Sleepeezee

Sleep meditation is a practice that can help us fall asleep and stay asleep longer. Unwinding from a busy day isn’t easy but it’s clear mindfulness and sleep meditation can really help.

When we get into bed with our to-do lists still reeling through our minds, sleep meditation gives our mental processes a rest, calming the nervous system of the body and creating the conditions for sweet, deep, natural sleep.

One way of taking good care of ourselves is making sleep meditation part of a daily wind-down ritual. The ritual doesn’t have to be complicated or long. It might look like: turning off devices, having a bath or shower if that’s relaxing, and getting into bed.

If you find the time before bed is when worries and stresses come to mind, it may be helpful to add 10 minutes of journaling to the routine, to get the thoughts out of your head and onto the page. To further help signal your body that it’s time for rest, you might spritz your pillow with a natural sleep mist.

The more senses you engage when creating a new habit, the better. The last step before sleep meditation should be to get comfortable in your bed. By following the same steps in the same order, we create routines for ourselves and set the stage for whatever’s to follow; in this case, sleep meditation. It becomes a habit.

Once you’re in bed, sleep meditation can be as simple as these 6 steps:

1. Notice your in-breath.
2. Notice your out-breath.
3. Notice the sensations in your body.
4. Allow thoughts to come.
5. Allow thoughts to go.
6. Return to noticing your breath.

For every night you practice — even if only for a few minutes — the benefits add up. You begin to retrain your brain to relax and to calm your body so you can more easily settle into sleep.

However, if this doesn’t work for you we’d recommend trying guided sleep meditation, this most often happens by listening to an audio meditation online or in a meditation app. Instead of meditating in silence, the meditator is listening to the guidance of another voice. Guided sleep meditation is designed to relax the listener deeply, leading to sleep.

Fire compliance is a necessity for all hospitality businesses. Whether you’re running an established hotel or renting out a property, an important part of your responsibility is to consider the risk of fire to your property and its contents. This involves a thorough investigation of the furniture and fabric used within the guest’s bedroom.  So it’s vital that all furnishings meet the correct UK fire retardant standards, including Crib 5.

What Is Crib 5?

Crib 5 (also known as Ignition Source 5) is a very common term within the hospitality industry and it’s essential that all furniture and furnishings housed within these commercial buildings adhere to the strict UK Fire Regulations Act 1988.

It is a legal and statutory obligation that all beds and sofa beds for hotels and hospitality properties must be engineered to ‘contract specifications’ and must have passed a series of British Standard fire safety ignition tests, often referred to as Source 5 or Crib 5.

These tests are carried out to ensure products have been treated to dramatically reduce the risk of ignition which could potentially save lives.

Who Does it Affect?

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. This is why all of the following businesses follow Crib 5 regulations.

• Hotels
• Guest Houses
• Bed and Breakfasts
• Holiday Parks
• Holiday Lettings
• Youth Hostels
• Universities
• Health Care Sector

Sleepeezee Service

The long-lasting quality of all Sleepeezee contract beds is reinforced by compliance with UK Government Health and Safety legislation and Fire department requirements and composite tests. All of our mattresses comply with the latest British fire safety regulations, including BS 7177 compliance, which is amongst the strictest tests in the world.

This is so we can ensure we are working with our Hospitality clients to design a range of comfortable beds helping to create a safe, healthy and exceptional sleeping environment that will have a positive effect on a guest’s well-being and satisfaction.

Find out more about Sleepeezee Hospitality or visit our LinkedIn page for more.

Escaping to the bedroom and pulling up a comforting duvet has long been a satisfying way to decompress at the end of a high-pressure day. But when the pandemic shook up our day to day life and sent anxiety levels soaring, having a bedroom that could serve as a calming retreat suddenly seemed more important than ever.

So we’ve been looking at ways to re-invigorate our sleep space and we’re sharing our favourites below!

Go Bold

Where previously, muted, neutral tones have been popular choices for our bedrooms, we are now seeing a huge move away from minimalist interior schemes with people being more daring with design choices. From statement wallpaper and creative wall finishes such as polished plaster through to bold and colourful fabrics and bed linen, it’s time to inject personality into our bedrooms.

Decorate With Regal Blues

If you are daring to go dark, navy or royal blue is a timeless classic. One texture trend that translates effortlessly into fall and winter is velvet – luxurious to look at and touch. White is the traditional accent to team with blue but to add more depth to the scheme try pops of chalky greys and taupes. Alternatively, you can warm things up with metallics.

Do not be afraid to clash textures for extra character. Embrace contrast by adding a sumptuous blue velvet rug against the rich wood flooring or a statement velvet chair.

On Cloud Nine

A trend that never goes out of style is all-white bedding. When you can swap out decorative pillows on crisp white linens, you’ll always be on trend

Focal Points

As well as this, Headboards are once again becoming popular, with big, bold shapes in bright colours and patterned fabrics being a go-to choice. It’s all about creating a focal point and making a real statement and an upholstered headboard will really allow you to show off your personality, whilst being comfortable and practical too.

Clear The Clutter With Clever Storage

Storage has become an integral part of bedrooms, and we anticipate that it will continue to dominate, as we aim to clear the clutter for a calm and restful bedroom.

Investing in divan beds with drawers or even an ottoman can instantly provide extra space you didn’t think you needed.

We believe as we continue to work and educate from home, the cliché of the bedroom as a sanctuary becomes more relevant and realistic. So let us know over on our social channels which bedroom trends you’ll be trying this year!

Sleeping is a big part of our lives — even if we’re not getting our recommended eight hours. But there’s more to it than you might think. If you’re having problems getting enough sleep or have an injury, laying down and catching some Zzz’s may not be as simple.

Whether you toss and turn or face-plant straight into a sound slumber, your sleep position plays a big role in your sleep quality, whether you wake up with a weird crick in your neck or well-rested and nimble.

Here is a breakdown of the best sleep positions — and one to avoid to wake up feeling your best!

The Side Sleeper

Sleeping on your side is great for cuddling and scrolling through your phone but it’s also pretty good for you.

Studies suggest that sleeping on your left side is preferable to your right. Thanks to the unique arrangement of your internal organs, left-side sleepers may see benefits in improved digestion, blood flow and reduced heartburn.

The Fetal Sleeper

There’s a reason why this is the most popular sleep position. As a variation of the side-sleeping position, the biggest benefit of the fetal position is being able to fall asleep pretty much anywhere. Beyond that, it is also great for lower back pain or pregnancy, whilst also helping reduce snoring.

The Back Sleeper

If you’re a back sleeper, take some pleasure in knowing that sleeping on your back is often recommended as the best position for preventing aches and pains in the morning.

Sleeping on your back gives you your best shot at resting your spine in its most natural position. In fact, your entire body will thank you for sleeping on your back, because your arms, shoulders, and legs won’t be jammed under the weight of your body or contorted in some bizarre contortion pose.

The Starfish Sleeper

The starfish sleeper doesn’t really have a set position but you’re usually on your back, stretching your arms and legs out wide. Sleeping like a starfish allows your spine to get the support it needs throughout the night. As well as this without your face constantly rubbing against your pillow, you can minimise the chances of unwanted acne breakouts and wrinkles!

The Pillow Huggers

Do you fall asleep with your arms wrapped around your pillow? If so, then you like to feel cosy! Falling asleep while hugging a pillow allows you to relax your muscles and stay in proper alignment.

Not only that but it’s known to lower anxiety, improve memory and act as a stress-reliever.

The 1 to Avoid – Stomach Sleeper

If we had to rank sleeping positions, lying on your stomach might be at the bottom of the list. While it’s a good position for snoring or sleep apnea, the benefits don’t extend much further.

Sleeping on your stomach can cause both neck and back pain. It can also add a lot of unnecessary strain to your muscles and joints, which is why you might be waking up sore and tired.

I first got involved in athletics when I was about 9 years old. At the time, it was really just two weeks of activity to keep me and my sister entertained, yet this became my first proper taste of athletics. I remember I just absolutely loved it. I loved the challenges, I loved running, I loved being active and the enjoyment that came out of exercising. From this moment, my passion for athletics grew and grew until I was able to envision it as a career possibility. I then fully committed myself to training, doing everything I could to make the dream a reality.

When I went to the Commonwealth Games in 2006 for my first senior competition, it was just incredible to be in that multi-sport competitive atmosphere. I had a great competition and came away with a bronze medal, which was just the most amazing and indescribable feeling. After struggling with a career-threatening injury in 2008, I was able to come back and win my first world title in Berlin in 2009. My focus then turned to the next Olympic Games – London 2012. I added two world and a European gold in the build-up, but the 2012 Games came around very quickly. I had the most unbelievable two days in London. Winning gold in front of a home crowd in London is one of the highlights of my athletic career.

I became a mum to Reggie in 2014 but juggled being a mummy and training and won another world title in 2015 and a silver medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games – both massive achievements for me given the short turnaround from being pregnant and having a baby.

Since then, my life has changed even more after retiring from competitive sport! When you’re competing, it becomes your whole life. Sport is at the centre of everything; it’s the goals you want to focus on, it’s how you eat, how you stay in tune with your body and, of course, it’s the sleep that helps you refuel and recover. It’s the whole approach to making sure that you become the best athlete you can possibly be. Sleep is therefore a huge part of why you’re able to train at the level you can. You need to be recovering, getting a good quality amount of sleep to excel in what you’re doing and what you’re trying to achieve.

Now that I have two young children – it can get pretty hectic! I definitely appreciate the sleep that I get now so that I can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to face the day. That’s why I choose Sleepeezee.

Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill is the brand ambassador for Sleepeezee.

We all know that getting your head down for eight or nine hours of deep sleep each night is optimum for health and wellbeing – but is it as easy as just getting those optimum hours?

The quality and type of sleep you’re getting is just as valuable as the amount of sleep you get each night. One of the most vital stages of sleep is “deep sleep”.

Deep sleep, also called slow-wave sleep, is a term used to define stage three and four of sleep. During these stages, your heart rate and breathing are at their lowest, your brain waves slow down, and your muscles and eyes relax. This is also known as the ‘restorative’ phase of sleep because your body repairs tissues and strengthens its immune system.

While you sleep, you experience different stages of the sleep cycle. Deep sleep is the stage needed to wake up feeling refreshed. As we get older, the amount of deep sleep we get each night decreases. This is because our bodies are already fully developed and we don’t need the same growth that children do.

What Are the Benefits of Deep Sleep?

Deep sleep stages — REM sleep and stage three of the sleep cycle — are the most important stages of sleep. They are known as restorative phases that are critical for hormone regulation, growth, and physical renewal.

If you were to forgo deep sleep, it’s likely you would wake up feeling groggy and out of sorts. You may also gain weight and have difficulty concentrating and being social during the day. Deep sleep is not only important for the body and mind, but for your overall quality of life.

How Much Deep Sleep Should You Get a Night?

The average adult needs between 1.6 and 2.25 hours of deep sleep a night.

However, sleep needs change as you age. The older you get, the less deep sleep your body requires, however, that does not make it any less important. While there is no specific requirement of how much deep sleep you should get, people who are younger generally need more as it promotes growth and development.

Deep sleep does wonders for the body and mind. Understanding how deep sleep works can help you identify ways you can increase it. First look at your lifestyle habits. If you aren’t making an effort to work out daily, start there. Just getting outside for a 30 minute walk can go a long way!

Sleeping on an old mattress is never good, especially when we spend roughly a third of our lifetime in bed. Probably even more after the last year!

With this being said, your mattress is a fundamental part of your life and due to the amount of time spent on it, can significantly contribute to your health and wellbeing.

The average mattress has a lifespan of roughly 8 years. Contrary to what many people believe, mattresses aren’t made to be used forever. You may have really come to like the way you fit into the groove you’ve made in that 20-year-old mattress, but it’s likely not doing you any favours. From physical pain to mental health, your mattress can have a dramatic effect on how you feel!

You could develop allergies from dust mites 

If you suffer from allergies, sleeping on an old mattress can pose a problem. Dust mite allergies can cause sneezing, runny noses, itchiness, watery eyes, coughing, and even sinus pressure.

Your asthma could get worse

People suffering from dust allergies or allergic asthma could experience nasal congestion and airway breathing problems while sleeping on a dusty old mattress

You could have a mould issue

Your mattress becomes heavier over time as it collects dust, dead skin cells, and sweat. Mould is a possibility of something that, as the result of an old mattress, can potentially impact your breathing and your health.

You could experience back or neck pain

Neck and low back pain is a common complaint due to the lack of support from an old mattress. As your mattress gets older, it will become softer and less supportive for the spine.

Bottom line, an old mattress leads to less and poor-quality sleep—leading to numerous other health issues

The best way to get rid of the problems caused by an old, worn-out mattress is simple: Replace it with a new one. But with so many options to choose from, how are you supposed to know which sleep surface is the best one for you?

For more help with this read our blog on 10 Tips For Buying A New Mattress or visit our find a retailer where our trusted partners can help find you the perfect Sleepeezee Mattress!

When you’re stuck in your fourth (fifth? Five hundredth?) lockdown, the motivation to exercise may be relatively low – especially when it gets dark at about 4pm! But one thing we do know about exercise is that it is one of the best ways to help with the quality of your sleep.

If you find you’re feeling restless or waking up often throughout the night this year, or simply have trouble falling asleep, try incorporating exercise into your lifestyle to help you drift off later that night.

Now, this doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym every day or running a marathon, but small little changes can have a huge impact on your quality of sleep. So take a few weeks to tweak your habits with our top tips, and track your sleep each night to see if your lifestyle changes are adding up to more Zzzs!

• Cardio is key for sleep quality. If you want to sleep more soundly, moderate aerobic exercise can help you fall asleep faster, improve sleep efficiency and sleep quality, and also make you feel more rested in the morning.

• It’s all about timing. Avoid intense exercise two hours before bedtime to get the best night’s rest. A drop in body temperature is an important cue for sleep, so counteracting this process with exercise may keep you awake. Try waking up early – see the routine of our Sleep Expert!

• Keep your workouts varied in order to reap the biggest benefit from sleep. It’s important to cover the three main types of exercise –cardiovascular, resistance (strength) and flexibility (yoga or similar).

• Less stress equals better quality sleep. If you often find yourself heading to bed with the weight of the world on your shoulders, make sure you are hitting your steps. 10,000 steps a day or more can vastly decrease stress factors and allow your mind to wind down. Pretty much all forms of exercise should help ease the day’s stresses and strains but many find walking to be the perfect stress reliever.

• Drink lots of water before, during and after exercise!

These tips will not only help you sleep better but also improve your athletic performance. This is because sleep can help performance and provides you with more energy for exercise, while a sufficient exercise routine contributes to a healthy sleep pattern.

What is it that makes those hotel mattresses so comfortable? While it’s true that there’s no place like home, there’s something about a hotel room that makes us want to book a long vacation away (we’ll take anywhere at this point).

Of course, for us the highlight of our hotel room is always the bed, sinking into that mattress always makes a long trip away feel worthy of the miles!

But what is it about hotel beds that make us crave a big breakfast in bed, a warm cup of coffee and a long lie-in?

Hotel mattresses are made differently to our mattresses

Hotel mattresses differ from our ‘normal’ mattresses, as they are required by law to uphold certain standards during manufacturing:

• All beds and mattresses used in hotel settings must adhere to fire safety standards.
• One of the leading furniture associations (FIRA) introduced a new standard ensuring that hotel beds can easily withstand frequent use.

Hotels choose quality mattresses

If you have a rubbish night’s sleep in a hotel bed, you’re probably not going to be very happy. You definitely won’t plan to use that specific hotel (or maybe even another branch of the same chain) again. If it was that uncomfortable, you might even write a negative review about the hotel.

That is the last thing any hotel wants. They want you to be happy and comfortable.

So, quite simply, hotels invest in quality beds and mattress, to ensure their guests have the best nights sleep possible.

Hotels pay careful attention to the sheets

When you climb into your hotel bed, you can be sure the hotel hasn’t just paid careful attention to the mattress and duvet or quilt; they’ll have taken the quality of the sheets into account as well to provide you with every ounce of comfort possible. Cotton is a popular material for hotel bed sheets and often hotels will opt for a thread count of around 300. This is why the sheets are light and breathable but oh so crisp at the same time.

They use mattress toppers/protectors

Many hotels will use feather or memory foam mattress toppers to make the beds even more comfortable, whilst also protecting the mattress.

A good hotel will regularly turn the mattress

Turning and rotating prolongs the life of a mattress, by avoiding compressions and dips forming (due to regular use). This will help give all guests a better nights sleep.

So if you are craving a good night’s rest in a hotel, you may want to give your own bedroom a quick makeover to get that hotel feel at home!

Find out about our hospitality mattress offering here.