lionel, Author at Sealy

Cold and flu season: How to sleep with a blocked nose

Posted on March 23, 2022 by lionel

Cold weather usually brings with it colds and flu, especially at this time of year when the seasons are changing. If you happen to catch a cold or flu, the best you can do is treat the symptoms and get good rest. This is easier said than done – it can be challenging to sleep with a blocked nose.

Cold and flu symptoms seem to get worse at night, and it feels like there’s more congestion when you’re lying down. Taking cold and flu medicine can help, although be careful to check the ingredients first. Some over the counter medicines contain a decongestant called pseudoephedrine, which makes many people stay awake.

Below are a few tips to help you sleep with a blocked nose:

Use gadgets like an air purifier and/or a humidifier

Extra humidity or steam in the air will help calm your sinuses, ease congestion and relieve coughing. An air purifier will remover irritants that might worsen your symptoms.

Take a hot shower or bath

If you’re feeling chilly, a hot shower or bath will help warm you up and relax your body before bed. The steam will also help clear congestion.

Have a hot drink before bedtime

The steam from hot drinks will help your dried-out nasal passages and it will also help loosen phlegm, however, make sure your drink is not caffeinated. Honey is a natural antibiotic and it is good for sore throats. Lemon contains vitamin C. You can also brew ginger tea, which also increases your vitamin C intake and encourages overall feelings of wellbeing.

Elevate your upper body

Use extra pillows to make sure you’re not lying flat when you sleep. Sleeping flat on your back can make congestion worse, so try to elevate your head. The Sealy My CoolSmart Gel Pillow is a two in one pillow – one side has a gel layer which reduces heat build-up for a cooler sleep, while the other side is memory foam for a more gentle comfort.

Keep your feet warm

Warm up your feet with hot water before putting socks on or use a hot water bottle in bed. Warm, comfy feet will help you fall asleep faster.

Have everything you need close by

Be prepared for a rough night and stock your nightstand with everything you’ll need to get through the night. Have a big glass of water handy to ease your throat if you’re coughing. You might also need lots of tissues. Finally, also have a book or magazine handy in case you can’t fall asleep. Don’t be tempted to scroll on your phone – the blue light emitted from your device will make it even harder to fall asleep.

Create the optimal sleep environment

Try to make sure your room is at a comfortable temperature, and probably more towards the cooler side. If you have a fever, a cooler room will feel more comfortable. Try to make your room as dark and as quiet as possible.

Firm or soft mattress – Which is best?

Posted on March 15, 2022March 15, 2022 by lionel

Deciding between a firm mattress and a soft mattress is not such an easy task. It depends on personal preference and your unique sleep requirements.

Side sleepers are often more comfortable on mattresses that range from medium to plush. Back sleepers tend to gravitate towards firmer-feeling mattresses, while stomach sleepers usually favour a medium feel (not too firm, not too soft).

Consider a firmer mattress if you often feel overly warm at night. You may wish to look for mattresses that has climate control fabric that encourages breathability, like the mattresses in the Sealy Crown Jewel collection. Mattresses made with pure new wool have a natural ability to both warm and cool, helping you stay dry and relaxed at a comfortable temperature.

If the bed is intended for guests, consider a mattress that will suit a wide variety of sleepers. A medium to firm mattress is usually recommended in this case.

Firm or soft mattresses – use the Sealy Mattress Selector for guidance

The Sealy Mattress Selector helps take the guess work out of choosing a new mattress. Simply answer a few questions online and we will recommend the best mattress for your needs. Click here to get started.

Make sure it’s #ClearlyASealy

When shopping for your new Sealy, it is safest to make sure you are purchasing your bed from an Authorised Sealy Retailer, and you receive an official invoice. Remember, our list of authorised retailers are on the Sealy website. Click here to view a list of Sealy retailers. If the store you’re shopping at isn’t on this list, contact us to check if that store is in fact authorised to sell Sealy mattresses.

If you visit different stores testing out the various Sealy beds, the specific models might not be an exact match. Sealy retailers choose their own bed names, so when you shop at different stores, the names will be different. Browse the Sealy website to view the full range from which retailers choose certain models to sell.

All Sealy mattresses come with a warranty, which will protect you in the unlikely event of a factory defect. Once you purchase your Sealy, visit our website to register your warranty. This is a good way to protect your investment. A warranty is your protection against defective workmanship – it is not a guarantee of product life or more important, of comfort life.

Sleep tips for seniors

Posted on February 20, 2022 by lionel

According to the National Sleep Foundation, about two-thirds of elderly adults experience one or more symptoms of sleep disturbance at least a few nights a week. In this blog post we highlight some sleep tips for seniors.

Lifestyle changes impact sleep

Retirement usually means less time outside of the home, and more time napping during the day, which could impact night-time sleeping. Loss of independence and social isolation can also cause anxiety and stress, which contributes to sleep disturbances.

A changing sleep architecture and schedule could also disrupt sleep. Many older adults find a change in their circadian rhythms as their bodies naturally start to wake up earlier. The early mornings often result in the need for an afternoon nap.

Older adults tend to get less deep sleep, staying in the lighter phases of sleep. This, coupled with more frequent night-time urination, usually translates into less restful sleep.

How chronic medical problems affect sleep

While sleep disorders tends to increase with age, much of the sleep disturbance among the elderly is caused by medications used to treat chronic physical and mental illness. In general, people with poor health or chronic medical conditions have more sleep problems. For example:

Hypertension is associated with snoring and sleep apnoea; both increase as we age.
Heart failure and disease affects a significant number of Australians, who also have sleep apnoea.
Menopause, with its accompanying symptoms, can lead to many restless nights.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes difficulty falling and staying asleep. This is more likely to occur while lying on your back.
Sleep patterns among people with dementia are typically fragmented, and this fragmentation increases as the condition worsens.
Sleep-disordered breathing occurs more frequently in those with Alzheimer’s disease, while those with Parkinson’s disease are more likely to have RLS symptoms.
The pain and discomfort of arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions make it difficult to sleep through the night.

Sleep tips for seniors

Get the foundation right: A good mattress. If you’ve been sinking into an old bed that’s lost its shape your body is not being supported and your unique sleeping posture isn’t being accommodated. If your mattress is too firm or too soft, you might experience back and joint pains. Sealy’s exclusive Posturepedic Technology™ mattressesare built strategically to help provide proper support for the entire body, comfort for a great night’s sleep and durability for peace of mind. Orthopedically correct mattress design fully supports the body while at the same time relieving pressure points, allowing the body to fully relax.
Feed your body right: Plan your dinner. The latest science reveals that what you eat for dinner and when you eat also makes a huge difference to your sleep. Eating carbohydrates with a high glycemic index four hours before bedtime, such as white rice and pasta, could significantly reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. Research by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition explains that this is because carbohydrates could increase the level of serotonin precursor in your body, which is known as a “wellness chemical” with sleep-inducing effects. However, be sure to limit caffeine and sugary drinks close to bedtime.
Exercise during the day.Exercise releases endorphins, the happy hormone. If you can exercise outside, you get the added bonus of Vitamin D.
Stretch before bed. Slow, purposeful movements helps you breathe slowly and focus on your breath, relaxing your body and mind.
Your pillow makes a big difference. This might surprise you, but when it comes to sleep quality, pillows are almost as important as your mattress. If your neck and shoulders aren’t getting enough support, your spine and body could be out of alignment, causing body aches and sleeplessness. We have a variety of Sealy pillows to suit the most comfortable sleeping posture, including gel memory foam pillows. Browse Sealy pillows here.
Leave screens out the bedroom.Try to stop looking at screens – whether it’s your phone, your TV or your laptop – at least an hour before bedtime. Rather read a book, it will relax your mind more!
Get early morning sun. Exposure to sun early in the can can help you sleep better. It warms up your body and jumpstarts your daytime hormones. Vitamin D also helps regulate circadian rhythms and boosts mental health.

How you benefit from outdoor exercise

Posted on February 16, 2022 by lionel

Exercise is good for your physical body and mental health, and it improves the quality of your sleep. If you head outside for your exercise, you enjoy even more benefits. In this blog posts we explore how your body, mind and mood benefit from outdoor exercise.

The average adult spends up to 40 hours a week working behind a desk, and usually indoors. Take your exercise outdoors and enjoy these benefits:

It’s a chance to breathe fresh air, which helps you sleep better
Sunshine gives you a free dose of Vitamin D, which helps your body fight fatigue and boosts mental health
People who spend at least an hour outdoor have higher levels of happy emotions
Being surrounded by nature helps you become more aware of nature’s natural cycles, which can encourage a sense of calmness
When you’re active outdoors, the environment is always changing with slight inclines, bumps, etc., which makes your body work harder
It’s free!

How to get the most out of outdoor exercise

Exercise early. Exposure to sun early in your day can help you sleep better, especially if it’s within the first hour of waking up. It warms up your body and jumpstarts your daytime hormones
Avoid exercising outside in extreme heat or cold
Wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from too much sun
Be careful not to dehydrate. Drink at least 250ml of water about half an hour before exercising outdoors
Plan outdoor activities, like hikes, with your friends and family

Revolutionise your exercise routine with the Sealy Effect

Having the right mattress is crucial to getting a good night’s sleep, and being the healthier, more productive person, you want to be. Sealy mattresses are built with an interconnected spring system topped with foam and comfort layers that support the ideal sleeping posture – meaning the body is in its natural position to fully relieve muscular tension. Sealy Posturepedic supports your life by providing undisturbed sleep, which translates into the Sealy Effect.

Sleep has been shown to enhance athletic performance because it improves speed, accuracy and reaction time. Give your body the Sealy Effect if you’re looking for some physical gains.

Getting the right amount of sleep also keeps your hormones balanced. When you’re sleep deprived, your hunger hormones are out of balance and you eat more because you feel hungry. With the Sealy Effect, you have enough energy and motivation to get outside to exercise and make healthier food choices.

One of the most important factors for sleep quality: Your mattress

Now that you know how the Sealy Effect could change your life, how do you know if you need a new mattress? Typically, mattresses last between five and 10 years.

You may need a new mattress if:

You’re tired all the time
You toss and turn all night
Your current mattress is sagging
You can’t get comfortable on your mattress
It’s just as easy to fall asleep on the sofa or floor as it is the bed

Here are some tips for choosing the right mattress:

Your body should be distributed evenly across the sleeping surface
While laying down, your body should be well supported across the shoulders, hips, back, and ribs
Your spine should be aligned in a neutral position with the rest of your body
Type of mattress (memory foam, gel, spring coil, pillow-top, etc.)

Sealy has a wide range of mattresses to suit your sleep position, personal preference and budget. Whether you are looking for pressure relief for your shoulders or hips, support for your lower back or are simply wanting to wake up feeling better, you will find your answer in a Sealy Posturepedic bed. Use our handy mattress selector tool to discover which Sealy mattress is the best bed for you. Simply answer a few sleep-related questions, and we will recommend a Sealy mattress for you: Sealy Mattress Selector Tool.

Co-sleeping: Does your child sleep in the same bed as you?

Posted on February 9, 2022 by lionel

For many South African parents, sharing a bed with their growing children is a reality of economics rather than choice. However, co-sleeping and bed sharing is also a common practice in many cultures around the world because it encourages bonding and helps the children feel safe.

Although bed-sharing with babies is often controversial, with some paediatricians saying it increases the risk of suffocation, for many people it makes sense to sleep with their children for the first few years of their life. Co-sleeping with a baby can be easier for a breastfeeding mother, encourages skin-to-skin contact and can help to cement the emotional bond between the baby and parents.

Most experts advise that children should learn to sleep in their own beds between the ages of 5 and 8. However, there seems to be strong views for and against co-sleeping with older children. It’s important for families to understand the pros and cons and to ultimately make the decision that fits best with their financial reality and their family values.

The pros and cons of co-sleeping with older children

Pros

It encourages closeness and kids feel safe throughout the night
It reduces bedtime struggles
Could help foster higher self-esteem in children
Many cultures around the world view co-sleeping as totally natural

Cons

Children might struggle to fall asleep without a parent present
Differing bedtimes might mean interrupted sleep for everyone
Sleep quality might suffer if your child is an ‘active sleeper’
Less time or space for intimacy

Invest in a Sealy Singles for your growing child

If you feel that it’s time for your child to move into their own bed, you might place the bed in your room or move your child into their own room entirely. This will require some strategizing and planning from your side, to make sure your child is emotionally ready for the move.

The Sealy Singles range is designed for toddlers to teens, providing all the support and comfort they need for healthy growth and development. These mattresses are made with Allergen Protect fabric, keeping the mattress fresh, healthy and free from common allergens such as dust mites. Click here to find out more about the Sealy Singles range.

Co-sleeping – time for a bigger bed?

If you decide that co-sleeping is the answer for your family, a family-sized bed will give you all a little more room. Below are mattress measurements for each Sealy bed size:

Single – 915mm x 1880mm
Three Quarter – 1070mm x 1880mm
Double – 1370mm x 1880mm
Queen – 1520mm x 1880mm
King – 1830mm x 1880mm
Extra length (2000mm) is available on request

We have a list of approved Sealy retailers on our website. Click here to find your closest Sealy approved retailer.

Made by hand and proudly South African

Posted on January 31, 2022 by lionel

Spend a day at Sealy HQ and be prepared to be surprised. Even though Sealy’s mattresses are sold nationwide at hundreds of retailers, all our mattresses undergo stringent quality checks and are hand made with locally sourced materials. Attention is paid to the details; luxury is woven into every design choice and each bed is made right here in South Africa. We truly are a Proudly South African brand.

‘End-to-end attention’ is a hallmark that we pride ourselves on. Every detail — from design and research to prototypes and new product launches — is personally managed, influenced, quality checked and processed by the highly trained and precision-skilled hands of Sealy employees.

Proudly South African, made at scale

Sealy offers beds that range from entry-level to high-end luxury, and each one is hand-sewn on home soil. We see hand-made in South Africa as a badge of honour and we do our best to live up to our goal of making the highest quality Australian-made products at every price range,

Our materials are very much South African sourced, South African designed, South African hand-sewn, and tailored-for-you by South African employees.

The details are everything when it comes to Sealy beds. Our manufacturing plants produce the world’s best quality beds … We focus on the little particulars customers tend to notice, like labels being stitched on perfectly or what colour threads we use.

Design that raises the bar

Sealy’s Design and Innovation Team is well aware how maintaining a competitive advantage makes a difference to consumers. We know your bed will be part of your home for the next eight to 10 years, so we look at the trends and influences that drive interior design now and into the future. We believe that each time you change the sheets, the beautiful fabric covering the mattress makes a statement about the quality and care that go into making that mattress.

Much like retailers offer different fashion or accessory collections, the Sealy team works closely with buying teams to tailor their ranges: each retailer selects their new Sealy ‘look’ from a range of options, then Sealy crafts the collection including criteria such as design elements, colour, and accessories. Sealy retailers then choose their own bed names, so when you shop at different stores, the names will be different. Browse the Sealy website to view the full range from which retailers choose certain models to sell.

Struggling to sleep: Do this one easy yoga pose

Posted on January 27, 2022 by lionel

If you find yourself tossing and turning and struggling to fall asleep, sometimes doing something totally different can help settle your mind and calm your body. Regularly practicing yoga has shown to improve sleep quality. However, even if you don’t have the will to do a full yoga sequence, there is one pose that will help you sleep better, and you can do it right from your bed: legs up the wall, also known as Viparita Karani.

This pose is usually practiced at the end of a yoga class, but simply on its own it is helpful for relaxing the body. When your body is relaxed, your mind will slow down, and this sets the stage for a good night’s rest.

Benefits of Legs up the Wall

This yoga pose requires barely any movement, power or flexibility, but has countless benefits. Because your legs are up the wall, this is a very gentle inversion, and is said to improve blood circulation, provide relief from a swollen feet or legs, and ease tension in the lower back. Because of the way your femurs (the tops of your thigh bones) fit into your pelvis in this pose, Viparita Karani is also very grounding. This means it can help ease anxiety, lower stress and calm the nervous system.

Struggling to sleep? How to do Viparita Karani

First have any props you might want. If you’re lying on the floor, you might want to put your yoga mat or a towel against the wall, so it can be under your body. You might also want a pillow or a yoga block close by, so you can prop it under your pelvis if you need it. Make sure you’re warm enough – put socks on and have a blanket close by.

Sit with the right side of your body against the wall, with your legs bent and the soles of your feet on the ground.
Swing your legs up the wall, bringing your torso to the ground. This might take some practice and some manoeuvring. Be patient. Your body should be in an L-shape, with your legs up the wall and your back, head and shoulders on the floor.
If you feel pulling in the back of your legs (and you don’t enjoy the sensation), move a little away from the walls, so you can bend your knees slightly.
Your pelvis should also be on the floor. If your pelvis is hanging in the air, either slide a pillow under your pelvis or move further away from the wall.
Rest your hands on your tummy or extend your arms next to your body.
Gently close your eyes and allow your body to surrender to the pose. Try to release tension in all areas of your body and breathe slowly and fully.
You can stay in this pose for up to 20 minutes.
If you simply can’t get comfortable with your legs up the wall, try a variation of the above by placing your legs on a chair, or your bed.

While this pose is safe for most people, do not do Viparita Karani if you have glaucoma, high blood pressure or any serious problems with your neck or spine.

Make your bedroom a sleep sanctuary

If you can’t sleep, turn your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary with luxurious linen, perfect pillows, black-out curtains and of course a good quality mattress. Look out for the following signs that your mattress could be culprit:

It is more than eight years old
The mattress squeaks and there are lumps and pumps on the mattress
Signs of “taco bed” – when you seem to roll into the middle of the bed
You get better sleep when you crash on the couch or in your child’s bed
You wake up with aches and pains

If you think your mattress might be interfering with a good night’s sleep, use our handy Mattress Selector tool to find the best Sealy for you. Simply answer a few questions about your sleep style, and we will make a recommendation. Click here to get started.

8 Ways you’re damaging your body

Posted on January 21, 2022 by lionel

Even though you might have a healthy lifestyle, there are small habits that might be damaging your body. Sleep habits, vitamin intake, hygiene, diet and exercise all play an important role in your overall health. Below is our list of the top 8 ways you might be damaging your body.

1. You’re not getting enough Vitamin D

Vitamin D is the ‘sunshine vitamin’, and it’s best if you get it from actually spending some time in the sun, however you can also buy it in pill format. It’s important for healthy bones and teeth, and a strong immune system. If you’re supplementing your diet with Vitamin D, be sure to take it in the morning. Your sleep can be negatively affected if you take Vitamin D later in the day.

2. You’re not washing your hands enough

If you didn’t know that washing your hands was important before 2020, you definitely know it is now. Washing your hands frequently has been one of the most basic things you can do to protect yourself and others from COVID and other transmissible diseases. When you wash your hands, be sure to scrub all surfaces – including back of hands, between fingers and under nails – for at least 20 seconds.

3. You’re always stressed

Stress is more dangerous than you think, and sometimes the damage caused by stress can be irreversible. Stress affects all systems of the body, including musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, nervous and reproductive systems. It also negatively impacts your sleep and your relationship with others.

4. Not sleeping enough

Studies have shown that inadequate sleep over time can shorten your lifespan. Trading sleep to cram more into the day increases your risk of developing serious medical conditions, like cardiovascular disease, decreased immune function, obesity and high blood pressure.

5. You don’t exercise enough, or you exercise too much

Did you know there’s a Goldie Locks zone of exercise – not too much, and not too little. You have to find the sweet spot for you, but general advice is you should exercise at least three times a week for 30 minutes. However, if you access too much for weeks or months at a time, you risk developing ‘over-training syndrome’. This is when you don’t give your body enough time to recover and inadvertently put your body under chronic stress.

6. Too much alcohol

One or two drinks with friends might help take the edge off, but did you know it also messes with your sleep? Read our blog post about it: What alcohol really does to your sleep. Drinking too much alcohol too often can also weaken your immune system, change mood and behaviour, cause high blood pressure and other heart-related problems, and also damages your liver.

7. You consume too much sugar

When you eat too much sugar, the extra insulin in your body causes walls of your arteries to become inflamed, which could lead to heart disease. And this is just the start. Too much sugar can also lead to diabetes, liver disease, cavities, and even poor sleep.

8. Not drinking enough water

When you don’t drink enough water, your body becomes dehydrated, you suffer from consistent bad breath, fatigue, constipation and increased sugar cravings. You will also feel tired and you might get sick more frequently because your body is unable to flush out harmful toxins that cause disease.

New Year’s resolutions: Books to improve well-being

Posted on December 30, 2021 by lionel

Well-being is the feeling of health and happiness, balance and purpose. Achieving mental well-being requires personal research and constant practice. If it’s at the top of your New Year’s resolutions, read on to find some books that might help along your journey.

Mindfulness, nutrition, and sleep are all very important pillars of holistic health.

Many people forget that without proper sleep their journey to a healthier life and mental well-being becomes almost impossible. Making sure we get enough good quality sleep is a great act of self-care and a vital part of health and wellness. We may not realise it, but our night’s sleep can impact our immune system, our stress levels, body weight and mood. Just like mental health and nutrition, good sleep should also be a priority.

New Year’s resolutions: Our book recommendations

Below is a selection of books that will help you better understand and improve all three important sectors of well-being and give you the tools to live a happier and healthier life.

An Elegant Defense – The Extraordinary New Science of the Immune System by Matt Richtel

An Elegant Defense is a deep exploration of the human immune system and the secrets of holistic health by the Pulitzer Prize- winning and New York Times journalist Matt Richtel.

The book explains the mysteries of sickness and health and reveals how our own bodies can be our best ally or our worst enemy. Fatigue, stress, toxins and poor nutrition are just some of the elements that poison our body daily but even so, our immunity system can still find the way to protect us. How does it do it? Elegant Defense investigates all the complicated health riddles and brings you a profoundly human tale.

Happy, not Perfect – Upgrade Your Mind, Challenge Your Thoughts, and Free Yourself from Anxiety by Poppy Jamie

Jamie writes about overcoming perfectionism through mindfulness. She brings the readers along her journey from self-judgement and negative internal conversations to psychological flexibility and self-acceptance. Happy, not Perfect is a book about understanding your emotions and feeling empathy about your self and the world around you. The author gives us important tools, inspires us with her journey and educates us on mental wellbeing.

Love your Gut – Supercharge Your Digestive Health and Transform Your Well-Being from the Inside Out by Megan Rossi

Doctors refer to our gut as our second brain and there is a good reason for that. Dr. Rossi is a well-recognised nutritionist and dietitian. Love your Gut does a remarkable job of giving us all the information we need about our largest organ, how it works, how to listen to what it needs, and most importantly how to cure any problems of the gut. The road to a happy and healthy life passes through your microbiome.

Why we Sleep – Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker

Why we Sleep by Matthew Walker is a book based on modern scientific research and offers information on how sleep affects our cognitive and physical performance in our everyday life but also in the long run.

Sleep is the most necessary and effective thing we can do to reset our brain and heal our body every day. Walker explains the important benefits of sleep for optimal health, especially memory and learning, and talks about why we are the most sleep deprived generation in the human history and how our body reacts to it.

How to improve your sleep

If improving your sleep is one of your New Year’s resolutions, you’re in the right place. Sleep is fundamental for our well-being and overall health, and it should be a priority for all of us. Below are some tips on how to get a good night’s sleep:

Stick to a sleeping schedule. keep the same sleeping hours during the week but also at the weekends.
Create a peaceful sleep environment, keeping your room cool, dark and quiet if possible.
Establish a calming bedtime routine that includes activities such as reading a book, taking a bath, or meditating.
Don’t underestimate the impact of a comfortable mattress. Many people toss and turn throughout the night, wake up with aches and pains and feeling tired, and fail to consider that the mattress might be the source of the problem. Answer this quick Sealy quiz to discover the best mattress for you: Find the perfect Sealy.
Invest in a good pillow. Read our blog post: Could a new pillow help me sleep better?

The First Night Effect: Difficulty sleeping while travelling

Posted on December 27, 2021 by lionel

Travelling can be exciting, whether it’s to an international destination or a road trip right here in South Africa. However, there’s one thing that can derail your travel plans: Lack of sleep. The First Night Effect is when you struggle to fall asleep in a new environment, usually the first day you arrive at a destination.

The First Night Effect is probably something you’ve experienced outside your home at least once: difficulty falling asleep, restless behaviour, and a lack of proper rest. Luckily, you can take plenty of preventive measures to reduce potential issues down the (literal and metaphorical) road.

Mimic your usual sleep atmosphere to avoid First Night Effect

Scientists have discovered that the First Night Effect keeps our brains “half-awake” when we sleep in unfamiliar settings. Much like birds, it seems half of the brain remains awake to notice potential threats and dangers when in an unknown place.

Following this logic, one of the easiest ways to prevent the First Night Effect from taking place is to mimic your normal sleeping conditions as much as you can.

Small changes such as bringing your favourite pillow, carrying earplugs or white noise machines, or spraying a familiar scent on your pillow can help you sleep better. Sealy manufactures a range of pillows designed to help you sleep better. If your Sealy mattress can’t go with on holiday, at least your Sealy pillow can! Click here to view our range of pillows.

Identify possible anxiety sources

Stress and anxiety also play a huge role in sleep disturbances, and even the most experienced traveller can experience them regularly.

There is no universal solution to easing anxieties, so try to understand the root cause of your worries and see if there is some way to prepare better for that first night of holiday sleep. For example, if you stress about forgetting something during your vacation, prepare a checklist ahead of time.

Avoid stimulants

Consider avoiding caffeinated drinks at least six hours ahead of your expected sleeping time.

As mentioned before, the First Night Effect keeps half of your brain active during sleeping hours, so extra stimulants will pump up the energy in a brain already on overdrive.

Instead, rely on your pre-established energy to get your tasks and duties done and, before sleep, engage in relaxing activities such as meditation or box breathing. Make sure you’re not already in sleep deficit by investing in a good quality Sealy mattress for your home.

In almost every case, a poor quality, old or worn mattress is an overlooked factor in poor quality sleep. If you’ve been sinking into an old bed that’s lost its shape, there’s a good chance you’re lacking sleep even before you begin your travels. Sealy’s exclusive Posturepedic Technology™ mattresses are built strategically to help provide proper support for the entire body, comfort for a great night’s sleep and durability for peace of mind. Orthopedically correct mattress design fully supports the body while at the same time relieving pressure points, allowing the body to fully relax.

We have developed a Sealy guide to help you choose the best mattress for your needs. Click here to get started – simply answer a few questions about your sleep style and we will recommend a selection of Sealy beds that are a good match for you.

Consider a mattress topper

Unfortunately taking your Sealy mattress with you is out of the question, mattress toppers can offer the comfort you seek.

If you happen to stay in a hotel room with an uncomfortable mattress, the topper can provide additional firmness and structure that your body is already used to. (Although Sealy manufactures a wide and varied range of mattresses, we do not manufacture mattress toppers.)

Consult a sleep specialist

While the First Night Effect is a scientifically-proven event that can explain sleeping issues while away from home, sleep disorders are common and shouldn’t be ignored. If you are concerned about the quality of your sleep, consult a medical professional to discover the root cause of your sleep disturbances.