March is our national bed month, which is an awareness initiative launched by The Sleep Council. Sleep is a hot topic in the health world at the moment. Doctors and holistic practitioners are raving about sleep hacks from mouth taping to blue light blocking glasses. And for good reason. Research shows that a lack of good quality sleep contributes to low mood and mental health issues. It contributes to our physical health too, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight and even elevating the risk of heart disease and diabetes. There's no doubt that good sleep is essential for our health and happiness.
Something that we can forget to consider over the years is our bed and mattress. In 1988 a study found that by switching an uncomfortable old bed to a lovely new one meant an extra 42 minutes of sleep.
So, first up:
Give your bed an MOT
Consider the bed size, could you do with more space? Studies show the bigger the bed, the higher quality of sleep you're likely to have. This is especially true if you're sharing; partner disturbance is one of the main causes of interrupted sleep. So choose the biggest size you can fit comfortably into your room.
Next, your mattress. A mattress has a lifespan of 7-10 years, so if you've had yours longer, it's quite likely not as supportive or as comfortable as it could be. If it's time for a change, take note of what type of mattress you currently have by checking its label. Do you want the same level of firmness or have your needs changed over the years? What position do you sleep in? A side sleeper does better with a softer mattress such as memory foam whereas if you sleep on your back or your front, a firmer mattress provides better support.
At Willow & Hall we handcraft our luxury mattresses in the UK to your chosen size, tension and a choice of an open sprung mattress or pocket sprung mattress. Each handmade mattress comes with a 10 year guarantee, so you will be purchasing a quality deep or extra deep mattress.
Detox your bedroom
Ideally, your bedroom would be an oasis of calm and tranquillity. Consider removing any electronics such as televisions and tidy any clutter away for a minimalistic aesthetic. Storage beds are a great way to create more space if you're running low. Another thing to look at is the colour palette in your bedroom. Try to keep it to 3 tones that complement each other well. This will help create a calm, relaxing environment that doesn't distract or overstimulate your senses.
Upgrade your bedding
Whilst you're giving your bedroom an overhaul, another thing to consider is your bedding. Considering we spend a third of our lives asleep (or trying to!), this is a prime area to invest in. Natural fabrics such as a wool duvet in organic cotton or linen will keep you cool, another great way to ensure a good night's sleep.
If you'd like any help choosing your new bed or mattress, or have any questions,
call our experts on 0208 939 3800.