Sleep optimisation is essential for our health and wellbeing. Mattresses and bedding creates different sleeping environments, as they have unique properties. Everyone has a sleeping position that is individual to them, so it’s important there are a lot of mattresses and pillows out there to help support this.
Creating a space that we actively want to sleep in will help reinforce a longer and more impactful sleep. We need to enter and stay in the deep sleep phase for most of the sleep to keep us energised for the next day. The only way to do this is to make changes to our bed.
As we investigate sleep optimisation, we will help you create the perfect sleep sanctuary. We will analyse a number of mattresses, pillows, and duvets.
Mattress
Choosing the right mattress is vital for an improved sleep. Each type of mattress has different features that separates them from the others, offering a unique sleep haven. There are foam, innerspring, hybrid, latex, and airbeds on the market so you must find out which one will bring you the most benefits.
Foam
Foam mattresses are perfect for side sleepers as they improve the contouring on the body. This results in more pressure relief and motion isolation, which should keep you from waking up during the night.
Innerspring
Budget shopping should go for the innerspring option, as it is one of the most affordable mattresses. They usually have a bouncy surface and limited motion isolation that help you sleep.
Latex
The bounce and durability are the two main selling points of a latex mattress. It has quite good contouring that will keep your body more aligned. Eco-conscious shopping should purchase an organic latex mattress if they wish to remain environmentally friendly.
Hybrid
Hybrid combines a few mattress types It has two main comfort layers; foam and latex, with them usually also including micro-coils. This type of mattress offers good contouring and low heat retention, so you won’t overheat. This mattress is suitable for all sleeping positions.
Airbed
Airbeds are great, as they are customisable. You can pump up the mattress to any level of firmness to help you sleep better. Electric powered airbeds can also be pumped up from the press of a button.
Pillows
There are many different bedroom pillow preferences. The size, height and firmness of a pillow can heavily impact your sleep. Certain pillows are also made to accommodate certain sleeping styles.
Back sleepers
Supporting the natural curve of the neck should be the primary aim of back sleepers. Thin and medium pillows should offer enough support for your head and neck. Bedroom cushions can be used to prop your head up if your pillow is too thin. Medium firmness will also help align the spine.
Side sleepers
Helping support your neck during side sleeping is very important. You should choose a pillow that is high in height and firmness for this. The recommended pillow height is 4 to 6 inches with body pillows also offering side sleepers a better sleep.
Front sleepers
There are pillows that can help front sleepers keep their body aligned. A soft pillow with a low height will offer the best support for your head.
Other bedding
Duvets, blankets and mattress toppers can also change how well you sleep and should be taken into consideration.
Duvet
Ensure that your duvet is cleaned regularly to have a better sleep, as dirty bedding can trick your mind into not wanting to sleep. You should trial different duvets to find the best one for you.
Blankets
Blankets can help you stay warm and comfortable. However, during the winter months, you might want something thicker to keep yourself warm. Weighted blankets are the perfect solution.
Mattress Toppers
Mattress toppers can help with relieving your pressure points. This can help your body stay aligned during sleep and improve your night. These toppers come in a variety of different sizes, thicknesses and styles to match different sleep needs.