HOW TO MAKE YOUR BED AND LIE IN IT, TOO
Good bedding basics can meane a better night’s sleep
A good night’s sleep helps us in so many ways these days.
The stress of spending more time at home, the seasons changing from summer to fall, and starting school or regular work hours all take their toll on our sleeping patterns. It’s important to plan for a good night’s sleep so we are fresh to take on the work and study days ahead. Building a bed for a good night’s sleep is fairly simple: the mattress, pillow and comforter are obvious essentials. But there are extra ways to help us all sleep tight throughout the changes waiting for us this fall.
FROM THE GROUND UP
Having the bed basics ensures you are set for many good sleeps.
Let’s start with the base of the bed: do you prefer a traditional bed frame, box spring and mattress, which gives you the traditional 26- to 32-inch height from the floor to the top of the mattress? This makes it easier to get in and out of bed because you shift to a sitting position that’s similar to regular chair height or higher and then to standing.
A low bed base (usually four to eight inches high) offers a modern look (the top of the mattress sits 14 to 20 inches off the floor). The mattress rests on a platform of slats, which take the place of a box spring by giving air and bounce while supporting the mattress. You’ll need good abs to get in and out of this one as it’s very low to the ground.
The mattress itself is a personal preference. Whether you are a side, stomach or back sleeper, your sleeping style will dictate what type of mattress is best for you, whether it be firm, hard, soft, pillow-top, foam, coil spring — you get the picture. With so many options, it’s important to visit a mattress shop and test the various comfort levels.
Tip: While pillow-top mattresses are cushy and luxurious, most cannot be flipped to adjust for sagging. If you want the pillowtop effect, choose a separate mattress topper for a regular mattress. You can remove and clean the topper, and are still able to turn and flip the mattress.
I’m a believer that if you don’t have a headboard, then your bed is not complete. A headboard is usually an upholstered or wooden panel at the head of bed. It not only helps to keep pillows from falling between the mattress and wall, it also protects the wall.
Tip: A headboard is handy if you want to place the bed in front of a window. Choosing a higher headboard (standard is about 52 inches) and adding side wings (like a wing back chair) will create a cosy, sheltered effect.
COOL AND PROTECT
Whether you have a new mattress that you want to protect or an old mattress that could use an extra layer of comfort and protection, a mattress protector is a smart investment. They generally help to keep your mattress free of dust, mites and perspiration, and — for those who also work and watch television on their beds — spills or stains. I like pads made from bamboo rayon. They help to wick away heat and keep the bed at an even temperature throughout the night, which I find results in less tossing and turning.
CALM AND COSY UNDER WEIGHTED BLANKETS
Calming the mind of work- and school-related thoughts is difficult during busy times. One of my latest favourite aids in this regard is a weighted blanket. They are known to have calming and soothing effects as well as help to minimize tossing and turning and perhaps even decrease anxiety. All that adds up to a sweeter sleep.
If you aren’t a fan of sleeping under heavy blankets, a weighted blanket under 15 pounds is probably best for you (they range from about 15 to 30 pounds). It will provide just enough weight to create a calm and cosy sleep during those hectic weeks of work and study without creating the sensation of an overwhelming weight on top of you.
SOUND, SIGHT, SCENT
Here are three easy solutions to calm three senses that are so key to nodding off:
If city or dorm noise (or someone’s snoring!) is keeping you from a good night’s sleep, try a white noise machine to hum away the unwanted sounds.
A dark room is easiest to fall asleep in. Forgo the tin foil on the windows and invest in an inexpensive block-out shade or curtain.
Use a room diffuser with a comforting scent like lavender to help relax your mind and make it easier to drift off to sleepland.
Do you have a decor dilemma or want to give feedback? You can contact Karl on Instagram at Karl Lohnes. Karl has worked as a home decor expert and product designer for 25 years.