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New research shows that couples are better off having separate beds due to the effects of poor sleeping habits. This article explains how to buy a new bed and mattress.
We tend to put poor sleeping patterns down to stress but in most cases it is caused by sharing a bed with a partner. At the British Science Festival this year sleep specialist Dr Neil Stanley made the point that 50% of sleep disturbance is caused by sharing a bed. Health research indicates that couples would be healthier and more alert during the day if they slept apart. Poor sleep has been linked to various long-term health issues such as depression, high blood pressure and heart disease. The second factor in poor sleep is having an old mattress and bed. The life span of a bed is affected by how much use it gets, whether it is supporting one or two bodies, and factors such as pregnancy and weight gain. A worn-out bed is a health hazard and sleep experts suggest replacing it every 10 years to ensure proper support. We spend a third of our lives asleep so it makes sense to invest in a good quality bed. Two-year research by sleep expert Dr Chris Idzikowski found that people with uncomfortable beds slept one hour less each night than those with a well-supporting mattress. How to Buy a New BedThe Sleep Council has the following tips for buying a new bed: -
If you find a mattress and bed you like in a store it is worth comparing prices on the Internet before you buy. There are various online deals. You may also be entitled to a VAT-free bed if you have existing health problems so check the small print. Choosing a MattressThere are two main types of mattress – with or without springs: -
A mattress should hug your shape and offer support. If it is too hard it can cause pain in your shoulders and hips. Your spine should be aligned from top to bottom when you lie on your side, and you should be able to turn easily. To test support, put your hand under the small of your back when lying on the bed. If there is a gap the bed is too hard. If you cannot get your hand underneath, the mattress is too soft. If one partner is significantly heavier it makes sense to buy two separate mattresses with different levels of support, to be stitched together. This seems like a more amenable solution than sleeping in separate beds. You can always invest in separate duvets, to avoid any hogging issues! Consider your bedroom space and how amenable it is to a good night's rest. Get rid of electrical equipment, keep it clean and clutter-free as much as possible. Create a space that you can relax in and refreshing sleep will be as natural as breathing. Bed Buying Resources
The copyright of the article Buying a New Bed and Mattress in Home Management is owned by Nicci Talbot. Permission to republish Buying a New Bed and Mattress in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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