When you consider that one-third of your life is spent sleeping, the importance of choosing the right mattress is undeniable. Sleep is essential for everyone, and lack of it can lead to serious health issues including depression, weight gain and heart disease.
Understanding Sleep Deficits
Sleep affects all aspects of our lives, including the way we think, eat, learn, work, react, and relate to other people. Too little sleep can have harmful physical effects. Chronic sleep deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, stroke, heart disease and kidney disease. Your body uses sleep to repair and heal your heart and blood vessels, to regulate hormones that control growth and hunger, and to keep your immune system working properly. Getting good, quality sleep helps keep your mind sharp and your body functioning at optimal levels. Having a good, quality mattress that is comfortable and provides good support is a key step in getting a healthy night’s sleep.
Finding Your Best Sleep Set
With so many choices available when selecting a mattress, how do you know which is best? Ultimately, your choice should be guided by these considerations:
Comfort. Lie down on the mattress and test it for comfort. Mattresses today are made from innovative materials that provide a wide range of plushness and firmness options.
Support. It should comfortably support all parts of your body, especially your shoulders, hips and lower back.
Durability. Make sure the materials are of good quality and the mattress set appears to be well constructed.
Size. There should be plenty of room for you to move around while sleeping. Take into consideration your room size, and if possible, bring your sleep partner with you while you shop.
How Much Sleep is Enough?
Age Recommended Amount
Newborns ___________________16-18 hours/day
Preschool-aged children ________ 11-12 hours/day
School-aged children ___________At least 10 hours/day
Teens _______________________9-10 hours/day
Adults (all ages) _______________7-8 hours/day
After several nights of losing sleep—even a loss of just 1–2 hours per night—your ability to function suffers as if you haven’t slept at all for a day or two. Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
Once you turn in for the night, you expect to fall asleep and wake up refreshed the next morning. But it doesn’t always happen that way. You toss and turn, lie awake, checking the clock, waiting for sleep to come
How can you get a good night’s sleep? In addition to sleeping on a quality mattress set, use these tips to help you catch your Zzzs.
BENEFITS OF QUALITY SLEEP
Clear Thinking
Quicker Reflexes
Better Focus
Stronger Immune System
Better Cardiovascular Health
