sleep better Archives - Sealy

Tag: sleep better

How much should you invest in better sleep?

Posted on by lionel

Getting better sleep is one of the most important investments you can make. When it comes to any investment, you need to know two things: how much the investment is going to cost and whether you will receive value for money.

The costs of better sleep

Once you have thought about how much quality sleep is worth to you, it’s time to look at how you can invest in better sleep. There are things you can that simply require a change of lifestyle habits. These include, for example, creating a regular sleep schedule, eating healthy and exercising.

Then, there are things that will require a monetary investment. Examples include blackout shades, a sleeping mask, ear plugs, better sheets, better pillows, a sound maker, a gym membership or even an oil diffuser. However, the most important and likely the most expensive purchase is going to be your mattress.

The quality of a mattress is important for the body to stay properly aligned during sleep. Beyond alignment, a mattress with proper comfort layers helps to relieve pressure points and conform to your body, thus helping reduce pain and making it easier to get comfortable. Lastly, a good quality mattress will maintain its functionality allowing it to last for many years, which offers more of a return on investment for the owner.

What’s the difference between a cheap mattress and an expensive one?

Cheaper mattresses:

  • Offer less support, durability and overall comfort
  • Less development in research and development in mattress technologies
  • Manufacturers might use lower quality materials

Higher priced mattresses:

  • Comfort layers are added for ultimate comfort
  • Research and development are at the forefront of mattress design
  • Better design and high quality materials are used for durability and lasting comfort

When a mattress is made well and works properly, the returns justify the investment.

Selecting the right mattress will take some time and effort. First, you have to find a reputable manufacturer that makes quality mattresses. Then, you need to find the right mattress out of the line-up which meets your specific needs and budget. This will likely require visiting the mattress store, talking with a sales representative, and trying out various options. We’ve also developed the handy Sealy Mattress Selector that helps identify which mattress type best suits your sleep style.

Taking time with this decision is wise as it will pay you back for years to come.

 

 

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

Posted on 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.

 

The First Night Effect: Difficulty sleeping while travelling

Posted on 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.

 

Your morning coffee could be messing with your sleep

Posted on by lionel

The odds are that a bad night’s sleep is an experience you’re familiar with. There’s also a good chance that you turn to your morning cup of coffee to give you a boost. However, your morning coffee could be messing with your sleep.

Turning to coffee to wake up is not a wrong approach. Caffeine is a valuable stimulant, and coffee consumption has been tied with many short and long-term benefits for the body. However, there might be some downsides that you should be aware of

How does coffee work?

After a hard day’s work, your body produces an organic compound named adenosine that helps your body feel sleepy. Caffeine blocks adenosine, which is great if you’re trying to stay awake but not so great when it comes to sleep.

It doesn’t happen immediately—your intestines absorb caffeine within the hour, and it reaches its maximum effects within two. After that, the substance has a half-life from two hours to over ten, so it’s possible to feel the effects of coffee well into the evening.

Coffee could affect your blood’s sugar levels

The Centre for Nutrition, Exercise & Metabolism of the University of Bath, located in the United Kingdom, determined that drinking a cup of black coffee first thing in the morning could affect your blood sugar levels throughout the day.

The study—published by the British Journal of Nutrition—investigated the link between sleep, coffee, and glucose and insulin levels in the blood. It turns out that a single bad night does not affect glucose or insulin levels, but drinking black coffee before eating can create insulin resistance, which means your blood’s glucose could increase by nearly 50% when you eat breakfast.

In short, a cup of black coffee can disrupt more than just your sleep—it can impact your sugar control.

How does your morning coffee effect your sleep?

High blood sugar, in the long term, has terrible consequences for your health. However, it can also have short-term implications since elevated blood sugar levels can induce insomnia, fatigue, thirst, and other sleep-disrupting events.

Of course, drinking your morning cup of coffee after breakfast, and not before, can protect your blood sugar levels—but it doesn’t guarantee your sleep. Remember that your body could still take near 10 hours to process the caffeine.

Your morning coffee could be in your system well into the evening, keeping your body active.

It’s not just your coffee, either—caffeine is hidden in other everyday foods, such as chocolate, soda, and even tea. Other stimulants, such as nicotine, can also keep you awake at night in the same manner caffeine does.

So—what to do?

The truth is, despite these facts, your body’s response to caffeine is quite individual. If you struggle with your sleep, your best bet is to experiment with your coffee consumption and try to see if you notice any improvement afterwards.

Only then will you be able to figure out whether your morning coffee is a miracle cure or if it might be more trouble than it’s worth.

What if it’s your mattress?

Of course, one of the biggest hindrances to a good night’s sleep is an old and lumpy mattress. If you’ve ruled out coffee as a disturbance to your sleep, take a look at the mattress you have, and ask yourself the following:

  • Are you still tired when you wake up?
  • Do you toss and and turn all night?
  • Is your mattress sagging?

In many cases, a poor quality, old or worn mattress is an overlooked factor in insomnia. 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™ 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.

 

 

 

Ever heard of ‘revenge bedtime procrastination’?

Posted on by lionel

You know that watching one more episode (or three!) of your series will mean you go to bed way too late, and you will get far too little sleep, but you just don’t care because this is the first time you could relax since you woke up this morning. If this sounds like you, you could be engaging in revenge bedtime procrastination.

What is it?

Any time the word ‘revenge’ is used to describe your activity, you have to know it’s not good for you. But with today’s busy lifestyles and demanding jobs, many people feel like they simply don’t have any free time during the day and staying up late is the only time they can take some time to unwind. Also known as sleep procrastination, this is when people consciously retaliate against their busy day by going to sleep later than they should, even though they know they will be tired, grumpy and extra stressed the following day.

Revenge bedtime procrastination was first introduced in China, where many people work the 996 schedule – 9am to 9pm, six days a week. However, this phenomenon is common across the world, especially with COVID, altered work schedules and increased stress. Although many people report getting fewer hours of sleep during the pandemic, sleep procrastination is a concept that started gaining popularity as early as 2014.

Essentially, sleep procrastination happens because of a lack of free time during the day.

Impact of revenge bedtime procrastination

Getting insufficient sleep is a little-recognised but extremely important global health pandemic. A 2019 Phillips Global Sleep Survey showed that 62% of adults worldwide feel they don’t get enough sleep. Reasons cited included stress, an uncomfortable sleeping environment and a hectic work or school schedule.

Regularly not getting enough sleep can impact you in the following ways:

  • Lower immune system
  • Lower libido
  • Increased chances of depression and anxiety
  • Weight gain
  • Foggy brain and poor memory

What you can do about it

  • Prioritise sleep. To help, conduct some research starting right here on the Sealy blog to find out how your body benefits from good quality sleep
  • Establish a consistent bedtime and waking up time
  • Create a comfortable sleep environment with warm, cozy blankets and dark curtains to block out light
  • If your bed is more than eight years old, it might be time to invest in a newer, more comfortable mattress. Click here for our Mattress Selector Tool, to find the perfect mattress for you
  • Assess your schedule to see if there are any activities you can cut out. Try to make time for yourself during the day, even if it’s starting out with just five minutes

 

 

 

How to create an organised bedroom

Posted on by lionel

With South Africa firmly in the third wave of COVID, our homes and bedrooms are a safe haven for many people. In this blog post we provide some tips on how to create an organised bedroom to create a calming, inviting space. If you are someone who finds themselves throwing their clothes or things anywhere you can find a free spot, then following these organisational tips could you give you just the bedroom makeover you need.

While you may be used to your clutter and know where everything is this way, you may not realise just how much stress you are adding to your day. Clutter = stress. With a disorganised space, it is going to be virtually impossible for you to truly be relaxed, which will hinder your recharge. Why? Because we are constantly having to process so much around us and are low key knowing that at some point, we need to clean up the space. Very Well Mind, an award-winning mental health website states that “followers of the Chinese discipline feng shui believe a well-ordered home aligns vital energy in your life to bring good fortune in other areas of your life.”

So, how can we create an organised bedroom that’s good for our mind and soul?

Make your bed every morning

Seems like a bit of a cliché, but making your bed can do more than merely make your room look cleaner and more organised. It also produces a feeling of accomplishment. This efficient start to the day can trickle into the rest and encourages us to accomplish more little tasks as the day goes on.

Good bedding and clean, fresh sheets is a good start. When you can jump into a bed that feels good on your body, it’s easier to relax into the night. During these colder months, you can get your winter bed ready by matching a duvet with a quilt for maximum warmth and comfort. When we spend 8+ hours in our beds every day, it is essential to invest in items that support your sleep.

Did you know that Sealy makes breathable and comfortable luxury flat and fitted sheets, made from 100% cotton? We also make pillow cases that have enough space for your Sealy pillow protector. Get the Sealy Effect from the inside (your bed) to the outside (your bedding). Click here to find out more.

Declutter your space

Think minimalism. When we possess so many things and scatter them everywhere, we also have more random places to put things. For instance, if you have a random armchair that you often don’t sit on but becomes an area for clothes, get rid of it. Take out the furniture you don’t use and leave the space free. This way you can reduce the clutter, reduce the mess and work on placing things in a more organised manner.

Have a designated spot for everything

When you put your wallet here, your keys over there and your shoes in that corner, the mess is spread out and creates more chaos than you might realise. Have a place for everything you own and do your best to stick to it. When you can establish routines with your possessions, the process becomes unconscious and you no longer need to create stress looking for things you cant find. Keep it simple!

Cluttered walls

Are you someone who fills your walls up with everything you love? Just as mentioned before, this may be something you should keep out of your bedroom due to needing to process too much with your eyes. While you may be used to your decorations, our minds still need to process everything that is going on around us. If you need some art pieces, stick to soothing colours and simple pieces of art.

Creating an organised bedroom is important for mental health and stress levels, and is key to creating a calming sleep environment.

 

Best sleep tips for shift workers

Posted on by lionel

Adapting to shift work and getting the right amount of sleep as a shift worker is often extremely difficult, particularly when you’re just starting in your role. Your ability to become accustomed to new lifestyle and sleeping patterns can depend on a number of things, from your age and health status, to your home environment and day to day activity levels. Our sleep tips for shift workers might help.

Working in shifts works against the body’s natural instincts and it’s often important that you are alert at night when you would normally be sleeping; and asleep during the day when you’d normally be awake. This can lead to numerous health problems and although not all shift workers face these issues, there are a high percent that do.

There is no “one-size-fits-all solution” and you may need to try different strategies  to find what works best for you. Below are some of our best sleep tips for shift workers:

Tip 1: Prepare yourself

If you know you have shift changes coming at work, prepare in advance. Start to change the pattern of your sleep at least three days prior. Go to bed later or get up earlier. Start with a few hours difference on the first day, and knock it back until you’re sleeping on the third day in line with your new routine.

Tip 2: Choose the right foods

Plan your meal times based on when you’d normally eat. Have “breakfast” within an hour of waking up; plan your lunch for a few hours later and so on. If you can, take snacks to work with you to keep you alert during the shift. You want to eat foods that are easily digestible, fruit and vegetables. Stay clear of fatty food as they tend to promote drowsiness; and sugary food which is likely to give you a short boost in your energy levels, but will leave you feeling worse for wear once the boost subsides.

Avoid eating a large meal three to four hours before bed because the work involved in digesting a meal will disturb your sleep.

Tip 3: Get plenty of exercise

Getting the right amount of exercise is guaranteed to boost your energy levels and help to promote good sleeping habits. Just 30 minutes of light physical activity a day can greatly improve your fitness levels and if you can make it to the gym before you head off to work, you’re guaranteed to feel fresher and more energised – ready to take on your shift.

If you’re feeling drowsy when you’re at work, try do a few gentle stretches and exercises to get the blood flowing and help wake up your body.

Tip 4: Avoid alcohol and drugs

Avoid introducing drugs to your body that could result in an addiction or a dependency. That includes everything from sleeping tablets or excessive alcohol to help you get the rest you desire; to energy drinks, hard drugs and other stimulants that are designed to keep you awake.

It might be tempting to use alcohol to help you sleep better, but alcohol impacts the quality of your sleep and causes you wake up more often.

Tip 5: Adjust your sleep schedule

The best sleep patterns for shift workers depend on the job itself and your hours, so you need to establish what works for you. Generally you need to get 7-8 hours sleep a night. If you don’t think you can manage that, at least try to get 5-6 hours and rest for another two.

Tip 6: Follow a routine

Imagine that you’re living a “regular” working life where you go to work at 9am, come home at 5pm, have dinner, shower, watch a little television then head off to bed. Do the same when you work shifts. Avoid exercise and caffeine for at least two to three hours before sleep, have a light meal so you will sleep longer, and take a bath or relax on the couch.

Tip 7: Take a short nap before driving home

Driving to and from work can be risky, particularly after a night shift. If you feel really tired, consider taking a nap before driving home. If you begin to feel sleepy while driving home, stop at a petrol station or another safe place to take a short nap before continuing.

Tip 8: But mostly, avoid naps

If you’re on a rapidly rotating shift pattern it’s difficult to avoid naps. However if your shift pattern is more established, avoid taking naps during the night shift. Regular naps can cause ‘sleep inertia’, which is a feeling of grogginess after a short sleep. Studies have found that sleep inertia is worst at 4am, so avoid napping close to this time.

Tip 9: Get cool

To sleep well, your body needs to cool down about 1 degree. This usually happens naturally during the night time, but if you’re trying to fall asleep during the day, you can cool your body down by having a warm shower before going to bed, and sleeping in a bedroom that gets little sunrise. Also avoid eating a big, sugary and fatty meal before sleep because the work of digestion will increase your body temperature.

Tip 10: Make the environment suitable for sleeping

One of the best sleep tips for shift workers is to get some black-out curtains or blinds that can help turn bright into night. Make sure the bedroom isn’t too hot as humidity is guaranteed to keep you awake. Try to sleep in a quiet corner of the house, use ear plugs to block out any noise, or turn on a little white noise such a fan. Turn your phone off, and if your partner and/or children are home, ask them if they can keep things quiet for a few hours.

Tip 11: Get the right mattress

Having a good mattress is imperative to a great sleep. A good quality mattress that’s right for you should have you feeling comfortable all night long and waking up feeling refreshed. Sealy mattresses are constructed using hundreds of coil springs arranged in a structured way to form the core of the mattress. A combination of specially selected comfort layers and premium natural materials are applied above the spring unit to assist in conformance and pressure relief.

21 Productive things to do when you can’t sleep

Posted on by lionel

If you’re struggling to sleep the best thing you can do is get out of bed and do something low-key or tedious to tire your mind and body. If you have so much awake time, you might find that being productive will help you feel calmer.

Below we list some productive things to do when you’re struggling to sleep. Most importantly, avoid screens at all costs. Scrolling through social media or watching TV might be tempting, but it could keep you awake even longer.

Productive things to do if you’re struggling to sleep

  • Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique. Lie down comfortably, relax your body, Inhale for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of seven and exhale for a count of eight. Repeat at least four times
  • Take a hot, soothing bath
  • Listen to a podcast or an audio book
  • Read a book
  • Make a list of things that make you happy or start a gratitude list
  • Knit
  • Clean the refrigerator
  • Plan the week’s meals, and the shopping list, depending on your motivation levels
  • Play crossword puzzles or sudoku
  • Choose a room in your house and tidy it up, dusting included (again, depending on your motivation levels)
  • Write a love letter to yourself
  • Write a letter of gratitude to a loved one
  • Go outside for some fresh air, look up and enjoy the night sky
  • Do gentle stretches
  • Try a guided meditation
  • Fold laundry
  • Organise your pantry cupboard
  • Tidy your junk drawer
  • Mend some old clothes
  • Make a To-Do list and organise the next few days (be sure to add ‘buy a new Sealy’ to your list!)
  • Do something that could save you time the following day

The most productive thing to do the next day

If you are struggling to sleep often, consider whether or not a new mattress is the answer.  A good mattress supports your body and allows it to relax and fall into a deep sleep.

You may have heard that you need to get eight hours of sleep, but when you’re talking about sleep, the quality matters as much as how long you sleep.  Throughout the night you go through different stages of sleep, and deep sleep (sleep stages 3 and 4) is what allows you to wake up refreshed. It also promotes growth and repairs tissues and bones and strengthens the immune system.

Having the right mattress can make all the difference to a good night’s sleep. Browse the Sealy website to find out more about our range, and the many advances we have made in sleep technology in recent years.

 

 

Sleep Awareness Month: Healthy sleep, healthy life

Posted on by lionel

For Sleep Awareness Month, we ask this question: did you know that quality sleep is an important part of our daily routine is as essential to survival as food and water? Most of us have watched at least one war or terrorism movie or series where denying sleep is a form of torture.

It’s a pretty intense form of torture when you consider that sleep deficiency alters neuro-cognitive process, and we may experience symptoms such as irritability, poor decision making, low problem-solving skills, depression, loss of memory and more.

On a positive note, studies have shown that sleep helps in improving our learning and problem-solving skills. This World Sleep Awareness Month, Sibasish Dey, Head, Medical Affairs, Asia and Latin America, ResMed, encourages us to relook at our sleep schedules, maintain a healthy circadian rhythm and also increase conversations around the need for a healthy sleep hygiene.

Below, the sleep expert examines our sleep culture:

Why are we sleep deprived?

Our hectic lifestyles and long erratic working hours are some barriers to a good sleep cycle. Also, habits such as too much screen time, lack of physical activity, drinking caffeine before bedtime and low exposure to sunlight may disrupt our sleep cycle.

Underlying sleep disorders also contribute to poor sleep. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a form of sleep disordered breathing, is a common sleep disorder. OSA is caused when your neck muscles relax while sleeping, causing you to stop breathing for a moment. This can lead to repeated micro-awakening during sleep – which means you seldom get a good quality, deep sleep.

What are the consequences of a disordered sleep cycle?

Long periods of sleep loss and sleep disorders have been linked to cardio-metabolic diseases, obesity, impaired immunity, etc.

OSA impairs glucose metabolism and promotes weight gain, which puts us at the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Individuals with OSA are at a higher risk of stroke and irregular heartbeats.

Few studies have also linked impaired sleep with the risk of cancer. Research at Stanford university has confirmed that sleep deprivation alters the balance of two hormones: cortisol, and melatonin. Cortisol helps to regulate the immune system, and melatonin helps to fight tumour growth and promote DNA repair.

If you experience symptoms such as morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring, breathing pauses during sleep, and/or unexplained fatigue, it is important to seek help from your GP or a sleep specialist.

With the advent of digital technologies, sleep diagnosis is easily accessible in our bedrooms. Battling sleep issues with easy remedies and treatments is the first step we can take to manage the global problem of sleep deficiency.

This Sleep Awareness Month, focus on sleeping better

If you are experiencing sleep deprivation, you may need to look at making minor or significant life changes, especially when it comes to stress levels.

It is important to be in sync with our body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Ideally, we should set aside six to eight hours for regular sleep and try to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. Exercise and exposure to sunlight are also important for good sleep. Pre-sleep activities such taking a warm bath and meditation also help us sleep better.

An uncomfortable mattress could also negatively impact your sleep, so it’s important to assess whether or not your body is adequately supported and if your bones are properly aligned while you’re sleeping. If your mattress is uncomfortable, you will have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep and when you wake up, you might experience pain and body aches.

It’s not uncommon for people to sleep on a mattress past its expiration date or to have a low-quality mattress to begin with. This can have detrimental consequences on your sleep quality, so look for a mattress manufacturer with technology that focuses on orthopaedically correct support.

Through constant research and development, and collaboration and studies with orthopaedic surgeons all over the world, the Sealy team has established the best ‘criteria’ for optimal sleep. Building upon the recommendations of these world class orthopaedic surgeons, Sealy constructs mattresses with unique spring systems for body support, topped with foam and comfort layers with pressure relieving properties – meaning the body is in its natural position to fully relieve muscular tension. This is known today as Sealy’s exclusive Posturepedic Technology™, which targets the heaviest part of your body, with reinforced support where you need it most. Only Sealy with exclusive Posturepedic Technology™ mattresses give you deep-down push back support for exceptional all-over comfort.

Sealy Posturepedic Technology™ supports your sleep by providing:

  • Pressure relieving comfort for undisturbed sleep: from Ultra-Plush to Extra-Firm, built with premium materials.
  • The support you need: deep-down orthopedically correct push-back spring system, surrounded with a superior edge support system.
  • A system where everything works together to give you the same great comfort and support for a long time: extra durability that repays your investment day after day.

The Sealy Posturepedic Range features unique patented spring systems and high-quality luxury layers and fillings to provide a healthy night’s sleep.

 

 

 

How to wash pillows

Posted on by lionel

If you knew what was hanging out inside of your pillows, you’d be washing your pillows more regularly! Up to 10 percent of your pillow’s weight could be made up of a bunch of delightful things like dead skin cells, bed bugs, dust mites and all the unthinkable things they leave behind. In this blog post we share our tips on how to wash pillows.

This isn’t just extremely gross, it can also be harmful to people with serious allergies and conditions like asthma. If you often wake up in the night sneezing or reaching for your inhaler, then your pillow could be part of the problem.

While there are no hard and fast rules for pillow care, there are a few general guidelines you can follow. These will vary depending on the shape and material of your pillow, and you should always check the label on your pillow to see if there are any specific manufacturer guidelines.

Your pillows will last longer if you wash them on a regular basis, air them out once a week, and use pillow protectors and pillowcases.

Invest in a pillow protector

The most important thing you can do to help your pillow stay clean longer is to invest in a pillow protector. These are usually placed between the pillow and the standard pillowcase, zipping up around the pillow. They should be washed regularly with your bedding.

Sealy manufactures two types of pillow protectors:

  • Cleanshield Quilted Pillow Protector
  • Soft Touch Bamboo Pillow Protector

Click here to view our range of mattress and pillow protectors.

How to wash pillows

So, how do you go about washing your pillow properly? First of all, check the label to see if it’s machine washable or not. If it is, then here are some basic guidelines for you to follow:

  • Wash every three to six months on the hot water setting
  • Use mild liquid detergent; avoid fabric softeners
  • Use the gentle cycle
  • Run them through a second time on the rinse cycle without detergent

It’s a good idea to wash two pillows at once so the washing machine stays balanced and cleans them equally. Machines without agitators are best as the agitator can damage the pillow.

If your pillow is not machine washable, then you may be able to hand wash it (but check this too). For hand washing pillows, the following guidelines are helpful:

  • Submerge the pillow in lukewarm water with mild detergent and gently squeeze
  • Using cool water, rinse using the same method
  • Gently squeeze out excess water

Advice for washing Sealy Memory Foam and Gel pillows

When washing your Sealy My Memory, My CoolSmart Gel, My Gel, My Comfort Memory pillows, take the cover off the core of the pillow, and wash these separately. Be sure to check the care instructions label on the pillow for washing advice. Generally, the pillow cover can be washed in 40 degree temperature and should not be bleached, tumble dried or ironed. Do not wash the pillow core, rather spot clean with a damp cloth. Do not use detergent, keep out of direct sunlight and ensure the pillow is dried fully before putting the cover on again.

Drying your pillows after washing

Whichever method is best suited to washing your pillow, you need to make sure you dry it properly afterwards. You can’t just hang it out on the washing line next to because your pillow will lose shape. It is best to leave your pillow to air-dry on a flat surface, either outside in the shade or in a cool, dry room inside.

Some pillows may be able to go in the dryer while others will become damaged from this, so check the label before putting it in to dry. If you do use this method, keep it on a low heat and check it regularly to fluff the pillows back into shape.

How often should you buy new pillows?

How long your pillows last will depend on the material and how well you look after them. A standard inexpensive polyester pillow should be replaced every six to 12 months, while other materials can last much longer. Cotton, wool, and down pillows can last anywhere from three to five years, for example, while memory foam and latex pillows typically last up to 5 years.

So, investing in a more luxurious pillow than the standard fare doesn’t just mean a more comfortable night’s sleep, you will also save money in the long run by not having to replace them as often.

Click here to view the Sealy pillow range.

How can you tell if you need to replace your pillows?

One standard test is to fold your pillow in half (if it’s not a foam pillow) and let it go. If the pillow doesn’t spring back to a flat position, then it’s time to move on to a new one. Other signs can be stains that won’t come off with washing and if the pillow has become lumpy or broken up inside.

If you’ve got an old pillow that looks like it’s had tea spilled all over it, get rid of it – that’s sweat and drool that’s built up from every time you’ve slept on the pillow.

 

Note from CEO