Do you often have trouble sleeping through the night? Do you wake up feeling exhausted and unrested? If so, your bed may not be as comfortable as it could be. And you need to get it fixed as a poor night’s is detrimental to your health, can harm your career, can place a strain on your relationships with others and can generally have a huge impact on your overall quality of life. In this article, we will discuss 10 ways to make your bed more comfortable to help you get the best night’s sleep of your life!
(Please note that we share product recommendations on our site because we love them! To ensure full transparency however we want to highlight that we may receive a small commission from any purchases that you make from clicking on the links in our articles).
1. Invest in a good mattress.
As with all things in life you tend to get what you pay for. A cheap mattress may be good for your bank balance but it’s unlikely to be great for your back! And budget mattresses don’t tend last either – it won’t be long before noticing it’s getting softer or losing its shape even if you turn it regularly. This is perhaps the most important factor in determining how comfortable your bed will be. Make sure to do your research and choose a mattress that is right for you. In particular it’s really important to try before you buy as there are so many different options available. Whilst it’s tempting and convenient to jump online you may be disappointed with what you end up with. SO make the effort to go down to your local bedding store and see what works for you. When trying a mattress make sure that you lie in for a good 10 minutes – the longer the better. It’s not uncommon for mattresses that feel comfortable at first to start feeling quite uncomfortable when you’ve been lying on them for a bit longer.
2. Use a mattress protector.
Whilst we’re on the subject of mattresses it’s worth mentioning that even the best quality ones can be damaged. Spills, sweat stains and general wear and tear will all take their toll over time. A mattress protector provides a barrier between you and your mattress, helping to keep it clean and dry and prolong its life. It’s an inexpensive way to ensure your bed remains comfortable and smell free for years to come! And some mattress protectors come with additional comfort enhancing options like memory foam, or additional insulation to keep you warm and snug. Mattress protectors are inexpensive and make a huge impact on your overall comfort and the quality of your sleep. They can also be removed and washed at high temperatures to remove and destroy allergens and allergy causing creepy crawlies.
3. Choose the right pillow.
Pillows are often overlooked when it comes to bed comfort but they play a vital role! The wrong pillow can cause neck pain, headaches and even contribute to wrinkles. Yes, really! When you sleep on your side or stomach your face presses into the pillow which can cause creases in the skin. These eventually turn into permanent wrinkles – not something we want! Choosing a pillow that is the right size, firmness and shape for you will help to prevent these issues and ensure a more comfortable night’s sleep. Also have a think about sourcing a hypoallergenic pillow if your prone to allergies to avoid breathing difficulties and other allergy related discomforts when you’re trying to sleep. Also check out our post on choosing a pillow for your guest room.
4. Add some softness with a mattress topper.
If you find your mattress is too firm or hard then consider adding a mattress topper. This is an additional layer of padding that sits on top of your mattress and provides extra cushioning. Mattress toppers come in different thicknesses so you can choose one that suits your needs and preferences. They’re relatively inexpensive and can make a big difference to the overall comfort of your bed. Adding a mattress topper is an easy way to customise the comfort level of your bed without having to replace your entire mattress. It also acts as an extra layer of insulation beneath you for cold winter nights.
5. Use quality bedding
The type of bedding you use can also impact how comfortable your bed is. Cheap, scratchy sheets are not going to result in a good night’s sleep! Instead, choose quality bedding made from soft, natural fabrics like cotton or bamboo. These materials are gentle on your skin and will help you to stay cool and comfortable during the night. By contrast synthetic materials retain more moisture and likely to worsen night sweats. It’s also worth investing in a good duvet and pillowcases. Once again, natural fabrics are best as they breathable and won’t make you overheat during the night. High-quality bedding may cost a bit more but it’s worth it for the comfort and luxury it provides. Good quality bedding is also likely to last and can be refreshed through washing or dry cleaning. Also remember to adjust the warmth of your bedding according to the season and the normal temperature of your house. If you’re too hot or too cold you’ll never get to sleep!
6. Try using a body pillow
If you often find yourself tossing and turning during the night then a body pillow could be just what you need. They’re also quite good at putting a physical barrier between you and your partner if one of you is restless to avoid bumping in the middle of the night. These long, narrow pillows provide support for your whole body, making it easier to stay in one position and get comfortable. They’re especially good for pregnant women or anyone with back pain as they help to reduce strain on the lower back and hips. Body pillows are relatively inexpensive and can make a big difference to your comfort levels at night. They come in a variety of different sizes and shapes so be sure to pick one that you thing will meet your needs.
7. Consider Getting A Decent Headboard
If your bed doesn’t have a headboard, or if the one it has is uncomfortable, consider getting a new one. Headboards provide support for your head and back when you’re sitting up in bed, and can really improve your comfort levels. When you’re asleep it’s not uncommon for your head to make contact with the headboard so a soft and comfortable option is more likely to ensure that you stay asleep. They come in all sorts of different styles so you’re sure to find one that suits your taste and needs. You can even get headboards with built-in storage which is great if you’re short on space. Just be sure to to avoid the temptation to buy the headboard that looks the trendiest! Comfort is what you’re interested in here and whilst a hard wooden frame may look the best it may not be conducive to a good night’s sleep. A leather or a faux leather option is also something that you may wish to consider as they are easier to dust and keep clean which avoids aggrevating any allergies over the course of the night.
8. Adjust The Room Temperature Relative The Warmth of Your Bedding
OK, so not strictly an adjustment to your bed or bedding. But you need to adjust the temperature of the room according to the warmth of your bed. The temperature of your bedroom can have a big impact on how comfortable you are in bed. If it’s too hot or too cold you’ll never be able to get to sleep! If you’ve got a winter duvet you may need to turn your thermostat down by a couple of notches. But just think about how much money you’ll be saving. Equally if you prefer sleeping under a light duvet you may need to warm your room a bit more.
9. Move Your Bed Into The Best Possible Position
If you’re really not comfortable in your bed then don’t be afraid to move it! Your bed should be in a position that’s conducive to a good night’s sleep. If it’s not then simply rearrange the furniture until you find a better position. This may mean moving your bed away from the window if there’s too much light coming in, or even into a different room altogether.
10 Get A Heated Blanket
If you find that you’re always cold at night then a heated blanket or mattress pad could make all the difference. These devices gently heat your bed, providing a cosy and comfortable environment that’s perfect for sleeping in. Just be careful not to overheat your bed, as this can be just as bad for you as sleeping in a cold room! Nevertheless in the middle of the winter there is nothing cosier than stepping into a a nice and toasty bed. And with modern products you can safely leave them on all night.
Another More Controversial Suggestion:
You might might want to remove your partner from your bed!
One of the most common causes of discomfort is a snoring or a restless partner. 10% of married couples in the US sleep in separate rooms and 25% sleep in separate beds. It’s becoming increasingly common and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about or ashamed of. If if your getting a good night sleep the chances are that it will significantly improve the quality if your relationship. The key advantage is that it enables you to tailor your bed to your own requirements. If you like a warm duvet and a hard mattress and your partner likes a light duvet and a soft mattress you can both tailor your bedding to your own preferences.
Conclusions:
A poor night’s sleep can have a huge impact on many aspects of your life. There are somethings that are difficult to fix. However, making sure that your bedding is as comfortable as possible is one of the cheapest and most straightforward solutions. And it can make a real difference to your overall quality of sleep. Money spent in improving your sleep quality is always money well spend.
Now that you know how to make your bed more comfortable, there’s no excuse not to enjoy the best night’s sleep of your life! Follow these simple tips and you’ll be sure to wake up feeling rested and refreshed every morning.
Leave a Reply