The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Mattress for Better Sleep
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Achieve profound relaxation and deep restorative sleep with this time tested yogic technique. “In Yoga Nidra, we restore our body, senses, and mind to their natural function and awaken a seventh sense that allows us to feel wholeness, tranquility, and well-being,” says Richard Miller, a clinical psychologist and yoga scholar. WHAT IS YOGA NIDRA? Yoga Nidra, or yogic sleep is a well known and immensely powerful meditation technique to promote deep rest and relaxation. One starts with lying down in savasana ( the corpse pose) and is then guided into a conscious state of meditation. An ancient technique originating in India, it is now a popular subject worldwide for seminars about yoga practice and therapy. WHY YOGA NIDRA? Being a powerful deep relaxation exercise, Yoga Nidra is an excellent way to reduce stress and improve sleep. Practisers of the Yoga Nidra technique report better management of pain, anxiety and depression. According to an article in the Boston Globe published in 2006, the Department of Defense conducted research at Walter Reed Army Medical Center on the efficacy of Yoga Nidra on soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with post-traumatic stress disorder. The treatment proved beneficial and led to the incorporation of Yoga Nidra into weekly treatment programs for soldiers in several facilities across the US. Marci Alegant, a participant at iRest Yoga Nidra retreat founded by Richard Miller wrote in her testimonial “I suffer from chronic pain as a result of nerve damage from brain surgery. I am also being treated for anxiety and depression. Since beginning my practice, I have been almost pain-free, and when I have needed medication, it has been much less than before. Anxiety and depression are also markedly improved.” proving the power of Yoga Nidra in tackling trauma and chronic pain. EXTENDED BENEFITS OF YOGA NIDRA Yoga Nidra helps in balancing and correcting the functioning of the entire endocrine system and toning up the nervous system. Studies have found that the Yoga Nidra practice appears to reflect an integrated response by the hypothalamus, a small part of the brain responsible for multiple activities and functions related to the nervous system, resulting in decreased sympathetic (excitation) nervous activity and increased parasympathetic (relaxation) function. Hence a significant improvement in the overall well-being of an individual and his or her mental health can be credited to a regular practice of Yoga Nidra. Yoga Nidra helps you sleep better and improve sleep quality drastically. In another study done to analyze the effects of Yoga Nidra on sleep patterns, it was found that a morning practice resulted in significant improvement in sleep-quality ratings. Yoga Nidra increased parasympathetic drive at night causing sleep to be more restorative. Yoga Nidra helps control the symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes. In a controlled experiment done to study the impact of Yoga Nidra on blood glucose levels of patients with Type 2 Diabetes, it was revealed that patients who practiced the technique for 30 minutes for 90 days reported a fall in the mean blood glucose levels. Yoga Nidra helps in controlling the PMS symptoms in women. Since the practice regulates hormones and contributes towards an overall feeling of emotional and physical well-being, it is said to directly heal menstrual dysfunction. WHAT HAPPENS DURING YOGA NIDRA? Yoga Nidra is a way to open up and enter a deep state of relaxation. You start with lying down flat and proceed into what is typically a guided step-by-step meditation to relax your body and mind. Because of your relaxed pose and calm mind, your breathing slows down significantly which leads to you consuming less oxygen. Starting from the beta state ( an awakened state with lots of brain activity) to moving to alpha ( a more relaxed state) and then to deep alpha and eventually to high theta brain-wave state which is the dream state. This is when your brain slows down to 4-8 thoughts per second, before proceeding to the guided delta state where the brain activity is only about 1-4 thoughts per second. This is the restorative sleep stage. Your organs are believed to regenerate and the stress hormone cortisol is removed from your system. Lastly, you are moved into the final stage of consciousness where your brain is thoughtless but you are still awake. This stage is quite difficult to attain and needs a lot of practice. This when your mind is extremely relaxed and receptive at the same time. After this stage, you are slowly guided back to wakefulness. IS YOGA NIDRA FOR YOU? Yoga Nidra is the easiest way to do yoga. It can be practiced by people from all age groups, right from children to senior citizens. Though one needs to be guided into the technique, it can be done at any hour of the day and there isn’t any wrong way to do it. Some people worry about falling asleep during the session and it is considered fine for beginners. At the end of the day, an improved and more restful sleep is what you get in return for your time. You can start your Yoga Nidra practice today with a fully guided video on our Youtube channel. All you need is a flat surface to lie down on. A yoga mat can be used and it can also be practiced in bed. Make sure your mattress is moderately firm so that your posture is correct. Use the link to access the free session of Yoga Nidra on YouTube: https://bit.ly/2VMnGLk
Achieve profound relaxation and deep restorative sleep with this time tested yogic technique. “In Yoga Nidra, we restore our body, senses, and mind to their natural function and awaken a seventh sense that allows us to feel wholeness, tranquility, and well-being,” says Richard Miller, a clinical psychologist and yoga scholar. WHAT IS YOGA NIDRA? Yoga Nidra, or yogic sleep is a well known and immensely powerful meditation technique to promote deep rest and relaxation. One starts with lying down in savasana ( the corpse pose) and is then guided into a conscious state of meditation. An ancient technique originating in India, it is now a popular subject worldwide for seminars about yoga practice and therapy. WHY YOGA NIDRA? Being a powerful deep relaxation exercise, Yoga Nidra is an excellent way to reduce stress and improve sleep. Practisers of the Yoga Nidra technique report better management of pain, anxiety and depression. According to an article in the Boston Globe published in 2006, the Department of Defense conducted research at Walter Reed Army Medical Center on the efficacy of Yoga Nidra on soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with post-traumatic stress disorder. The treatment proved beneficial and led to the incorporation of Yoga Nidra into weekly treatment programs for soldiers in several facilities across the US. Marci Alegant, a participant at iRest Yoga Nidra retreat founded by Richard Miller wrote in her testimonial “I suffer from chronic pain as a result of nerve damage from brain surgery. I am also being treated for anxiety and depression. Since beginning my practice, I have been almost pain-free, and when I have needed medication, it has been much less than before. Anxiety and depression are also markedly improved.” proving the power of Yoga Nidra in tackling trauma and chronic pain. EXTENDED BENEFITS OF YOGA NIDRA Yoga Nidra helps in balancing and correcting the functioning of the entire endocrine system and toning up the nervous system. Studies have found that the Yoga Nidra practice appears to reflect an integrated response by the hypothalamus, a small part of the brain responsible for multiple activities and functions related to the nervous system, resulting in decreased sympathetic (excitation) nervous activity and increased parasympathetic (relaxation) function. Hence a significant improvement in the overall well-being of an individual and his or her mental health can be credited to a regular practice of Yoga Nidra. Yoga Nidra helps you sleep better and improve sleep quality drastically. In another study done to analyze the effects of Yoga Nidra on sleep patterns, it was found that a morning practice resulted in significant improvement in sleep-quality ratings. Yoga Nidra increased parasympathetic drive at night causing sleep to be more restorative. Yoga Nidra helps control the symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes. In a controlled experiment done to study the impact of Yoga Nidra on blood glucose levels of patients with Type 2 Diabetes, it was revealed that patients who practiced the technique for 30 minutes for 90 days reported a fall in the mean blood glucose levels. Yoga Nidra helps in controlling the PMS symptoms in women. Since the practice regulates hormones and contributes towards an overall feeling of emotional and physical well-being, it is said to directly heal menstrual dysfunction. WHAT HAPPENS DURING YOGA NIDRA? Yoga Nidra is a way to open up and enter a deep state of relaxation. You start with lying down flat and proceed into what is typically a guided step-by-step meditation to relax your body and mind. Because of your relaxed pose and calm mind, your breathing slows down significantly which leads to you consuming less oxygen. Starting from the beta state ( an awakened state with lots of brain activity) to moving to alpha ( a more relaxed state) and then to deep alpha and eventually to high theta brain-wave state which is the dream state. This is when your brain slows down to 4-8 thoughts per second, before proceeding to the guided delta state where the brain activity is only about 1-4 thoughts per second. This is the restorative sleep stage. Your organs are believed to regenerate and the stress hormone cortisol is removed from your system. Lastly, you are moved into the final stage of consciousness where your brain is thoughtless but you are still awake. This stage is quite difficult to attain and needs a lot of practice. This when your mind is extremely relaxed and receptive at the same time. After this stage, you are slowly guided back to wakefulness. IS YOGA NIDRA FOR YOU? Yoga Nidra is the easiest way to do yoga. It can be practiced by people from all age groups, right from children to senior citizens. Though one needs to be guided into the technique, it can be done at any hour of the day and there isn’t any wrong way to do it. Some people worry about falling asleep during the session and it is considered fine for beginners. At the end of the day, an improved and more restful sleep is what you get in return for your time. You can start your Yoga Nidra practice today with a fully guided video on our Youtube channel. All you need is a flat surface to lie down on. A yoga mat can be used and it can also be practiced in bed. Make sure your mattress is moderately firm so that your posture is correct. Use the link to access the free session of Yoga Nidra on YouTube: https://bit.ly/2VMnGLk
Everything you need to know to develop a healthy sleep routine. At a time when the importance of a strong immune system is being felt the most, it becomes crucial to understand the science of strengthening our immunity for the better. What do you think contributes to it? A balanced diet, immunity-boosting superfoods and regular exercise? Most definitely, but there is another immunity-boosting superpower that we are all naturally equipped with, which we very often ignore. It is nature’s best attempt yet to help us rejuvenate daily and lead a long and healthy life. This superpower is sleep. For centuries, many have known that sleep is the backbone of our lives but the culture of hustle has long underplayed the importance of sleep. We do not think twice about losing sleep to finish a presentation, in fact, we applaud it. Most of us working professionals are guilty of binge sleeping where we don’t get enough sleep during the weekday and try to compensate for the loss by sleeping extra over the weekend. In our social lives too, leaving a party early is looked down upon. In a culture where sleeping is for wimps, most of us are perennially sleep-deprived and this has devastating consequences. In fact, India is today the second most sleep-deprived nation in the world according to a recent study. As we all start inculcating good hygiene habits it is also time to start paying attention to our sleep habits. THE INFECTION FIGHTING POWER OF SLEEP Sleep affects the way we look, feel and function. The brain starts mapping, processing and storing information as we sleep. Hence if you feel staying up all night to work on a presentation is a good idea, it actually might not be worth it. Good deep sleep is critical to retain information and wake up with sharp focus. Poor sleep can reduce your concentration levels and impair cognitive function. Another important task our body undertakes when we sleep is the removal of harmful toxins and the generation of infection-fighting antibodies. Weary muscles recover and essential hormones are regulated. A healthy 7-8 hours of sleep is highly recommended for the body for its immune system to be in the best fighting shape. Cytokines, a special type of protein, produced and released during sleep highly impact our immunity. They regulate body’s response to diseases and infections. So, if you are suffering from a disturbed sleep cycle or sleep deprivation, you will not be able to produce enough cytokines and that will eventually weaken your immunity. In a controlled medical study done by Dr. Aric Prather at the University of California, San Francisco in connection with common cold and rhinoviruses, it was observed that the virus infection rate fell dramatically for participants who had slept for 7 hours or more prior to the experiment. The infection rate was 50 % for those who were slept for 5 hours or less. An 18% drop was observed for those who slept for 7 hours or more. While sleep cannot be touted as a guarantee to prevent contracting the novel virus, 7 to 8 hours of healthy sleep can help boost our ability to fight it. As we are all staying at home practicing social distancing, hand washing, adding immunity-boosting food to our diet let us also pay attention to this natural immunity-increasing superpower which is free, proven and has no side effects. TIPS TO DEVELOP A HEALTHY SLEEP ROUTINE Here are 10 tips to follow to improve sleep quality and harness the rich benefits of sleep. Get the right amount of sleep:Adults need 7-8 hours of sleep per night to function their best. Kids need even more. So, make sure to develop a pattern of getting a good 7-8 hours of sleep every night consistently. Studies done show that people sleeping for 5 hours a night have a 65% higher likelihood of dying younger. There is also a higher risk of diabetes and poor heart health. Develop a regular sleep routine:Creating regularity is the first step towards inculcating a good sleep habit and keeping sleep disorders at bay. Go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday irrespective of whether it a weekday or the weekend. Just like you set a wake-up alarm, set a go to bed alarm that works as per your routine. Try to stay away from the allure of the snooze button of your morning alarm. This is because the accumulated cardiovascular response of the body to repeated snooze alarm can be bad for your cardiovascular health. Eat earlier and lighter:Indulging in a heavy dinner prolongs digestion, hence interfering with sleep. It is therefore recommended to eat light and at least 3-4 hours before going to bed. Reduce alcohol:Alcohol is not a sleep aid, it acts more like a sedative and sedation is not sleep. Alcohol knocks out the pre front cortex of your brain leading to disturbed sleep and diluting the quality of your deep sleep. Have coffee earlier in the day:Caffeine is a stimulant and can prevent you from falling asleep or wake you up after you sleep. Caffeine is a psychoactive drug and it takes a long time to leave the body. 50% of the caffeine we consume becomes non-active within 6 hours, but the next 25% takes another 6 hours to become non-active in our brains. This means that if we have a cup of coffee at noon, a quarter of that coffee still stays in our brains at midnight, stimulating it and preventing sleep. Caffeine is best consumed a good 16 hours before bedtime. No gadgets in bed:This is the hardest one but quite worth it. Create a gadget-free zone around yourself at least 2 hours before bed. The blue light of the screen disturbs the production of sleep hormone (melatonin) and the constant information intake in the form of news can make it hard to fall asleep. Stay cool:Our bodies sleep best at cool temperatures, ideally 18-21 degrees. Having a cool room is a good sleep aid. Another way to achieve this is to take a hot bath before bed. This helps in dropping the core temperature which helps in inducing sleep. Healthy sleep environment:Besides keeping the room cool, a clean and uncluttered sleep environment helps in putting your mind at ease and fall asleep faster. More books and fewer gadgets should be the approach. Pay special attention to the support and firmness of your mattress if you exercise and travel quite a lot. A Good Mattress:A good, scientifically designed mattress can help improve the quality of sleep. Always put some thought into selecting a mattress that gives the desired personal comfort and good support through the night. Wind down:Dedicate a few minutes to stretching or wind-down meditation. Practicing Yoga Nidra is a great way to relax, forget the anxieties of the day and prepare your mind and body to sleep. A calm mind and relaxed body are key to a peaceful sleep. Remember sleep is immune therapy for your mind and body. It is a super drug, it is free, it is legal and its fun. It has no side effects, so don’t use it in moderation. #Sleepforimmunity #Staysafe #Stayhome #Covid19
Everything you need to know to develop a healthy sleep routine. At a time when the importance of a strong immune system is being felt the most, it becomes crucial to understand the science of strengthening our immunity for the better. What do you think contributes to it? A balanced diet, immunity-boosting superfoods and regular exercise? Most definitely, but there is another immunity-boosting superpower that we are all naturally equipped with, which we very often ignore. It is nature’s best attempt yet to help us rejuvenate daily and lead a long and healthy life. This superpower is sleep. For centuries, many have known that sleep is the backbone of our lives but the culture of hustle has long underplayed the importance of sleep. We do not think twice about losing sleep to finish a presentation, in fact, we applaud it. Most of us working professionals are guilty of binge sleeping where we don’t get enough sleep during the weekday and try to compensate for the loss by sleeping extra over the weekend. In our social lives too, leaving a party early is looked down upon. In a culture where sleeping is for wimps, most of us are perennially sleep-deprived and this has devastating consequences. In fact, India is today the second most sleep-deprived nation in the world according to a recent study. As we all start inculcating good hygiene habits it is also time to start paying attention to our sleep habits. THE INFECTION FIGHTING POWER OF SLEEP Sleep affects the way we look, feel and function. The brain starts mapping, processing and storing information as we sleep. Hence if you feel staying up all night to work on a presentation is a good idea, it actually might not be worth it. Good deep sleep is critical to retain information and wake up with sharp focus. Poor sleep can reduce your concentration levels and impair cognitive function. Another important task our body undertakes when we sleep is the removal of harmful toxins and the generation of infection-fighting antibodies. Weary muscles recover and essential hormones are regulated. A healthy 7-8 hours of sleep is highly recommended for the body for its immune system to be in the best fighting shape. Cytokines, a special type of protein, produced and released during sleep highly impact our immunity. They regulate body’s response to diseases and infections. So, if you are suffering from a disturbed sleep cycle or sleep deprivation, you will not be able to produce enough cytokines and that will eventually weaken your immunity. In a controlled medical study done by Dr. Aric Prather at the University of California, San Francisco in connection with common cold and rhinoviruses, it was observed that the virus infection rate fell dramatically for participants who had slept for 7 hours or more prior to the experiment. The infection rate was 50 % for those who were slept for 5 hours or less. An 18% drop was observed for those who slept for 7 hours or more. While sleep cannot be touted as a guarantee to prevent contracting the novel virus, 7 to 8 hours of healthy sleep can help boost our ability to fight it. As we are all staying at home practicing social distancing, hand washing, adding immunity-boosting food to our diet let us also pay attention to this natural immunity-increasing superpower which is free, proven and has no side effects. TIPS TO DEVELOP A HEALTHY SLEEP ROUTINE Here are 10 tips to follow to improve sleep quality and harness the rich benefits of sleep. Get the right amount of sleep:Adults need 7-8 hours of sleep per night to function their best. Kids need even more. So, make sure to develop a pattern of getting a good 7-8 hours of sleep every night consistently. Studies done show that people sleeping for 5 hours a night have a 65% higher likelihood of dying younger. There is also a higher risk of diabetes and poor heart health. Develop a regular sleep routine:Creating regularity is the first step towards inculcating a good sleep habit and keeping sleep disorders at bay. Go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday irrespective of whether it a weekday or the weekend. Just like you set a wake-up alarm, set a go to bed alarm that works as per your routine. Try to stay away from the allure of the snooze button of your morning alarm. This is because the accumulated cardiovascular response of the body to repeated snooze alarm can be bad for your cardiovascular health. Eat earlier and lighter:Indulging in a heavy dinner prolongs digestion, hence interfering with sleep. It is therefore recommended to eat light and at least 3-4 hours before going to bed. Reduce alcohol:Alcohol is not a sleep aid, it acts more like a sedative and sedation is not sleep. Alcohol knocks out the pre front cortex of your brain leading to disturbed sleep and diluting the quality of your deep sleep. Have coffee earlier in the day:Caffeine is a stimulant and can prevent you from falling asleep or wake you up after you sleep. Caffeine is a psychoactive drug and it takes a long time to leave the body. 50% of the caffeine we consume becomes non-active within 6 hours, but the next 25% takes another 6 hours to become non-active in our brains. This means that if we have a cup of coffee at noon, a quarter of that coffee still stays in our brains at midnight, stimulating it and preventing sleep. Caffeine is best consumed a good 16 hours before bedtime. No gadgets in bed:This is the hardest one but quite worth it. Create a gadget-free zone around yourself at least 2 hours before bed. The blue light of the screen disturbs the production of sleep hormone (melatonin) and the constant information intake in the form of news can make it hard to fall asleep. Stay cool:Our bodies sleep best at cool temperatures, ideally 18-21 degrees. Having a cool room is a good sleep aid. Another way to achieve this is to take a hot bath before bed. This helps in dropping the core temperature which helps in inducing sleep. Healthy sleep environment:Besides keeping the room cool, a clean and uncluttered sleep environment helps in putting your mind at ease and fall asleep faster. More books and fewer gadgets should be the approach. Pay special attention to the support and firmness of your mattress if you exercise and travel quite a lot. A Good Mattress:A good, scientifically designed mattress can help improve the quality of sleep. Always put some thought into selecting a mattress that gives the desired personal comfort and good support through the night. Wind down:Dedicate a few minutes to stretching or wind-down meditation. Practicing Yoga Nidra is a great way to relax, forget the anxieties of the day and prepare your mind and body to sleep. A calm mind and relaxed body are key to a peaceful sleep. Remember sleep is immune therapy for your mind and body. It is a super drug, it is free, it is legal and its fun. It has no side effects, so don’t use it in moderation. #Sleepforimmunity #Staysafe #Stayhome #Covid19
You live in a time where there’s plenty of things that make you lose sleep. Whether it’s that Instagram feed on your phone that scrolls to infinity or your to-do list for the morning after, stresses at work playing on your mind or the constant worry about your child’s progress at school, that nagging preoccupation that tax season is around the corner, or the excitement about that holiday with your significant other. Only the right mattress will ensure that no matter what, nothing keeps you up at night. What is the “right” mattress, anyway? And with all the choice out there, how will you know what’s right for you? With a mindboggling array of options to consider, one of the most common mistakes to occur when purchasing a mattress is to blindly choose one on the basis of it’s construction materials alone. The truth is, what’s inside a mattress, ie: the construction material, is merely an enabler of a specific set of benefits. Every mattress, depending on what it’s constructed with and how, will offer a different range of properties and benefits. A good quality mattress combines research, development and technology to best use these materials in a scientific way, backed by experts and sleep scientists, to offer specific benefits. Each of these mattresses is then put through a rigorous round of testing to ensure that these benefits are indeed met. So it is important that your pick a mattress not based on what’s in it, but based on how it meets your needs. If that sounds confusing, don’t worry. This 7-step guide below will help you navigate the types of mattresses and purchase the right one for you. First things first: there’s no single ideal or best mattress. What’s good for someone else may not be good for you, and vice versa. Every mattress packages a different set of benefits for different needs, or addresses a different pain-point. What are you looking for in your new mattress? Do you prefer a soft mattress? Or are you more comfortable with a firm mattress? Do you have any aches and pains? Does your mattress need to cater to any other health or physical concerns? Do you tend to sweat a lot in your sleep? What is your budget? Our mattress selector can also help you make a more informed decision. The market is abundant with mattresses of a range of materials. These differ in their internal composition and construction, which provides differing benefits for different needs, sleeping styles and conditions. You will like it if… Spring mattress: made up of individually pocketed springs that minimize motion transfer across the mattress, making this a good choice if you, or the person you share a bed with, are a restless sleeper. Rubberised coir mattress: treated with latex solutions for a dense and firm support base that retains shape for years and provides optimum spine alignment and back support. Foam mattress: a wide range of support levels, depending on the density and combination of foam used, and can range from ultra-plush to extra-firm to suit a range of requirement, needs and sleeping conditions and styles. Latex Mattress: being 100% natural, is a good choice for infants, pregnant women or seniors, or anyone else with sensitive to other materials, and does a great job with maintaining body alignment and providing ample support. This is a great choice for anyone who prefers making sustainable and eco-friendly choices as it is 100% biodegradable. The most crucial aspect of the mattress is how it supports or holds your body through a night’s sleep. This depends entirely on the internal construction, the materials used and how they work together to provide support. This also affects how hard/firm or plush/soft the mattress feels. The entire spectrum of firmness to plushness has a range of possibilities and benefits. The right mattress for you is ultimately a matter of personal preference and requirement. Chronic back pains: you can choose a mattress that is certified by a medical body, endorsed by orthopedists or has specialised orthopaedic support built in to provide the enhanced support and relief that you might require. Mild back pains: a mattress with basic 3-zoned support features – either 3-zoned foam or 3- zoned pocket springs, etc. – will do the trick. If you do not suffer from any specific pain points, consider the firmness you prefer. The firmest mattresses are coir, followed by spring mattress if you like a little bounce and resilience, and latex and memory foam if you prefer a more luxurious and soft, plush kind of support. Another point to consider is your body weight: heavier bodies would do well to avoid very plush mattresses, whereas those who weigh less should avoid very firm mattress. The internal mechanics of every mattress come encased in layer/s of various material that provide an added element of comfort to your sleeping experience. This would include any layers that insulate the inner support layer, the upholstery or any other added materials that encase the mattress, thereby also affecting the height of the mattress. Making a choice depends on whether you want a smooth or textured feel, a rugged or soft feel. If you are a hot sleeper who experiences discomfort from the heat and sweating a lot, choose a mattress which has an in-built cooling technology or one that is made of a naturally ventilated material such as coir or pin-core latex. For those sensitive to material or other allergies, mattresses made of natural material such as latex preferably with a cotton fabric, provide a chemical-free and breathable option. These are especially recommended for young kids, pregnant women or senior citizens. Before you purchase a mattress, it’s critical that you measure your cot, so you can pick a mattress that fits it perfectly. How you sleep, who you share your bed with and how much you weigh also determines what kind of mattress is right for you. Side sleepers would do well to choose a mattress that lies between soft to semi-firm, but be sure to avoid an overly firm mattress entirely. A good choice is usually on the softer side, such as memory foam or latex, as these provide sufficient comfort by taking the shape of the contours of the body but also provides support to stress points around shoulders and hips, most commonly felt in this sleeping style. Back sleepers can choose any firmness, but usually tend to prefer a slightly firmer (more than side sleepers) support and comfort level as it is the position with a large surface area of the body requiring support. A mattress ranging midway between semi and very firm will provide ample spine alignment. Stomach sleepers require a mattress that is not too soft – for it will sag and cause discomfort in the torso – or too firm – for it will have no give or push back to support the body. In a super soft mattress, the middle section could sag much faster, causing misalignment of the spine, pain and discomfort. It’s good to get a healthy balance between plus and firm. If you tend to toss and turn a lot, or your child or partner do, avoid a very firm mattress to ensure a smooth roll-over. Consider a spring mattress that will contain motion and keep it from travelling across the mattress, for undisturbed sleep. For those battling chronic aches and pains, or have an excessively active lifestyle in sport, an orthopedic mattress provides therapeutic properties. Where you live and how you use your mattress also matters. Primarily, consider the weather as it affects not just the quality of your sleep but the life of your mattress too. If you live in a hot and humid place, you’ll want a mattress that’s airy and breathable like spring or coir. For colder places, you’ll want an outer layer that can provide warmth maybe. Generally speaking, a good mattress that will serve you well and for a good amount of time will not be really cheap. But think of it as an investment towards having a healthier quality of sleep. Which is why it is worth spending not just money, but also time to understand what kind of mattress you need and why, so you make the best possible choice for yourself.
You live in a time where there’s plenty of things that make you lose sleep. Whether it’s that Instagram feed on your phone that scrolls to infinity or your to-do list for the morning after, stresses at work playing on your mind or the constant worry about your child’s progress at school, that nagging preoccupation that tax season is around the corner, or the excitement about that holiday with your significant other. Only the right mattress will ensure that no matter what, nothing keeps you up at night. What is the “right” mattress, anyway? And with all the choice out there, how will you know what’s right for you? With a mindboggling array of options to consider, one of the most common mistakes to occur when purchasing a mattress is to blindly choose one on the basis of it’s construction materials alone. The truth is, what’s inside a mattress, ie: the construction material, is merely an enabler of a specific set of benefits. Every mattress, depending on what it’s constructed with and how, will offer a different range of properties and benefits. A good quality mattress combines research, development and technology to best use these materials in a scientific way, backed by experts and sleep scientists, to offer specific benefits. Each of these mattresses is then put through a rigorous round of testing to ensure that these benefits are indeed met. So it is important that your pick a mattress not based on what’s in it, but based on how it meets your needs. If that sounds confusing, don’t worry. This 7-step guide below will help you navigate the types of mattresses and purchase the right one for you. First things first: there’s no single ideal or best mattress. What’s good for someone else may not be good for you, and vice versa. Every mattress packages a different set of benefits for different needs, or addresses a different pain-point. What are you looking for in your new mattress? Do you prefer a soft mattress? Or are you more comfortable with a firm mattress? Do you have any aches and pains? Does your mattress need to cater to any other health or physical concerns? Do you tend to sweat a lot in your sleep? What is your budget? Our mattress selector can also help you make a more informed decision. The market is abundant with mattresses of a range of materials. These differ in their internal composition and construction, which provides differing benefits for different needs, sleeping styles and conditions. You will like it if… Spring mattress: made up of individually pocketed springs that minimize motion transfer across the mattress, making this a good choice if you, or the person you share a bed with, are a restless sleeper. Rubberised coir mattress: treated with latex solutions for a dense and firm support base that retains shape for years and provides optimum spine alignment and back support. Foam mattress: a wide range of support levels, depending on the density and combination of foam used, and can range from ultra-plush to extra-firm to suit a range of requirement, needs and sleeping conditions and styles. Latex Mattress: being 100% natural, is a good choice for infants, pregnant women or seniors, or anyone else with sensitive to other materials, and does a great job with maintaining body alignment and providing ample support. This is a great choice for anyone who prefers making sustainable and eco-friendly choices as it is 100% biodegradable. The most crucial aspect of the mattress is how it supports or holds your body through a night’s sleep. This depends entirely on the internal construction, the materials used and how they work together to provide support. This also affects how hard/firm or plush/soft the mattress feels. The entire spectrum of firmness to plushness has a range of possibilities and benefits. The right mattress for you is ultimately a matter of personal preference and requirement. Chronic back pains: you can choose a mattress that is certified by a medical body, endorsed by orthopedists or has specialised orthopaedic support built in to provide the enhanced support and relief that you might require. Mild back pains: a mattress with basic 3-zoned support features – either 3-zoned foam or 3- zoned pocket springs, etc. – will do the trick. If you do not suffer from any specific pain points, consider the firmness you prefer. The firmest mattresses are coir, followed by spring mattress if you like a little bounce and resilience, and latex and memory foam if you prefer a more luxurious and soft, plush kind of support. Another point to consider is your body weight: heavier bodies would do well to avoid very plush mattresses, whereas those who weigh less should avoid very firm mattress. The internal mechanics of every mattress come encased in layer/s of various material that provide an added element of comfort to your sleeping experience. This would include any layers that insulate the inner support layer, the upholstery or any other added materials that encase the mattress, thereby also affecting the height of the mattress. Making a choice depends on whether you want a smooth or textured feel, a rugged or soft feel. If you are a hot sleeper who experiences discomfort from the heat and sweating a lot, choose a mattress which has an in-built cooling technology or one that is made of a naturally ventilated material such as coir or pin-core latex. For those sensitive to material or other allergies, mattresses made of natural material such as latex preferably with a cotton fabric, provide a chemical-free and breathable option. These are especially recommended for young kids, pregnant women or senior citizens. Before you purchase a mattress, it’s critical that you measure your cot, so you can pick a mattress that fits it perfectly. How you sleep, who you share your bed with and how much you weigh also determines what kind of mattress is right for you. Side sleepers would do well to choose a mattress that lies between soft to semi-firm, but be sure to avoid an overly firm mattress entirely. A good choice is usually on the softer side, such as memory foam or latex, as these provide sufficient comfort by taking the shape of the contours of the body but also provides support to stress points around shoulders and hips, most commonly felt in this sleeping style. Back sleepers can choose any firmness, but usually tend to prefer a slightly firmer (more than side sleepers) support and comfort level as it is the position with a large surface area of the body requiring support. A mattress ranging midway between semi and very firm will provide ample spine alignment. Stomach sleepers require a mattress that is not too soft – for it will sag and cause discomfort in the torso – or too firm – for it will have no give or push back to support the body. In a super soft mattress, the middle section could sag much faster, causing misalignment of the spine, pain and discomfort. It’s good to get a healthy balance between plus and firm. If you tend to toss and turn a lot, or your child or partner do, avoid a very firm mattress to ensure a smooth roll-over. Consider a spring mattress that will contain motion and keep it from travelling across the mattress, for undisturbed sleep. For those battling chronic aches and pains, or have an excessively active lifestyle in sport, an orthopedic mattress provides therapeutic properties. Where you live and how you use your mattress also matters. Primarily, consider the weather as it affects not just the quality of your sleep but the life of your mattress too. If you live in a hot and humid place, you’ll want a mattress that’s airy and breathable like spring or coir. For colder places, you’ll want an outer layer that can provide warmth maybe. Generally speaking, a good mattress that will serve you well and for a good amount of time will not be really cheap. But think of it as an investment towards having a healthier quality of sleep. Which is why it is worth spending not just money, but also time to understand what kind of mattress you need and why, so you make the best possible choice for yourself.
Modern mattress research and technology has made exponential improvements to the way we make and use mattresses. And so, it is worth educating yourself on what makes a mattress work for you. While it might seem that no matter what brand you choose, or which range you pick, buying a mattress all comes down to simple basics – Spring, Coir, Foam or Latex – The truth is, it is an old and common fallacy to choose a mattress purely based on the material within it. It is no longer enough to base a mattress purchase decision on material that’s on the inside. The scientific ways in which these materials are combined, the technologies employed to enhance their effects, as well as the research, development and thorough testing that goes into ensuring that each of these permutations and combinations delivers a specific benefit, have far improved what a mattress can do for you. It is a common misconception that one mattress ranks more or less superior to another. But there is no pecking order, no “best” type of mattress – not universally anyway. It not realistic or ideal to compare mattresses purely based on their construction material. It is far more useful to understand the specific benefits each material offers, since they vary vastly, addressing a range of needs for a host of variables. For example, you might ask; Is it worth buying an orthopaedic mattress? Which mattress should I buy for back pain? Is a soft mattress good for my children? Does a pillow top mattress mean extra plushness? What’s the best eco-friendly mattress to buy? Can my mattress choice reduce allergies? Is there a mattress that will help reduce my night sweats? The best way to answer these is to understand the science behind what goes into a mattress and the ideal way to consider your next mattress purchase, is to go by the benefits you’re looking for. So, rather than blindly choosing spring, coir, foam or latex, dig deep to figure what you need, specifically – a mattress to soothe your orthopaedic pains? A gentle combination for sensitive skin? A full 100% biodegradable mattress? Ask yourself what’s important, so you can arrive at a mattress that works best to meet those needs. Sometimes, it could be that the right mattress is a combination of some of these materials too. Spring mattresses are made up of individually pocketed springs that minimize motion transfer across the mattress. This means that each spring works independently offering graduated support that responds differently to varying pressure and movement, across the entire mattress. You will like it if… You share a bed with a partner or child who tends to toss and turn. A pocket spring mattress will ensure that no matter how much movement one side of the mattress experiences, it remains contained and the other side is undisturbed You need good back support. 3-zoned pocket spring mattresses significantly enhance body support. You live in a humid place, because spring mattresses are also known to be good with air circulation. This helps keep cool, germ free and fresh You want a comfortable mattress that is also durable in the long-run Coir or rubberised coir mattresses are made from coconut coir fibre treated with latex solutions, combining the benefits of airy, breathable coir fibre and the resilience of latex. This 100% natural material is environment-friendly. A hygroscopic material, it is high moisture absorption and ventilation, making for a natural, well-cooled and aired mattress option. You will like it if… You prefer a dense and firm mattress, since it is inherent dense given the nature of coir layers You require optimum spine support that cannot be achieved on an extremely plush or springy mattress. A coir mattress will retain spine alignment and back support You are looking for a non-sagging option, since the coir layers also retain shape for longer periods of time You are looking for a cool, naturally ventilated mattress Foam mattresses are the most versatile mattresses, offering a wide range of comfort levels. Based on the foam used, the density and resulting resilience, these can range from ultra-plush to extra-firm A 3-zoned foam mattresses incorporate three kinds of foam, as the name suggests, in their construction providing adequate support for the body to retain its natural shape, regardless of the sleeping condition and style. You are looking for a soft mattress that takes the shape of your body. Innovations like memory foam are designed to provide gradual release and optimum pressure relief resulting in a stress-free deep sleep and return to original state when not in use If you're looking for a soft mattress that also provides support and resilience. Contrary to popular belief, choosing soft mattresses doesn't always mean compromising on support. You require a temperature sensitive mattress that has the unique capacity to be soft when warm and hard when cool Latex is another 100% natural material used in mattresses.This makes them environment friendly and highly recommended if you are conscious about the material your sleeping surface is made up of. Many people prefer to choose latex for infants, pregnant women or senior citizens, who may be sensitive to other materials. You are looking for natural (non-synthetic) materials around your home, since latex mattresses are 100% naturally sourced. You prefer a dense and latex mattresses are 100% naturally sourced You are inclined to eco-friendly option that is 100% chemical-free and biodegradable You prefer a naturally-cooled, well-ventilated sleeping surface You desire a mattress with plush feel with ample body support, and resilience. Latex rates high as a naturally resilient material The decision to buy a mattress online is not likely to be a commonly recurring one. So, it’s a good idea to equip yourself with the information needed. The main criteria to judge these materials are: firmness/ comfort, ventilation/breathability, support and budget. You could also try this 7-step guide to buying mattresses or try our mattress selector to help you make a quick decision.
Modern mattress research and technology has made exponential improvements to the way we make and use mattresses. And so, it is worth educating yourself on what makes a mattress work for you. While it might seem that no matter what brand you choose, or which range you pick, buying a mattress all comes down to simple basics – Spring, Coir, Foam or Latex – The truth is, it is an old and common fallacy to choose a mattress purely based on the material within it. It is no longer enough to base a mattress purchase decision on material that’s on the inside. The scientific ways in which these materials are combined, the technologies employed to enhance their effects, as well as the research, development and thorough testing that goes into ensuring that each of these permutations and combinations delivers a specific benefit, have far improved what a mattress can do for you. It is a common misconception that one mattress ranks more or less superior to another. But there is no pecking order, no “best” type of mattress – not universally anyway. It not realistic or ideal to compare mattresses purely based on their construction material. It is far more useful to understand the specific benefits each material offers, since they vary vastly, addressing a range of needs for a host of variables. For example, you might ask; Is it worth buying an orthopaedic mattress? Which mattress should I buy for back pain? Is a soft mattress good for my children? Does a pillow top mattress mean extra plushness? What’s the best eco-friendly mattress to buy? Can my mattress choice reduce allergies? Is there a mattress that will help reduce my night sweats? The best way to answer these is to understand the science behind what goes into a mattress and the ideal way to consider your next mattress purchase, is to go by the benefits you’re looking for. So, rather than blindly choosing spring, coir, foam or latex, dig deep to figure what you need, specifically – a mattress to soothe your orthopaedic pains? A gentle combination for sensitive skin? A full 100% biodegradable mattress? Ask yourself what’s important, so you can arrive at a mattress that works best to meet those needs. Sometimes, it could be that the right mattress is a combination of some of these materials too. Spring mattresses are made up of individually pocketed springs that minimize motion transfer across the mattress. This means that each spring works independently offering graduated support that responds differently to varying pressure and movement, across the entire mattress. You will like it if… You share a bed with a partner or child who tends to toss and turn. A pocket spring mattress will ensure that no matter how much movement one side of the mattress experiences, it remains contained and the other side is undisturbed You need good back support. 3-zoned pocket spring mattresses significantly enhance body support. You live in a humid place, because spring mattresses are also known to be good with air circulation. This helps keep cool, germ free and fresh You want a comfortable mattress that is also durable in the long-run Coir or rubberised coir mattresses are made from coconut coir fibre treated with latex solutions, combining the benefits of airy, breathable coir fibre and the resilience of latex. This 100% natural material is environment-friendly. A hygroscopic material, it is high moisture absorption and ventilation, making for a natural, well-cooled and aired mattress option. You will like it if… You prefer a dense and firm mattress, since it is inherent dense given the nature of coir layers You require optimum spine support that cannot be achieved on an extremely plush or springy mattress. A coir mattress will retain spine alignment and back support You are looking for a non-sagging option, since the coir layers also retain shape for longer periods of time You are looking for a cool, naturally ventilated mattress Foam mattresses are the most versatile mattresses, offering a wide range of comfort levels. Based on the foam used, the density and resulting resilience, these can range from ultra-plush to extra-firm A 3-zoned foam mattresses incorporate three kinds of foam, as the name suggests, in their construction providing adequate support for the body to retain its natural shape, regardless of the sleeping condition and style. You are looking for a soft mattress that takes the shape of your body. Innovations like memory foam are designed to provide gradual release and optimum pressure relief resulting in a stress-free deep sleep and return to original state when not in use If you're looking for a soft mattress that also provides support and resilience. Contrary to popular belief, choosing soft mattresses doesn't always mean compromising on support. You require a temperature sensitive mattress that has the unique capacity to be soft when warm and hard when cool Latex is another 100% natural material used in mattresses.This makes them environment friendly and highly recommended if you are conscious about the material your sleeping surface is made up of. Many people prefer to choose latex for infants, pregnant women or senior citizens, who may be sensitive to other materials. You are looking for natural (non-synthetic) materials around your home, since latex mattresses are 100% naturally sourced. You prefer a dense and latex mattresses are 100% naturally sourced You are inclined to eco-friendly option that is 100% chemical-free and biodegradable You prefer a naturally-cooled, well-ventilated sleeping surface You desire a mattress with plush feel with ample body support, and resilience. Latex rates high as a naturally resilient material The decision to buy a mattress online is not likely to be a commonly recurring one. So, it’s a good idea to equip yourself with the information needed. The main criteria to judge these materials are: firmness/ comfort, ventilation/breathability, support and budget. You could also try this 7-step guide to buying mattresses or try our mattress selector to help you make a quick decision.
Whether you pick a spring, coir, memory foam or latex mattress, whether you bought a king-size or queen-size mattress mattress a good purchase when used well should last between 6-8 years, give or take a few. But a little effort in maintenance could take you from having a good experience to an excellent one. When you buy a new mattress, resist the fear and urge to keep it wrapped in plastic. Immediately unwrap it from the plastic covering, as this is a crucial step in allowing it to breathe. Keeping it covered for longer than necessary could make it turn mouldy and musty due to the lack of ventilation, and this could affect the inner construction and in fact reduce the durability of the mattress. Thankfully, there is a better way to protect your mattress. Consider a mattress protector, preferably a liquid resistant one, to guard against spills, dirt and dust particles. The protective layer also ensures longevity for the mattress as it guards against sweat, oil secretions and other allergens and mites that will inevitably come in contact with it. These protectors are available for all types of mattresses and since they’re washable, they are easy to simply remove, wash, dry and replace, in the event of an accidental spill. This way you can enjoy lounging in your mattress even if that means savouring your morning cup of tea in bed, without the fear of damaging it. Your bed is so much more than just the space you sleep for 6-8 hours a night. Sometimes it doubles up as a living space for extended laughing. On a tired or lazy day, you may even bring your work or a meal into it. Sometimes it’s a play area for the entire family to spread out and frolic about. Regardless of how you may use your bed, it’s a good idea to regularly clean it up. Be sure to dust crumbs and other particles off the mattress, keep the frame itself frequently cleaned. Replace your sheets and pillow cases at least once every week. These are basic and easy ways to keep the mattress and bed as germ-free as possible, reducing the risk of germs and bacteria. Your bed is so much more than just the space you sleep for 6-8 hours a night. Sometimes it doubles up as a living space for extended lounging. On a tired or lazy day, you may even bring your work or a meal into it. Sometimes it’s a play area for the entire family to spread out and frolic about. Regardless of how you may use your bed, it’s a good idea to regularly clean it up. Be sure to dust crumbs and other particles off the mattress, keep the frame itself frequently cleaned. Replace your sheets and pillow cases at least once every week. These are basic and easy ways to keep the mattress and bed as germ-free as possible, reducing the risk of germs and bacteria. It’s hard to resist the urge to jump into or bounce in a fresh, new mattress. And we understand this urge, so our advice is to minimize it. Most good-quality mattresses are designed, constructed and tested to withstand a high amount of weight and pressure. So, while they may handle some rough use, excessive bouncing and jumping over a very long periods of time could contribute to reduced longevity. Good quality mattresses that come built with side reinforcements are more likely to withstand rough use as they are better equipped to endure this even more than others. Even so, it’s a good practice to keep the excessive bouncing in check to ensure durability is not reduced. Adequate sunlight and fresh air can give your mattress an additional refresher. Whenever you change your linen, allow the mattress to ventilate and air itself out for a few hours before you replace it with a fresh set. If possible, draw out the curtains and bring in some fresh sunlight to help clean out the mattress. This will take care of any trapped moisture and humidity. A good mattress is typically put through rigorous testing under a range of conditions to ready it for a good life of use and a warranty period is a good indicator of this. This means you can use it well for as long as the warranty lasts, and it is a good idea to replace it once the warranty has expired. Using it well and with care can certainly extend the value you get from it during the time. However, it is not advisable to stretch mattress use long beyond the warranty. Manufacturers literature on the warranty will give you a good sense of the life of your mattress. This will usually account for natural and unavoidable wear and tear that will occur no matter what how well you look after it. Once a mattress has lived its life, even though it may not look like it on the outside, the internal structure will have changed. Layers will collapse and get compressed, some parts will sag, some other may even have suffered damage that you are unaware of. It is a good idea to replace your mattress at the right time to ensure continued good quality sleep. We’re all guilty of doing this! However, a note of caution: mattresses are mostly made of flammable material and it is hazardous to put a heated, electrical device in such close contact with it. The excess heat from the base of iron, when transferred to the mattress, is known to damage the fabric and internal construction of the mattress as these are likely to react in extreme heat. It’s best to avoid doing this so you can enjoy your mattress to the max.
Whether you pick a spring, coir, memory foam or latex mattress, whether you bought a king-size or queen-size mattress mattress a good purchase when used well should last between 6-8 years, give or take a few. But a little effort in maintenance could take you from having a good experience to an excellent one. When you buy a new mattress, resist the fear and urge to keep it wrapped in plastic. Immediately unwrap it from the plastic covering, as this is a crucial step in allowing it to breathe. Keeping it covered for longer than necessary could make it turn mouldy and musty due to the lack of ventilation, and this could affect the inner construction and in fact reduce the durability of the mattress. Thankfully, there is a better way to protect your mattress. Consider a mattress protector, preferably a liquid resistant one, to guard against spills, dirt and dust particles. The protective layer also ensures longevity for the mattress as it guards against sweat, oil secretions and other allergens and mites that will inevitably come in contact with it. These protectors are available for all types of mattresses and since they’re washable, they are easy to simply remove, wash, dry and replace, in the event of an accidental spill. This way you can enjoy lounging in your mattress even if that means savouring your morning cup of tea in bed, without the fear of damaging it. Your bed is so much more than just the space you sleep for 6-8 hours a night. Sometimes it doubles up as a living space for extended laughing. On a tired or lazy day, you may even bring your work or a meal into it. Sometimes it’s a play area for the entire family to spread out and frolic about. Regardless of how you may use your bed, it’s a good idea to regularly clean it up. Be sure to dust crumbs and other particles off the mattress, keep the frame itself frequently cleaned. Replace your sheets and pillow cases at least once every week. These are basic and easy ways to keep the mattress and bed as germ-free as possible, reducing the risk of germs and bacteria. Your bed is so much more than just the space you sleep for 6-8 hours a night. Sometimes it doubles up as a living space for extended lounging. On a tired or lazy day, you may even bring your work or a meal into it. Sometimes it’s a play area for the entire family to spread out and frolic about. Regardless of how you may use your bed, it’s a good idea to regularly clean it up. Be sure to dust crumbs and other particles off the mattress, keep the frame itself frequently cleaned. Replace your sheets and pillow cases at least once every week. These are basic and easy ways to keep the mattress and bed as germ-free as possible, reducing the risk of germs and bacteria. It’s hard to resist the urge to jump into or bounce in a fresh, new mattress. And we understand this urge, so our advice is to minimize it. Most good-quality mattresses are designed, constructed and tested to withstand a high amount of weight and pressure. So, while they may handle some rough use, excessive bouncing and jumping over a very long periods of time could contribute to reduced longevity. Good quality mattresses that come built with side reinforcements are more likely to withstand rough use as they are better equipped to endure this even more than others. Even so, it’s a good practice to keep the excessive bouncing in check to ensure durability is not reduced. Adequate sunlight and fresh air can give your mattress an additional refresher. Whenever you change your linen, allow the mattress to ventilate and air itself out for a few hours before you replace it with a fresh set. If possible, draw out the curtains and bring in some fresh sunlight to help clean out the mattress. This will take care of any trapped moisture and humidity. A good mattress is typically put through rigorous testing under a range of conditions to ready it for a good life of use and a warranty period is a good indicator of this. This means you can use it well for as long as the warranty lasts, and it is a good idea to replace it once the warranty has expired. Using it well and with care can certainly extend the value you get from it during the time. However, it is not advisable to stretch mattress use long beyond the warranty. Manufacturers literature on the warranty will give you a good sense of the life of your mattress. This will usually account for natural and unavoidable wear and tear that will occur no matter what how well you look after it. Once a mattress has lived its life, even though it may not look like it on the outside, the internal structure will have changed. Layers will collapse and get compressed, some parts will sag, some other may even have suffered damage that you are unaware of. It is a good idea to replace your mattress at the right time to ensure continued good quality sleep. We’re all guilty of doing this! However, a note of caution: mattresses are mostly made of flammable material and it is hazardous to put a heated, electrical device in such close contact with it. The excess heat from the base of iron, when transferred to the mattress, is known to damage the fabric and internal construction of the mattress as these are likely to react in extreme heat. It’s best to avoid doing this so you can enjoy your mattress to the max.
One might wonder if different mattresses make any difference at all to the how we end up sleeping on them. And if so, just how different can it get? But have you ever had a full night’s rest and woken up still feeling a touch unrested or lacking energy? Have you ever wondered why despite getting a good number of hours of sleep, you spend the day feeling lethargic? How about when you are on holiday and take a couple of nights to adjust to sleeping in that hotel bed? This is more than just a princess-and-the-pea story and in all likelihood in each of these situations, the quality of sleep was affected by the quality of the mattress you use. Some tell-tale signs to look out for, when considering a change of mattress to fight exhaustion and sleeplessness: Do you consistently wake up feeling low on energy, sluggish or inactive for many days in a row, despite getting sufficient hours of sleep? Does your sleep improve on different beds, say at hotels or in a different home/bed? Is your mattress over ten years old? Does your mattress have any visible signs of wear and tear such as sags, lumps or broken parts? Do you find you have to restrict yourself to a particular part/space on the mattress in order to fall asleep? If you answered yes to more than 2 of these questions, it is time to consider a mattress change so you can avoid some of these adverse effects of lack of sleep. Studieshave found the poor sleep is linked to weight gain, due to a range of factors. Further, sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, are worsened by weight gain, creating a vicious cycle that’s hard to break out of. Experimental studies where sleep was restricted also showed reduced insulin sensitivity and fluctuations in blood sugar, as a result. Good sleep directly impacts blood sugar metabolism and can cause weight gain as well as increase Type 2 Diabetes risk A study that compared the sleep quality and stress-related symptoms between older beds and newer beds showed a significant reduction in stress levels (worrying, racing thoughts, restlessness and irritability) in cases where newer beds were use. This has an impact on blood pressure causing spikes with heightened stress. Additionally, each REM stage of sleep is known to reduce blood pressure as a means to bring you back to normal levels. Interruptions in these cycles, due to disturbed sleep means the heart rate may sometimes remain elevated for longer, leading to heart disease in the long run. Old mattresses tend to accumulate a lot of microscopic particles from dust and mites to dead skin, hair, food particles and so much more that is not visible to the eyes. Over time these accumulations can cause allergy attacks, and the only way to address them is to replace the mattress with a new clean one. A hard, old mattress can cause stress, pains at pressure points that touch the mattress for the maximum amount of time, so if your mattress has aged to the point of layers getting fused and hard, it’s time to look at a new one. The REM stage of sleep is known to be responsible for helping us fix information and solidify it into our subconscious. A lack of sleep hampers this process and can lead to loss of memory or absentmindedness. A study conducted on the sleep patterns of medical interns shows an impact on brain function too – especially cognition, concentration and productivity, Loss of sleep has been known to negatively impact immunity too, with the study showing that getting less than seven hours of sleep increased the likelihood of developing a cold (once infected with a virus) by three times. Loss of sleep has been known to negatively impact immunity too, with the study showing that getting less than seven hours of sleep increased the likelihood of developing a cold (once infected with a virus) by three times.
One might wonder if different mattresses make any difference at all to the how we end up sleeping on them. And if so, just how different can it get? But have you ever had a full night’s rest and woken up still feeling a touch unrested or lacking energy? Have you ever wondered why despite getting a good number of hours of sleep, you spend the day feeling lethargic? How about when you are on holiday and take a couple of nights to adjust to sleeping in that hotel bed? This is more than just a princess-and-the-pea story and in all likelihood in each of these situations, the quality of sleep was affected by the quality of the mattress you use. Some tell-tale signs to look out for, when considering a change of mattress to fight exhaustion and sleeplessness: Do you consistently wake up feeling low on energy, sluggish or inactive for many days in a row, despite getting sufficient hours of sleep? Does your sleep improve on different beds, say at hotels or in a different home/bed? Is your mattress over ten years old? Does your mattress have any visible signs of wear and tear such as sags, lumps or broken parts? Do you find you have to restrict yourself to a particular part/space on the mattress in order to fall asleep? If you answered yes to more than 2 of these questions, it is time to consider a mattress change so you can avoid some of these adverse effects of lack of sleep. Studieshave found the poor sleep is linked to weight gain, due to a range of factors. Further, sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, are worsened by weight gain, creating a vicious cycle that’s hard to break out of. Experimental studies where sleep was restricted also showed reduced insulin sensitivity and fluctuations in blood sugar, as a result. Good sleep directly impacts blood sugar metabolism and can cause weight gain as well as increase Type 2 Diabetes risk A study that compared the sleep quality and stress-related symptoms between older beds and newer beds showed a significant reduction in stress levels (worrying, racing thoughts, restlessness and irritability) in cases where newer beds were use. This has an impact on blood pressure causing spikes with heightened stress. Additionally, each REM stage of sleep is known to reduce blood pressure as a means to bring you back to normal levels. Interruptions in these cycles, due to disturbed sleep means the heart rate may sometimes remain elevated for longer, leading to heart disease in the long run. Old mattresses tend to accumulate a lot of microscopic particles from dust and mites to dead skin, hair, food particles and so much more that is not visible to the eyes. Over time these accumulations can cause allergy attacks, and the only way to address them is to replace the mattress with a new clean one. A hard, old mattress can cause stress, pains at pressure points that touch the mattress for the maximum amount of time, so if your mattress has aged to the point of layers getting fused and hard, it’s time to look at a new one. The REM stage of sleep is known to be responsible for helping us fix information and solidify it into our subconscious. A lack of sleep hampers this process and can lead to loss of memory or absentmindedness. A study conducted on the sleep patterns of medical interns shows an impact on brain function too – especially cognition, concentration and productivity, Loss of sleep has been known to negatively impact immunity too, with the study showing that getting less than seven hours of sleep increased the likelihood of developing a cold (once infected with a virus) by three times. Loss of sleep has been known to negatively impact immunity too, with the study showing that getting less than seven hours of sleep increased the likelihood of developing a cold (once infected with a virus) by three times.