, which reduce melatonin and delay sleep, the kind of warm orange light you get sitting in front of a fire helps to soothe the brain and prepare us for sleep.

Mind the sugar

One of the best things about Christmas is the food! Lots of delicious sweets, chocolate, cakes and pies – plus of course all the sugary drinks. But whilst it’s lovely to indulge, keep an eye on how much sugar you are consuming. Sugar can stimulate the body (we’ve all heard of “sugar highs”) which can then have a negative effect on the quality of sleep.

 

However you’re spending Christmas this year, we hope it’s peaceful and merry.

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The Best Drinks To Have Before Bed

There are many different drinks that we favour before turning in for the night. Whether it’s a nightcap, a good cuppa or hot cocoa, what you drink before bedtime can be the difference between a good night’s rest or a disturbed one.

To put it simply, whoever said, “you snooze, you lose” clearly has never struggled to get to sleep. From tossing and turning to waking up in the middle of the night, being tired without being able to sleep is one of the most frustrating feelings. Here are a few of our favourite bedtime drinks to help you drift into a dreamy slumber…

Warm milk

It’s an old classic but calcium is known to aid in a good night’s sleep which is why many sleep experts recommend a nice warm mug of milk before bed! It is effective in stress reduction, plus the psychological link between milk and going to bed might be responsible for its sleep boosting properties.

Hot Cocoa

Another classic pre-bedtime drink, not to be confused with sugar-heavy hot chocolate. Cocoa is one of the by-products used for making chocolate. In powder form, it can be added to hot water to make a chocolate-flavoured drink. It’s not quite as creamy or sweet as your typical hot chocolate but that’s why it’s better for sleep!

Herbal Tea

Entering the world of herbal teas for sleep, chamomile is considered one of the best drinks before bed. That’s because it contains a therapeutic antioxidant called  Apigenin. This antioxidant is widely believed to help reduce anxiety and initiate sleep.

Valerian and peppermint teas are also known to relax the body and soothe the stomach.

Decaffeinated green tea

Believe it or not, decaffeinated green tea can help you fall asleep. This is an extremely healthy beverage on so many levels and has many benefits to your body beyond helping you get drowsy. 

Cherry Juice

Cherries are naturally high in melatonin, the hormone that triggers sleep and regulates your internal clock. Like most herbal and fruit teas, it has been used for centuries, stemming all the way back to the ancient Greeks and Romans.

 So do you have a favourite bedtime drink? Let us know over on our social channels!
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The Secret to Better Sleep and Brighter Mornings

Getting a good night’s sleep may seem like an impossible goal when you’re wide awake at 3 a.m., but you have much more control over the quality of your sleep than you probably realize.

Unhealthy daytime habits and lifestyle choices can leave you tossing and turning at night and adversely affect your mood, brain and heart health, immune system, creativity, vitality, and weight.

Many factors play a part in how much sleep we get, but by experimenting with the following tips, you can enjoy better sleep at night, boost your health, and improve how you think and feel during the day.

Your mental health

Approximately one in four adults will experience mental health problems each year with anxiety being the most common issue.

If you’ve struggled with anxiety or depression, you may have noticed the impact it can have on your sleep – with many of us getting less than six hours per night.

Vice versa, chronic sleep loss can lead to anxiety and depression – so getting to the bottom of the problem should be a top priority.

If you often find yourself overthinking before bed or worrying about tomorrow, try writing down your feelings or making a to-do list. This can help put your mind at rest, making it easier to switch off and drift off.

Support and help are available to people suffering from mental health-related problems – and often, speaking to someone is the first step to recovery.

Your sleep environment

Your bedroom plays a big part in your sleep routine and it should be a relaxing environment – think dark, quiet and cool. A dark bedroom helps us release the melatonin hormone that helps the timing of our sleep – and an ideal temperature for your room is between 18 – 21 degrees.

As tempting as it may be to scroll social media on your smartphone or watch TV in bed, your bedroom should be a tech-free zone and you should avoid blue light technology for at least two hours before bed.

Finally, we all wake up with neck or back pain from time to time but if it’s becoming a regular occurrence, your mattress could be to blame and it could be time to invest in a new one.

What we put in our bodies

Along with a balanced diet and good exercise, quality sleep is the foundation of your health. Despite this, many of us still don’t realise the effects certain foods and drinks can have on our sleep.

Take caffeine as an example – it may give you a quick boost but it blocks a sleep-inducing chemical in the brain called adenosine.

While there are a number of foods and drinks to avoid before bed, there are some that can enhance your quality of sleep.

Try swapping your bedtime brew for a herbal tea like chamomile which contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in your brain and is said to promote ‘sleepiness’.

If you’re still unsure what’s causing your sleep problems, try keeping a sleep diary. This will help you track daily activities and other lifestyle habits that may be affecting your sleep. It can also help your GP diagnose more serious sleep problems or underlying conditions.

 

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The Simple Way to Change Your Duvet Cover

Changing a duvet cover is just one of those tasks, isn’t it? It’s a nightmare, it takes forever and it feels like a huge amount of effort.

However, could that be because we’re doing it all wrong? From getting the cover the wrong way around and having to start again to struggling to flap the sheet down to the end of the duvet, it’s the definition of effort and is especially hard if you’re doing it on your own.

If you feel the same, we think you’ll be glad to find out that there are some tips and tricks that you can try to make this ordeal a little easier.

Bedding should be changed at least once a week. However, when you have a list of chores as long as your arm you want to make sure you can get your duvet changed as fast as possible.

Yuka Yoneda made this duvet changing trick a viral sensation back in 2015 when she posted a video of her practising the ‘burrito’ method to YouTube!

This method involves laying both your duvet and duvet cover flat on your bed, one on top of the other, and rolling them into a pancake, before flipping the ends over and rolling it out flat again but this time combined. A little lost, don’t worry here’s our step-by-step guide below:

  1. Turn your duvet cover inside out and lay it flat on your bed so that the opening is at the foot of your bed.
  2. Lay your duvet flat, on top of your duvet cover, making sure all of the corners are matched up and aligned.
  3. Starting at the head of your bed, roll your duvet and duvet cover down the bed together, like a burrito.
  4. When you get to the end of your bed, take one end and reach into the duvet cover and flip it over exposing the right side of your duvet cover, burying the duvet inside.
  5. Do the same for the other side, so that both ends now look like your duvet cover (with duvet inside) should.
  6. Once both sides are successfully flipped over, flip over the duvet cover as well.
  7. Now unroll your burrito back up to the top of your bed, and it should unroll ready-made.
  8. Plus, you can just reverse the process when it’s time to wash your sheets.

 

Still not feeling motivated? Check out or playlist “Motivational beats to help change your sheets” over on our Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5HMgYprUFhw3RQqAzLvZJr?si=5cRIW_GXTRCuujIP_-CQfg 

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The Secret To A Great Stay At Home Routine

This year has been a rollercoaster and a lot of us have found ourselves having to face a new normal (even though it’s anything but). It’s called ‘staying at home’ – and we’ve been getting very good at it as of late. For many of us, this has meant a dramatic shift from endlessly juggling work, childcare, homecare and trying to support loved ones from the confines of our humble abodes.

This is easing slightly but for the majority of us, our daily routine has changed dramatically. We may complain about being on the hamster wheel, but the truth is that routine is good, and is pivotal for our sleep health.

The one thing we currently can control this year is our home schedule and we’ve put together our best home routine hacks to get us on our way to a better night’s sleep, and a better morning.

Why is a routine important?

At a time when disruptions to your sleep are coming in from all angles, it’s more important than ever to get a great home routine in place. It’s tempting to throw caution to the wind and stay in our PJs all day and work from our beds, but this can have a detrimental effect on our health.

By putting a daily home routine in place we actually receive multiple benefits to our health, productivity and overall bodily functions. So what’s the secret to a successful home routine?

It all starts with sleep!

We may be biased, but we think sleep is key when creating an ideal routine. In fact, we believe a great night’s sleep is the most important foundation and can actually help us stick to a routine!

This is because our mental performance is built from a good night’s sleep including our ability to focus and concentrate and to feel at our best emotionally.

But it’s not just sleeping itself that matters – though you’ve hopefully heard great things about our mattresses being pivotal for a good night’s sleep. It’s also about preparing the body and brain for sleep, allowing us to easily transition into rest mode. 

So whether you are practising the great balancing act of working from home or adjusting to an entirely new way of living, we’ve compiled some simple hacks for a home routine that will power you all day long:

 

  • Start your day right
    Getting between 7 – 8 hours of sleep has never been more important for mental, physical and emotional health.

 

  • Plan your day
    Decide when you want to take breaks and stick to them as part of your home routine. Set little alarms on your phone if you need, and genuinely give yourself permission to take a break.

 

  • Treat your day as a normal one
    Resist the urge to stay in pyjamas – getting ready as you would on a normal day will help with motivation levels. It doesn’t sound like much, but it’ll give you a sense of normality.

 

  • Keep the work/ life balance intact
    Creating a separate space for working and rest is incredibly important to help us switch off in the evenings.

 

Be conscious of food, drink and screen time
What we consume and the amount of time we spend on our screens can all have an impact on productivity and sleep. Keep a track of how your usual eating, drinking and screen use patterns are changing, and as a general guideline, caffeine should ideally be cut off after lunchtime.

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Why Hotels Choose Sleepeezee Beds

When a great night’s sleep is the most important part of a hotel guest’s experience, it’s not surprising that some of the UK’s most well-known hotels choose Sleepeezee beds to guarantee the perfect night’s sleep for their guests, night after night.

We’ve been making beds for nearly a century, and understand the importance of excellent service for the hotel and hospitality industry. From boutique escapes to the largest luxury suites, we work with you to provide the package you need to suit your business, no matter how large or small.

But why do our partners keep coming back you ask?

 

Comfort is king

The comfort of your guests and their overall sleep experience is paramount when staying at your establishment. Ultimately it is a comfortable bed that underpins this experience, allowing guests not only to enjoy a memorable night’s sleep, but to recommend your hotel to others and to come back time and time again.

All of our products come with a five-year guarantee as standard, with our high standards and exceptional craftsmanship ensuring that your Sleepeezee mattress gives your guests the perfect night’s rest, night after night.

As Royal Warrant holders, every Sleepeezee bed represents the highest standards in British manufacturing and design, with our mattresses being handmade by our team here in the UK.

Fire compliant  

From international luxury mega hotels to boutique cabins and snug cottages, whatever the size of your business, the safety and welfare of your guests will always be your number one priority.

Fire compliance is a necessity for all hospitality businesses and all of our mattresses comply with the latest British fire safety regulations, including BS 7177 compliance, so that you can be sure that your business is fully up to date with the latest legislation.

Door to door delivery

You need to be able to trust your supply chain, which is why we work with you at every step of the way. Our team of experienced professionals provide a door-to-door delivery and are able to install your beds at large or small scale.

From the initial consultation to final installation, our Sleepeezee experts are focussed on providing the right sleep solution for your hotel

Removal and recycling

We are a carbon-neutral company, meaning we’re committed to helping businesses like yours in adopting sustainable practices. As a zero-landfill brand, we provide the ideal solution for hospitality businesses looking for environmentally-responsible suppliers.

Our removal and recycling service takes away your packaging along with your old mattresses and/or divan bases for a fuss-free installation experience.

Like what you hear and want to know more?

Get in touch with our team today to talk about how we can design a sleep solution to meet your needs.

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The Impact of Sleep on Fitness

You may know that a regular exercise routine can help us get the rest we need at night, but did you also know that good quality sleep can help you perform your best during your workouts?

Whether you’re a high-performance athlete or just wanting to improve your overall fitness, your daily routine can make a big difference to your health. From eating a healthy diet to managing stress, everyday changes mean that we can get much more out of our exercise habits.

Sleep is a major factor in keeping healthy, and this includes helping to keep fit. Put simply, even if you’re working out regularly, you won’t be getting the full benefit if you suffer from poor sleep.

 

Why is sleep important for our bodies?

When we sleep, we’re giving our bodies time to recover, repair and recharge. The muscles worked during exercise are given the opportunity to build up during sleep, and being well-rested also means you’re less likely to experience aches and pains after a heavy exercise session.

During sleep, the human body produces growth hormones to help build lean muscle or repair any muscle tears. This is essential for recovery, and is particularly important for those who enjoy high-intensity workouts such as weightlifting, interval-training or other high-impact exercises.

However, with around 30% of us not getting enough sleep, you may be limiting your athletic performance without even realising it.

Tiredness can also make us feel less motivated to exercise – we’ve all had those mornings where we intended to head to the gym for an early start, but a poor night’s sleep left us feeling lethargic instead. Getting enough sleep can also boost your concentration, focus and mood, meaning you feel better prepared for your workout and determined to meet your fitness goals.

 

Improve your sleep, improve your fitness

Experts recommend that adults aim for around eight hours of sleep a night, with a peaceful night’s rest giving you the boost you need to commit to your exercise routine. But what steps can you take to make sure you get the right amount of sleep, to help you reach your fitness goals?

Luckily for fitness fans, regular exercise has been shown to be highly beneficial in promoting good sleep; one study saw a group of patients with sleep problems to take regular aerobic exercise, and found that they reported getting an extra 75 minutes of sleep per night.

Exercise releases a brain chemical called adenosine, which helps us to feel tired. That’s why you may find that you sleep like a log after a particularly tough gym session or bootcamp!

If you tend to exercise close to bedtime, try switching to low-intensity workouts like yoga, especially if they incorporate breathing and relaxation techniques. Signalling to your body that it’s time to wind down and relax can help in getting you in the right mindset for a good night’s sleep.

 

 

To find out more about getting the perfect night’s sleep and to keep up to date with all things Sleepeezee, like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.