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Perfect gifts for people who need more sleep

In an ideal world, we should spend one third of our lives sleeping, but for many people eight hours of sleep each night is out of reach. Whether its because of long work hours, insomnia, small kids, or just too much stress, chances are we know and love at least one person who needs more sleep. So, this year, give that person the gift of sleep.

Whether your budget is big or small, you should find something here for the sleep lover in your life –

Gifts for better sleep

  • Calming herbal teas. Did you know that sipping a cup of herbal tea before bedtime could help you sleep better? Peppermint tea and camomile tea are said to help calm anxiety. You will find a selection of calming blends in the tea aisle at your local grocery store or visit any of the upmarket tea stores popping up in many shopping centres. If your sleep lover is also a tea lover, put together a pretty box with a selection of calming teas.
  • Bath fizz balls. A bath before bedtime helps to calm the mind and prepare the body for sleep. Good quality fizz balls, also known as bath bombs, will soften and cleanse the skin and usually have aromatherapy benefits too. We love the Fizz Stardust bath bomb from Rain Natural Skincare, for R65.
  • Eye pillow. Also known as a dream pillows, this is a little pouch filled with various soothing ingredients like flax seed and aromatherapy oils, which you place over your eyes and forehead for a deeper sleep. The Earthway Infusions Eyepillow has lavender essential oil in it, which is known for its calming properties. Get it for R77 from Faithful to Nature.
  • Play dough stress ball. Who says play dough is just for kids?! (Although this is a great gift idea for children too.) When you play with an aromatherapy play dough ball, you engage your senses of smell and touch. It’s great for calming stress and anxiety before bed. Aromadough has a whole range of aromatherapy play dough balls, but when it comes to a good night’s sleep, we recommend the Festive Sleep Stress Ball (R95) which has sweet orange, neroli and lavender essential oils.
  • Pillow. Most people underestimate the value of a good pillow when it comes to good quality sleep. We manufacture a range of Sealy pillows, including our innovative Gel pillows. There’s the My Coolsmart Gel Pillow, which has a refreshing gel layer that reduces heat buildup, and the My Gel Pillow, which is made with gel-infused memory foam. Both pillows are made with adaptive memory foam and covered with Tencel material, which provides good moisture control and is naturally breathable and cool.
  • Weighted blanket. Imagine wrapping yourself in a blanket and feeling as though you’re getting a big hug. That is what weighted blankets do. Weighted blankets are heavier than normal blankets because they are filled with a heavier material, such as pellets. They help to calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety and insomnia. Weighted blankets from Pretty Special come in toddler, child, adult and extra-large sizes and range in price from R600 to R1500.
  • Himalayan salt lamp. These lamps are said to help boost mood, improve sleep, ease allergies and clean the air, however there is little scientific proof to support those claims. If they are true – bonus – if not, at the very least a Himalayan Salt Lamp will soften the lighting in a room, which helps encourage a more relaxed mood. These are fairly easy to find. Salty Sistas has a great collection, ranging from R250 to R2450.

 

The ultimate gift for people who need more sleep: A new bed

If you’re looking for a long-term investment that will reap rewards for many years to come, then consider investing in a new bed this year. Sleep is an important factor of a healthy lifestyle but unfortunately most people sleep on a mattress past its expiration date or to have a low-quality mattress to begin with. Having the right mattress can make all the difference with feeling more energetic, as well as keeping you healthy.

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.

 

 

 

Three foods that boost your immune system AND improve your sleep

Now more than ever it’s important to keep your immune system in good shape. In addition to washing your hands frequently, getting enough exercise and managing stress better, the foods you eat and the quality of your sleep can also positively impact your immune system.

Sleep and the immune system are deeply connected, and the quality and quantity of sleep has a direct effect on your immune system. Your immune system works at its best when you receive the necessary quantity and quality of sleep, which is usually around 7 to 8 hours per day.

Below are three foods that not only boost your immune system, but also help you get better sleep:

  • Fruits high in Vitamin C

Your body doesn’t store Vitamin C so be sure to get your daily dose from citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwis and red peppers. Vitamin C helps your body create virus-fighting antibodies, and studies have shown that people with higher levels of vitamin C have better sleep health than those with lower levels.

Kiwis are full of serotonin – the happy chemical – and when your brain builds up stores of serotonin, you can sleep better.

  • Almonds and other nuts

Tree nuts reduce inflammation and the stress hormone, cortisol. When you stress less, you sleep better! Nuts are also high in protein, which is essential for T-cell function. T-cells protect the body against pathogens.

If youre looking for a late night snack, choose pistachios, almonds or walnuts because they contain more melatonin, a hormone which plays a role in your natural sleep-wake cycle.

  • Plain Greek yoghurt

Plain Greek yoghurt contains calcium, probiotics, iodine, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D. More and more studies are reporting that Covid-19 patients who have adequate Vitamin D in their system have a more than 50% higher chance of recovering from the illness. People with high levels of Vitamin D also sleep better.

When is the right time to eat for better sleep?

You may have learned that snacking close to bedtime is bad, but there is more to it. The latest science reveals that what you eat for dinner and when you eat also makes a huge difference to your sleep.

Consuming carbohydrates with a high glycemic index four hours before bedtime, such as white rice and pasta, could 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 in your body, which is known as a “wellness chemical” with sleep-inducing effects.

In addition, pay attention to these tips:

  • Don’t eat too much or too little so that hunger and indigestion keep you awake
  • Eat predominantly easily digestible carbohydrates, and not too much fat
  • Avoid stimulating food or drinks, such as chilli and coffee

Your best sleep partner – A comfortable mattress

Of course, when it comes to sleep and your immune system, if you have an old, lumpy mattress it doesn’t matter what foods you eat – nothing can outsmart an uncomfortable mattress. If your mattress is more than eight years old, or if you’re waking up tired with aches and pains, it’s time to consider investing in your sleep with a new Sealy mattress. Nothing says you’re committed to better health more than replacing your old mattress with a new, comfortable bed developed in cooperation with orthopaedic surgeons.

Sealy mattresses take style and comfort to the next level with a grey and black colour palette, premium design elements and state-of-the art engineering. All Sealy mattresses are made with Sealy Posturepedic Technology, which is proven to deliver support and comfort, providing back and body alignment to ensure a comfortable, healthy night’s sleep.

 

 

 

A Sealy adjustable bed: The Rolls Royce of beds

Adjustable beds are becoming increasingly popular as more people discover their many benefits. In addition to comforts such as varied head and foot positions, a wireless remote control, massage options, and much more, an adjustable bed can help increase blood flow, decrease snoring and add optimal support for sore joints and other ailments.

Adjustable beds were initially associated only with hospitals and health care, however that has changed significantly and these beds have evolved into luxurious and stylish additions for any home. If you’re serious about sleep, then investigate the benefits of an adjustable bed. They’re like the Rolls Royce of beds.

If you suffer from any of the following, an adjustable bed could make the world of difference:

  • Chronic pain
  • Shoulder arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Discomfort from recent back or neck surgery
  • Can only really get comfortable in an inclined position, such as when seated in a recliner

The ability to adjust either the head or foot of the bed, or both, and to sleep inclined with a steady level of support can help ease discomfort and facilitate better sleep. For those who suffer from osteoarthritis, sleeping slightly inclined and with the right support can help minimise joint compression and provide a more comfortable sleep.

Adjustable beds can also improve blood circulation, help minimise snoring, and provide optimal support for sore joints.

The Sealy Posturematic Adjustable Power Base comes with a wireless remote, the option to programme custom positions as well as pre-set TV and zero-gravity positions. Other features of this world-class bed include a powerlift motor with a 270kg lifting capacity, LCD clock, alarm function, flashlight, indirect lighting, free-fall design safety feature, and a dual, variable-intensity massage function.

What is the “zero-gravity” position?

The zero-gravity position is often associated with adjustable beds – it’s one of the greatest benefits of these beds – but it was NASA who identified the benefits of this sleep position. This position is used to support the spines and bodies of astronauts as a spacecraft leaves the earth’s surface.

In zero-gravity, the head is raised slightly, and the knees are slightly bent as the legs are raised to about heart level. This position encourages relaxation as gravity is evenly distributed throughout the body.

 

Are you tired but can’t sleep because of partner disturbance?

Is your partner’s night-time behaviour keeping you up at night? Tossing and turning, snoring, frequently waking up and even mismatched bedtimes could result in you waking up several times a night. If you feel tired but can’t sleep because of these night-time disturbance’s, continue reading because we have some tips that might help.

Recurring sleep disturbance is one of the most common complaints of couples who share a bed, with women being the most frequently disturbed. These four tips will help combat those disruptive nights:

  • Buy a bigger duvet

Fighting over the covers – especially during winter – can leave you irritable, COLD and awake! The solution is buy a duvet that is bigger than your bed. It means there’s more duvet to go around and you can also tuck it under your mattress to help keep the duvet in place.

  • Stop the snoring

This is a tricky one to address. Snoring is caused by a combination of lifestyle factors such as poor diet, being overweight, smoking and drinking alcohol before bed. Snoring can also be influenced by sleep position, so if your snoring partner is sleeping on his or her back, try to convince them to sleep on their side. There are also anti-snoring devices and pillows you can invest in.

  • Consider a “sleep divorce”

Many couples report that sleeping in separate rooms has not only improved the quality of sleep but also their relationship. This is not surprising when you consider that a lack of sleep can make a person irritable and irrational. Of course, if you choose to sleep in different bedrooms, it’s important that you make the additional effort to keep the intimacy in your relationship.

  • Invest in a new mattress – or two

It’s worthwhile considering investing in a new mattress. If your mattress is old with broken springs and sagging foam, not only does it interrupt your sleep but you will also feel all your partner’s movements.

Sealy mattress technology has changed and developed so much over the years and if you’re sleeping on a bed that’s 10 years or older, you might be pleasantly surprised by the comfort levels available now. For example, the Sealy la difference mattress range features  the PostureTech PRO encased Coil-in- Coil inner spring system which adapts constantly and subtly to your weight and body shape as you move in your sleep. While this doesn’t totally eliminate partner disturbance, it does minimise it greatly. Click here to find out more about the la difference mattress range.

Another option is to have two different mattresses on the same bed. Then you can still sleep in the same room, and have different comfort levels and you won’t be disturbed by your partner tossing and turning.

 

A look at the latest sleep wearables

With the world finally starting to understand the undeniable impact of good quality sleep, there is a variety of sleep wearables available today. From the more familiar smartwatches and fitness trackers to the new tech in sleeping masks and headphones, all sorts of options are out there.

In this blog post, we investigate some of the best options available and how they work.

Smartwatches

Smartwatches, probably, are the most commonly used sleep wearable around. They can track your sleeping patterns effectively and provide you with accurate information on your sleep stages, awake times, snoring habits, and more.

If you’re looking for the best options in smartwatches, Fitbit Versa 2 is one of the best sleep trackers on the market. It’s a lightweight wrist watch that allows you to check out your deep, light, REM sleep stages as well as awake times every day. It even allows you to do a comparison of your nights with other individuals in your age group or how it was last month.

It comes with a tri-wavelength sensor and a relative SpO2 sensor for unlocking Estimated Oxygen Variation as you sleep. This feature measures your blood oxygen levels along with any large swings that may indicate certain sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.

Depending on your sleep duration, heart rate, sleep restoration, blood oxygen, and the time you spent tossing and turning around, it gives you a certain sleep score. As a result, you can better track how good you are sleeping every night.

Rings

If you don’t feel comfortable wearing fitness trackers and smartwatches, you can opt for rings that can help you track your sleep. The Oura Ring 2 is a small-sized, comfortable sleep wearable. It is equipped with multiple sensors and looks like a novel piece of jewelry.

The Oura Ring 2 features an infrared heart rate monitor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and three temperature sensors. It can effectively track your sleep and can tell you the amount of time you spend in every single sleeping stage. There is plentiful information available on its companion app too.

Sleep Masks

Sleep masks are another increasingly popular type of sleep wearables available today. They are actually meant to promote better sleep through sleep therapy.

The Sound Oasis Glo To Sleep Therapy Mask, for instance, uses Glo Points photoluminesce to allow alpha waves to calm your mind while relaxing the body at the same time. It’s a lightweight product that offers excellent light blockage to allow for more comfortable sleep. Made with a hypoallergenic, soft and breathable material, it comes with an adjustable strap that so it can fit perfectly.

Bands

Wrist bands are also among common sleep wearables used today. The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is a slim, light, and affordable wrist band that monitors your heart rate and gives you a sleep score depending on the time you spent in each sleep stage. It also offers detailed sleep analysis reports through the companion app too.

Headphones

If you can’t sleep in noisy bedrooms, sleeping headphones are probably your best companion. They can effectively block any disruptive noises from neighbors, traffic, snoring partner, or any other source that may affect your sleep quality.

The Moonbow Bedphones are an impressive introduction to the sleep wearables category. These are  super-thin, soft foam-covered sleeping earphones. With their low-profile patented on-ear design, they are quite comfortable and allow for comfortable side-sleeping.

Sealy Posturematic Adjustable Foundation

While the Sealy Posturematic Adjustable Foundation is not exactly a tech wearable, it is an impressive piece of sleep tech that will help you get the best sleep of your life. And quality sleep is definitely a good wearable! The Sealy S600 Posturematic and Power Foundation bed will change the way you look at beds forever. With these high-tech beds, you can adjust the mattress to suit your needs, whether you want to lie down flat, with your head up or your feet up. The bed also has a built-in LCD clock, indirect lighting, dual massage and it’s very own remote control. Click here to find out more about this ground-breaking Sealy bed.

 

The link between sleep and anxiety, depression

Whether you’re struggling to sleep some nights or finding yourself awake for most of the week, there is no better time than during Mental Health Awareness month to explore the link between sleep and anxiety or depression. With sleep deprivation causing so many negative effects on our health, finding a way to overcome this can be huge.

There is a complex relationship between sleep and anxiety, as well as depression. While anxiety and depression could be the reasons you aren’t getting enough sleep, they can also be the outcome of not sleeping enough. This makes it a difficult mental challenge to overcome.

According to the Sleep Foundation, “People with insomnia have greater levels of depression and anxiety than those who sleep normally. They are 10 times as likely to have clinical depression and 17 times as likely to have clinical anxiety.”

For people with a history of insomnia, sleep problems are magnified during times of high stress – which would explain why many people reported having sleep issues during the height of the Coronavirus lockdown and the subsequent weeks that followed. A constant flow of anxiety-provoking news can cause havoc with our sleep.

Other factors that could impact sleep and anxiety

  • An uncomfortable sleep environment
  • Poor diet
  • Not enough exercise
  • A mattress with insufficient support
  • Too much screen time
  • No real bedtime routine

A recent article from Harvard Health Publishing indicated that while a lack of sleep is often a symptom of various psychiatric conditions, sleep deprivation is also one of the causes of many mental health problems. A good night’s sleep can leave us feeling refreshed, energised and ready to take on whatever the day has to throw at us. However, bad sleep seems to make our day a little harder. We feel sluggish, foggy and can’t seem to focus on anything for too long. Consistently bad sleep could eventually take its toll on our mental health because it wreaks havoc on the brain and challenges concentration, creativity, problem-solving skills and emotional regulation.

Steps to take for a better night’s sleep

  • Consider a consulting a professional for advice – whether it’s someone to help you work through your emotional challenges, or if it’s someone to help you with physical pain that you’re experiencing.
  • Assess whether 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.

 

Look for a mattress with orthopaedic support

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.

Sleep is an important factor of a healthy lifestyle because adequate amounts of sleep lead to boosted immunity and mental wellbeing.

 

Seven tips for a great night’s sleep during menopause

As women approach their 50s, their hormones began to change, causing perimenopause, menopause, and finally, postmenopause. Each woman experiences these stages differently, but many women report having hot flashes, mood swings and poor sleep during menopause.

The National Sleep Foundation reports that 61% of women in perimenopause or menopause experience poor sleep during menopause. (1) The issues reported include waking up in the night, night sweats, insomnia, and breathing problems, like apnea. All of these cause poor sleep. Lower quality sleep is linked with feeling fuzzy-headed, a reduced ability to form memories and make decisions, and depression. (2)

Tips for getting better sleep during menopause:

  1. Give yourself a bedtime. Just like you would set a bedtime for a child because you love them and want them to get their rest, you need to do the same for yourself. Pick a time and stick with it nightly.
  2. Create an evening routine. Have a set of steps that you do each night to tell your body it’s time to go to sleep. The routine might include skincare, brushing your teeth, and dressing for bed. Try do them in the same order every night.
  3. Stay away from caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine keeps you awake. So try to avoid it after 3:00 p.m. This includes caffeinated teas and chocolate. Though many people think alcohol helps them sleep, in fact, it decreases the quality of your rest. Try to avoid it in the evening.
  4. Avoid screens at night. An hour before bedtime, put away your computer, tablet, and phone. These devices keep you awake, and your brain stimulated.
  5. Block out the sound and light. Consider investing in sleep aids like earplugs, a sleep mask, a white noise machine, or blackout curtains. These devices can help make your bedroom more conducive to sleep.
  6. Practice meditation, journal writing, or yoga. Stress also makes it harder to fall asleep. Consider adding in some quiet, contemplative activity as part of your evening routine.
  7. Sleep in cool fabrics. Many women experience hot flashes and night sweats. Look for bedclothes and sheets that are cooling and comfortable to sleep in.
  8. Inspect your mattress. If your mattress is old or uncomfortable, it could be interfering with your sleep. Memory foam mattresses tend to get hot because the dense material lacks interconnected air channels and as a result heat is easily absorbed. Spring mattresses, like the Sealy Crown Jewel collection, are especially made with a cover fabric that is cool-to-the-touch and encourages climate control and breathability. The Sealy Crown Jewel is also made with a wool filling, which is important in maintaining the perfect bed climate. Pure, new wool has a natural ability to both warm and cool, helping you stay dry and relaxed at a comfortable temperature.

Sleep is vital for physical and mental health. In the short term, missing even just a few hours of sleep can affect how you function during the day. Over the long run, sleep is required for a healthy immune system. These seven tips are a great start to ensuring a perfect night’s rest.

 

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Works Cited

(1) “Get A Better Night’s Sleep During Menopause | Piedmont Healthcare.” Piedmont Healthcare, 14 June www.piedmont.org/living-better/get-a-better-nights-sleep-during-menopause.

(2) “Sleep Deprivation and Deficiency.” National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/sleep-deprivation-and-deficiency.

 

Sleep better with a cold or flu

We’re deep into the chilly winter months now, and with winter comes colds and flu. There’s nothing worse than lying in bed trying to fall asleep when you have a blocked or runny nose, a sore throat, a hacking cough, and aches and pains. In this blog post, we’ve rounded up a few tips to help you sleep better with a cold.

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.

Besides taking cold and flu medicine, below are a few tips to help you sleep better with a cold or flu:

  • Use a humidifier and/or take a hot shower or bath

Extra humidity or steam in the air will help calm your sinuses and ease congestion. It will also help relieve coughing. If you’re feeling chilly, a hot shower or bath will help warm you up and relax your body before bed.

  • 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.

  • Get extra pillows

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.

  • 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, and place a hot water bottle at your feet for extra comfort.

 

 

 

 

 

What is the best mattress for back pain?

Lower back pain is so common that up to 30 to 40 percent of South Africans will experience this discomfort at some point in their lives. However, you don’t have to live with back pain. Lower back pain can be successfully treated with non-invasive methods, and in fact it might be as simple as investing in the best mattress for back pain.

Back pain not only impacts your waking hours, but it also leads to restless sleep and tiredness in the morning. There are many reasons that can cause and contribute to back pain, but most people don’t realise that their mattress could be contributing to the problem.

Not only do we need the right amount of sleep but also the right mattress to rest our bodies on. The best mattress for back pain allows for proper spinal alignment, which encourages muscles to relax. However, with such a wide selection of mattresses available, it’s difficult to know exactly which mattress will help.

In the past, if you were suffering from lower back pain you were advised to invest in a firm mattress, however this is no longer the case. A recent study of people with low back pain showed that those who slept on a hard mattress had the poorest sleep quality. This is because a mattress that is too firm is unable to support your spine. However, a bed that is too soft can also contribute to pain.

The best mattress for back pain is designed by orthopedics

The best mattress allows for full support of the spine, and targets pressure relief. Mattresses with  Posturepedic Technology™ are designed by orthopedics to support every part of your body and offers the following benefits:

  • Pressure relieving comfort for undisturbed sleep: from ultra-plush to cushion firm, built with premium materials.
  • The support you need: deep-down orthopedically correct support 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.

However, the truth is that there is no single recommendation for the best mattress for back pain. It’s a highly personal decision and the best bet is to spend some time actually testing out different beds, spending at least 10 minutes lying down on each bed to get a feel for it.

Adjustable beds are a game changer when it comes to quality sleep. Sealy Posturematic Adjustable Base beds come with customised head and foot adjustment options, a dual massage function, a flashlight and an LCD Clock.

Other tips for better sleep with back pain

  • Try sleep in a different position and use a pillow to support different body parts. If you’re a side sleeper, place a pillow between your knees. If you sleep on your back, place the pillow underneath your knees.
  • Try not to sleep on your stomach because this sleep position puts extra strain on your spine.
  • Make sure your pillow is at a comfortable height and not creating too much pressure on your neck. Your pillow should be placed under your head and neck, not your shoulders.

Pregnancy sleep position: SOS

Many women experience difficulty sleeping during their pregnancy, especially during the last few months. South African lifestyle blogger, Chantal Philander, quickly discovered the best way around this: The “SOS” (Sleep on Side) pregnancy sleep position.

In her latest blog post, Sleeping while Pregnant, Chantel explains that sleep became more challenging for her during the second trimester of her pregnancy. Although she’s usually a back sleeper, Chantel soon realised the SOS pregnancy sleep position was the safest position for her and her baby. Read her blog post to find out more about the SOS pregnancy sleep position and how to get comfortable in the last stages of pregnancy.

If you’re losing shut-eye during your pregnancy, and you think your mattress might be to blame, ask yourself these questions:

  • Is my mattress more than 10 years old?
  • Does my mattress have lumps and/or springs sticking out of it?
  • Does my mattress feel like it’s sagging along the edges?
  • Do I roll towards the middle (and my partner) during the night, because of the “v-shaped” mattress?
  • Do I wake up with aches, pains, stiffness or numbness?

If you’ve answered yes to two of the questions above, your lack of sleep might have nothing to do with your pregnancy sleep position and it could be time to invest in a new mattress. You’ll want to get as much sleep as you can before your baby arrives!

If you’re heading in-store to buy a mattress, read this first:

We suggest lying on a bed in-store before buying it. However, before you begin your shopping trip, there are a few things to think about – buying a new mattress is not only about price alone. Use our handy Store Locater to find your nearest Sealy mattress stockist. The sales people at these locations know all about Sealy mattresses and will be able to explain the product differences.

Try out different beds and take notes on how you feel on each bed. Once you find the comfort level and support you like, be sure to discuss the following with the salesperson:

  • The return policy
  • The mattress warranty (A Sealy warranty is backed by our commitment to continually improve our products and services through the application of a quality management system, as guidelined by the ISO (International Standards Organisation) quality management principles.

Visit different retailers to find the best fit for your comfort requirements and your budgets. Don’t be afraid to negotiate – and remember to think of your purchase as a valuable investment in yourself and your health.

Note from CEO