Searching for that elusive quality night's sleep? Well, you're not alone. Brent Cooper, bed expert at luxury bed retailer Marshall & Stewart, is on hand to share his top tips for buying the right bed to provide quality, restorative sleep.
“A restful night of quality sleep is vital for good health. Give it the attention it deserves. Grumpiness, irritability, short temper and short term memory loss are all symptoms of sleep deprivation. If you want to work well, enjoy good relationships with your loved-ones and work colleagues then improve your sleep quality.” Brent Cooper, Marshall & Stewart bed expert.
1. A bed must be supportive but that does not mean it has to be hard. Hard beds are not good for you, but good support is crucial. Firm beds are for heavy people - the heavier a person is, the firmer the springs need to be.
2. Size is important. Always buy the biggest bed your room will take – the more space you have the less disturbed you are when your partner moves. Length is also key – your bed should be at least 6” longer then you are tall.
3. Cut down on stimulants such as caffeine in tea or coffee – especially in the evening. They interfere with falling asleep and prevent deep sleep. Have a hot milky drink or herbal tea instead.
4. If possible opt for a bed with natural fillings, beds made from foam, latex and memory foam offer superb support but they struggle to regulate your body temperature, this can lead to disturbed sleep. Beds with natural fillings are best – horsehair, wool and cotton ventilate and cope with body moisture effectively, offering luxurious comfort.
5. Slatted bases and storage divans are not as luxurious as a mattress and sprung divan. Don’t sacrifice good support for aesthetics; your sleep quality will be compromised.
6. Create a restful sleeping environment. Your bedroom should be kept for rest and sleep and it should be neither too hot, nor too cold; and as quiet and dark as possible.
7. It's unlikely that you and your partner have the same support requirements. Without the correct level of support you will both move around at night, causing a disturbed night's sleep. Invest in a bespoke mattress – one that can be made to suit both parties.
8. Have a sleep consultation before parting with any cash. These are often complimentary and will ensure you choose the correct style and tension for you.
9. Don't over-indulge on food or alcohol just before bedtime. They will affect your sleep pattern, and can prevent you from falling asleep, or interrupt you during the night.
10. Get active! Exercise three times a week will help tire you physically which leads to deeper and less disturbed sleep. But don't exercise too close to bedtime as your body needs time to wind down properly.
