Why Consistency is Important to Your Daily Sleep Routine

Why Consistency is Important to Your Daily Sleep Routine

Consistency is key. Don’t we hear that all the time when we’re trying to improve our habits? New diets, new hobbies, dragging yourself onto the treadmill every day even if you would rather work double overtime than exercise – staying consistent, they say, is always the most important part to building good habits. So why don’t we take that same advice to heart when it comes to the most important part of our daily routine: bedtime?

If you wake up feeling like a zombie every morning, or struggle for hours before slipping into the sweet embrace of sleep, it might be time to freshen up your sleep hygiene with a secret ingredient we like to call “consistency.” Let’s break down why consistent sleep patterns are so important, and what you can do to get your bedtime routine back on track.

Why We Need It

Our bodies crave consistency. It’s the reason why your stomach starts grumbling every day at around 11:59, and why we spend the rest of the day feeling out of whack when we skip our morning coffee and newspaper.

Routine helps us function more efficiently, and without those external cues, our bodies struggle to sync up with our intentions. Having a consistent daily routine lets your body know what to get ready for, and how to do what it needs to do even better.

When it comes to sleep schedules, everyone’s body clock is different, so there’s no hard-and-fast rule about when to eat or sleep or get up in the morning. What’s important is listening to your own internal rhythm when setting your sleep routine, and making a commitment not to let the stresses and concerns of the day get in the way of a restful night.

What It Does for Us

Do Monday mornings feel like the night of the living dead? Do you find yourself dozing at your desk more often than not? Yeah, those are all signs your sleep schedule is way off track. A consistent sleep schedule can be the difference between a productive day at work and a total wash, between making the most of your day off or dozing the daylight away. If you’re sleeping in three or four hours later on weekends than you do on weekdays, you’re going to spend your days off groggy and delirious, and your days on in a stupor.

A consistent sleep schedule can even affect your mood. Studies show that sleeping poorly can elevate stress and even lead to mood disorders like anxiety and depression. So, don’t settle for a chaotic sleep schedule! Not only will you feel better day-to-day if you change things up, it can actually make you happier in the long run.

Why Consistency is Important to Your Daily Sleep Routine_2

How to Get It

So, now that you get just how important a consistent sleep schedule is, how can you achieve it?

Well, it starts with commitment. Set an alarm, mark it in your calendar, heck, even write it on your forehead if you have to! Decide on set times for going to bed and waking up and stick to it, no matter the day of the week. And no, the fact that the show you’re binging just ended on the biggest cliffhanger ever isn’t an excuse to put off bedtime.

Good habits are another key to a healthy sleep schedule. The bed is not the place for stressful activities like work, balancing your checkbook, and managing your monthly calendar. Keep that far away from your mattress, and out of the bedroom altogether if possible! You want to keep your bed mentally associated with nothing but rest and relaxation.

Finally, like we said, routine is super important for establishing better sleep, so come up with a nighttime ritual that works for you. Maybe it’s having a cup of tea before bed (just remember to stay away from caffeine) or maybe it’s reading your favourite book for 15 minutes. Whatever your ritual is, keeping it consistent is the best way to make those relaxing associations stick in your mind.

It can be a long journey to creating a consistent sleep routine, but when you’re waking up every morning upbeat, energized, and ready to seize the day, it’ll all be worth it! Of course, falling asleep and staying asleep consistently can be nearly impossible without a good mattress, no matter how carefully you’ve planned your new routine. If you’re still struggling to get a good night’s sleep, it might be time to upgrade your bed. Stop by our store today to check out our selection of Beautyrest mattresses and ask our sleep experts how to revolutionize your rest!

Angela, Your Sleep Expert

How to Pick the Perfect Sheets

How to Pick the Perfect Sheets

A good set of sheets can make a big difference at bedtime. When you slip into a bed made up with sheets that are just the right weight, weave, and texture, you can’t help melting right into dreamland! But finding that perfect set can be harder than it seems.

Well, you don’t have to be Goldilocks to find those sheets that feel just right — if you start your sheet shopping journey armed with the right knowledge, that is. To help you on your path toward a better night’s sleep, we’ve put together this list of everything you’ll want to keep in mind to pick the perfect sheets.

Thread Count

Thread count is often thought of as the ultimate measure of sheet comfiness, but it might not be as important as we once thought. Thread count typically ranges between 100 and 800 threads in a square inch of fabric, with some luxury brands advertising thread counts of over 1000 — but in reality, it’s almost impossible to reach a thread count higher than 400 without cutting corners. Sheets with a thread count above 400 achieve this by wrapping threads around each other before the weaving process, which has little effect on the comfort and quality of the fabric.

That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t consider thread count at all though — the difference in touch between 100 and 400 thread count can be significant. If you want to max out your nightly coziness, you’ll want to get a thread count of at least 200. Anything below that and you’ll definitely feel some scratchy edges.

Weave Method

This may be a new idea for the average sheet shopper, but there are actually two different weave methods that can drastically change the look and feel of your sheets. Sheets of almost any fabric and thread count can be woven using one of two methods: percale and sateen.

Percale uses a tighter weave pattern to create a crisp, matte finish. Your favourite work shirt and light, cotton sheets probably use this weave. Percale sheets are light, breathable, and perfect for warm weather.

Sateen sheets have a silky-smooth finish and are a bit heavier, making them the perfect thing to curl up in during winter. They’re prized for their luxurious lustre and elegant look on any bed.

Neither of these options is objectively better than the other. Depending on the weather and your own personal preference, either weave can make an incredibly comfy bed sheet option, but you’ll definitely want to make a note of which type your favourites are as you shop.

How to Pick the Perfect Sheets

Fabric Type

Not all weaves and thread counts are created equal! The type and quality of the fabric your sheets are made of will majorly change the look and feel of them, so be sure to get a fabric that suits your needs.

Cotton

Even within the cotton-sheet family, there are big differences between the different types of cloth. If you’re looking for peak luxury, seek out sheets made of 100 percent Egyptian cotton. But if you’re more interested in bargain hunting, common cotton and cotton blends provide much of the comfort and breathability of cotton at a fraction of the price. No matter the type, cotton is always a great choice for its reliability, affordability, and easy washability.

Linen

The ultimate summer sheet! Not only is linen light and breathable, it’s also great at wicking away moisture in warm and cool weather. It does tend to have lower thread counts though, so it can be a bit scratchy before being worn in, but once it is, linen sheets are as light and comfortable as a summer breeze.

Flannel

For winter warmth, you can’t get cozier than flannel sheets. These sheets are fairly heavy and super soft, so you can curl up feeling safe and sound all winter long. They’re easy to wash too, although they should be dried at the lowest setting to prevent pilling.

Jersey

These knit, cotton blend sheets feel as cozy and easy to slip into as your favourite t-shirt. Unfortunately, that means they’re as susceptible to stretching and holes as a t-shirt too. But they’re another great option for winter (though not as warm as flannel) and for year-round comfort on a budget.

Silk

Naturally hypoallergenic and incredibly soft to the touch, silk is perhaps the most luxurious sheet option on the market. It can even help prevent bedhead, since the fabric doesn’t catch easily on skin or hair. This super comfy fabric isn’t measured by thread count either, but instead by weight in “mommes.” So if you’re dedicated to the ultimate sleeping experience, you’re going to want silk sheets of at least 19-mommes.

Bamboo

Bamboo or rayon sheets are nearly as smooth as silk and even more durable. They’re moisture wicking, hypoallergenic, antibacterial, cozy in winter and breathable in summer … is there anything these sheets can’t do? Well, taking it easy on your wallet is one thing they’re not so good at. Bamboo sheets can be a bit pricey and difficult to properly care for, but if you’re willing to put in the work for them, they’ll last you many comfortable nights!

When you sleep on a set of sheets that feels like they were made just for you, you’ll be snoozing better than ever. So start your journey to better sleep today! And if new sheets aren’t cutting it, you might need a new mattress to go with them. Come by our store to check out our selection of Sealy mattresses and ask one of our expert associates for help picking the perfect one for you.

Angela, Your Sleep Expert

Tips on How to Pick a New Sealy Mattress

Tips on How to Pick a New Sealy Mattress

Mattress shopping is overwhelming. Just stepping into a mattress store can be intimidating enough to make you turn on your heels and book it out of there. But if you’ve been having serious back pain or are unable to sleep well, it may pertinent that you get a new mattress ASAP. So, instead of running out of the next mattress store you visit, take a few of these tips with you on your journey to find the best Sealy mattress for your body.

Budget

It’s never a good idea to go into a mattress shop without a budget in mind. More often than not, you’ll end up choosing the most expensive one in there which can be very disappointing if you end up being unable to afford it.

The best thing to do is to start off with a clear budget in mind. Talk with one of our sales associates about what yours is, and they can show you what options are available in that price range. Price does tend to play a major role in selecting your new mattress, but it’s shouldn’t be the only factor.

Firmness Level

To avoid feeling like you’re looking for a needle in a haystack, begin testing out mattresses based on their firmness level to narrow down your search. To put it simply, mattresses can be categorized into three different levels: plush, medium, and firm. If you aren’t sure which one you prefer, ask your sales associate to guide you to 3 different mattresses that fit into the plush, medium, and firm comfort levels. Once you figure out which firmness level is right for you, start moving around the store and only testing out mattresses that fit that description.

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Innerspring, Memory Foam, or Hybrid Sealy Mattress

Innerspring, Memory Foam, or Hybrid

If you prefer a little bounce in your bed, you may be interested in trying out an innerspring mattress. If you like your mattress to conform to your body more, you’ll most likely be happier with a memory foam mattress. Be sure to test out a hybrid bed that mixes both coils and memory foam so that the characteristics of the two are combined into one bed.

Adjustable Bed Frame

Choosing whether or not you want a Sealy adjustable bed foundation to support your mattress will also be a deciding factor on what kind of mattress you can get. Replacing your current bed frame with an adjustable one can significantly improve your body and help you get a good night’s rest. Speak to our sales associate to learn about all the ways an adjustable bed can position itself to make you sleep like a baby.

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Purchasing a new mattress is an investment. It’s something that should last you for the next 10 years, so choosing the absolute best mattress for your body is a big decision. That’s why we’re here to help! Stop into your local mattress store and let us know what you’re looking for in a mattress. We’ll assist you each step of the way until you find the Sealy mattress you’re happy with.

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Angela, Your Sleep Expert

Signs of 4 Common Mattress Problems

Signs of 4 Common Mattress Problems

Is there anything worse than a messed-up mattress? Sleeping on a mattress that’s less than perfect can have a range of negative effects on your daily life. From a sore back to daytime fatigue, a bad mattress can take a toll on you around the clock. Luckily, most of the major problems your mattress might face are pretty easy to identify. By keeping an eye out for these telltale signs, you can decide whether your old bed should be fixed or replaced with a new mattress that will never let you down.

Broken Springs

If your mattress has a broken spring, you’ll likely know right away. There will be an uncomfortable spot on your bed, and maybe even a lump sticking you in the side. The bed will also likely squeak and creak when you put weight on it.

Unfortunately, there’s not a good solution for this issue. Few mattresses can be opened up right down to the coils, and trying to swap out a spring will definitely void your mattress’ warranty. Your best bet here is to invest in a new Beautyrest mattress as soon as possible. If you’re dealing with a broken coil, your bed is either old enough that it needs to be replaced, or cheap enough that it wouldn’t be doing your back any favours anyway!

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Compressed Foam

If you have a spring mattress, a layer of foam separates the inner coils from the top of your bed. Over time, this foam can compress, leaving you with a hard, lumpy surface. Foam mattresses have a similar problem: uneven weight distribution across the bed can lead to permanent indentations in the mattress surface, making it uncomfortable and unsupportive.
You can try to give a mattress like this new life with a foam topper, or by adjusting your sleep habits to wear your bed down more evenly. A foam topper can give you a few more months with your old mattress, but ultimately, you’ll need a mattress that can give you proper support, and one that’s covered in potholes and speed bumps just won’t do the trick.

Mattress problems - bed bugs

Bed Bugs

Yuck …

Bed bugs have to be one of the greatest fears of any bed owner. They’re gross, they’re invasive, and they make you feel unsafe in what’s supposed to be the comfiest, most relaxing part of your home. Luckily, they’re easy to spot when you know what to look for.

The first thing you’ll likely notice is the bites on your legs and feet. They’re usually small, itchy red welts that appear overnight in straight lines along your skin. If you’ve been waking up with mysterious rashes and bites, you may want to inspect your bed for signs of these nasty little creatures.

An adult bed bug is about the size of an apple seed and can be seen easily with the naked eye. They can usually be found hiding in crevices or dark spots near where a person sleeps, like mattress seams, headboards, bedside tables, and rugs. So, when you begin your hunt, look everywhere. Clusters of shed skins will be a telltale sign of an infestation.

You can get rid of bed bugs, but depending on the size of the infestation, the effort may or may not be worth it. You’ll want to clean all clutter from the area around your bed, washing what you can and thoroughly inspecting what you can’t. Wash all your linens, vacuum the mattress and floor around it, and use a stiff brush to clean the mattress seams.

Whether bed bugs are a problem for you right now or not, you may want to invest in a special mattress cover to treat or prevent a bed bug infestation. Many mattress protectors come with bed bug repelling technology that kicks out these unwanted guests and keeps them from coming back. However, if this all seems like more face time with bed bugs than you need in your life, we would recommend starting fresh with a new Beautyrest mattress. Just be sure none have escaped into your room before bringing in your new bed!

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Just Plain Old

If your bed is saggy, lumpy, and leaving you with aching muscles every morning, chances are, it’s just plain old. Most mattresses need to be replaced every seven to 10 years. So, think back, when did you bring home the mattress you’ve been sleeping on every night? Longer ago than you thought, huh? There’s nothing you can really do to revive a mattress past its prime, so say your goodbyes and get excited about the wide world of mattress options ahead of you. Your bed has earned a rest, and so have you — it’s time for an upgrade.

If you’re noticing any of these problems with your old mattress, stop on by to explore your options and get help from the area’s top mattress experts. Don’t settle for a bed that’s not giving you the best you can get! Whether you need mattress protectors, toppers, and other extras to protect the bed you have, or you’re hoping to find a brand new Beautyrest one to make your dreams come true, we’ve got you covered.

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Angela, Your Sleep Expert

4 Ways to Take Care of Your New Sealy Mattress

4 Ways to Take Care of Your New Sealy Mattress

If you want a mattress that’ll last a long time, you’re going to need to take care of it properly. While most mattresses should last about 10 years, we want you to get the most out of your Sealy Mattress so that it could last even longer. Read through these helpful tips that will keep your bed in good shape and continue to lengthen the longevity of its life.

1. Mattress Protector

Get yourself a mattress protector and your Sealy mattress will have much better luck surviving the test of time than without one. The common myth about mattress protectors is that they feel like sandpaper – making sleep very uncomfortable.

Mattress protectors are fortunately not rough and just feel like thick sheets. They protect the mattress from bed bugs, dust mites, spills, sweat, and allergens while still continuing to be breathable on your skin. And just like normal bed sheets, your mattress protector needs to be washed. It absorbs a lot and should be thrown in the washer monthly.

Learn more about mattress protector types and the necessity to use them.

2. Support

A bed with a bad support system starts sagging over time and a saggy bed is detrimental to the body. You’ll need a foundation to keep it sturdy and prevent the sagging process from occurring. You could use something as simple as a box spring or something more advanced like a Sealy adjustable bed base to do the job. The choice is yours.

3. Rotate

Beds these days usually need a rotation instead of a flip because most are not double-sided anymore. If you spin your mattress a couple times a year, the bed will wear evenly. Depending on the bed, this may not be required. Speak with a sales associate at your local Sealy Mattress store to see if you should do that for the bed you’re interested in.

Learn more about mattress flipping.

4. Don’t Sit on the Edge

Every morning when putting on your shoes, do you sit on the edge of your bed to do it? While this seems harmless, unfortunately, your bed can start to lose structure in the parts you sit in most often. Save your bed the problems and find a chair to use every morning.

Buying a Sealy mattress is a big investment! Keep yours in pristine shape so it sticks around awhile.

Angela, Your Sleep Expert

Sleeping Tips for a Stomach Snoozer

Sleeping Tips for a Stomach Snoozer

Sleep can either be serenity or stress. If you fall asleep easily, sleep is a wonderful journey through stars and clouds and floating sheep and peaceful skies.

But, if you struggle getting to sleep, it can be the opposite. And for those of us who sleep on our stomachs, trying to sleep in other positions can put even more pressure on the whole falling to sleep situation. Especially with continually hearing from people how bad it is for your body.

That’s not what we’re here for. We get that stomach sleeping can be unhealthy, but we want to help you get to sleep how you want to get to sleep. That’s why I put together these tips for stomach sleepers: not to try to get you to fall asleep in another position, but to help you fall asleep on your stomach in the best way possible. Now, let’s get dreaming together.

Lose the Pillow

Sleeping on your stomach can cause neck issues, especially if you have a super thick pillow. To help your neck as much as possible, try to use a thin pillow. Even better yet, try sleeping with no pillow at all! This may seem counterintuitive to everything you were taught at sleep school, but that’s actually the best thing you can do for your neck if you tend to faceplant into your mattress.

Remembering to Stretch

Do you make sure to do your daily exercises? No? Well, if you are going to commit to sleeping on your stomach, you should repay your body by doing it some favours.

I know it can be a hassle to add anything else to your already packed morning routine, but you should also throw in some morning stretching — it will help realign your body after a night of stomach sleeping.

Benefits of stretching in bed

Maximizing Your Mattress

There’s another key factor in the “you+sleep = happiness” equation, and that, of course, is your mattress. Because you are a stomach sleeper, you may need a more supportive and firm mattress. If you feel like you aren’t getting what you need from your mattress, then it might be time to look into getting a new one. We’re always glad to help you find one that will perfectly fit your sleeping needs – so stop by and try out our wide selection of Beautyrest mattresses!

Pelvis Positioning

OK, sure, I just told you to get rid of your pillow. But I didn’t mean that you should throw it out! There’s actually something you can use it for that can help: Instead of using it to rest your head, you should sleep with it under your pelvis. This will help your back and spine, and you kind of need both of those in the long haul.

If you’ve tried all these tips and still are having problems, perhaps it isn’t how you sleep that’s the problem. Instead, the problem could lie with your mattress. Give us a call today: We are always here to help you find a Beautyrest mattress that will safely set you adrift on the shores of sleep!

Shop our Beautyrest Mattress now!

Angela, Your Sleep Expert

Get Cozy (and Lazy) on a Beautyrest Mattress

Get Cozy (and Lazy) on a Beautyrest Mattress

If you need the perfect excuse to kick back, take a load off, and snooze, having a great mattress—like one of our incredible options from Beautyrest—is certainly one. So, if you’ve been working hard and really need a lazy day, we’ve got you covered. From our great mattress options in-store, to these tips on how to stay cozy all day, let us help you get the most out of your lazy day!

Stay in Bed

Staying in bed all day shouldn’t be reserved for getting sick! Sometimes we just need to rest and recharge, and nothing helps reset the body and mind quite like staying horizontal. All. Day. Long. So don’t take off those pyjamas—turn around and crawl right back into bed, quick!

Of course, to really enjoy a day in bed without hurting your back, you’ll need a great, supportive mattress. To maximize your lazy day, make sure you’re sleeping on a mattress from Beautyrest. Beautyrest has been a leader in mattress technology for over a century, and with customizable firmness and precision support for sore muscles, they’re still the name of the game when it comes to bedtime comfort.

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Pile on the Pillows

Or thick blankets. Or both! Set aside ideas like “making the bed” and “lying down the right way”. Those have no place here on your lazy day! Transform your bed into an absolute nest of comfort and disappear into the touchable softness of thick, woven blankets and cushy pillows. That way you can lie any direction you want and still be comfortable.

Don’t forget to throw on a few new pillows to match your mattress! Pillows are the ultimate in relaxation, and some models even have ventilated memory foam, for both cooling action and unbeatable squish.

Grab a Warm Drink

Drinking a hot drink in bed to relax

It might not be fall quite yet, but you can still get the feeling of those cozy autumn afternoons with a warm drink and a pile of pillows all around you. Grab your favourite mug and indulge in a generous serving of coffee, tea, hot cocoa, or heck, even mulled wine if you’re feeling ambitious. Which you shouldn’t be—this is your day off, remember? Brew up a big pot of whatever you’re making so you can go for refills anytime!

Stock Up on Snacks

You’ll need to eat at some point, but you don’t want to ruin your lazy day with a night of sticky, messy cooking! Instead, stock your room full of snacks and munch throughout the day. Peanut butter and bananas are a tasty and satisfying snack that will hold you over easily until dinner time. Speaking of which, this is also a great day for a meal that’s the epitome of laziness—ramen. Delicious and simple, packaged ramen is the perfect meal for your lazy day. You can make it right from bed too, with the help of an electric kettle and a big bowl!

Start a Binge Session

Get into a new TV show! Like, really into it. Netflix has some incredible, bingeable shows you can waste a whole day (or even a whole weekend) powering through. For sci-fi thrills and all the 80s aesthetics you could dream of, binge the three seasons of “Stranger Things.” Or you could follow the downward spiral of everyone’s favourite drug lord, Walter White, with a rewatch of “Breaking Bad.”

If laughs are more your thing, you can’t go wrong with the hilarious Netflix original “Nailed It!”, where amateur bakers fail miserably at recreating incredible desserts. No matter what you choose, a good binge-watch is always a surefire way to zone out and pack in some serious laziness.

So, stock up, settle down, and get ready to recharge this lazy day! With your cushy Beautyrest mattress at the ready and your TV all warmed up, you’re in for a day full of total coziness and complete relaxation. Put away work worries and daily to-dos and just enjoy your day—you deserve it!

Angela, Your Sleep Expert

Do Relaxation Day Right with a Sealy Mattress

Do Relaxation Day Right with a Sealy Mattress

With how busy we all are, it seems almost impossible to have a day of total relaxation. But remember, you are worth it! Luckily, Sealy makes a day (or at least just a couple of hours) of pure relaxation completely possible. Celebrate yourself by chilling out on your Sealy mattress, reading a book, or anything else that doesn’t require a ton of movement. Recuperate your mind and body by kicking up your legs and enjoying a stress-free day with a few calming activities. These are some of our favourites:

1. Watch a Movie

If you’re a busy bee, chances are you don’t have a ton of time for TV and movies. Get caught up on some flicks you’ve been missing out on with a little movie marathon day. If you have a television in your room, don’t even bother getting dressed! Stay your coziest self with a pair of comfy pyjamas and jump into your Sealy mattress when you’re ready for the film spree to begin.

As for the movie choice, we suggest finding an epic series you’ve been needing to watch such as “Star Wars,” “Lord of the Rings,” or “Pirates of the Caribbean” to name just a few. Those will take a while to finish, making your movie-filled day both relaxing and stimulating.

2. Make It a Spa Day

Nothing says relaxation more than a spa day. No need to rush off to an actual spa, where you have to pay money. You can have one right in your home for free! Start yourself a hot bath and keep the bathroom door closed to ensure all the steam stays inside the room. Grab some candles, bath salts, a face mask, and a good book, and you have the makings of a perfect spa day.

After soaking in the tub for a while, jump into your Sealy bed for a post-bath nap. Your body and mind will feel ultra-relaxed and probably be ready to snooze for a bit. Don’t fight it on your day of relaxation.

Relaxing by taking a drive in the country

3. Take a Drive for Nature Therapy

It’s easy to get caught up in life, but take a step back from that mess, and just take time for yourself. One way you can do that is by taking a drive in the country, rolling down your windows, and breathing in the fresh air. It may sound uneventful, but this is a great opportunity to just enjoy nature and not be in a hurry to go anywhere in particular. No need to rush off! Look around and explore the scenery.

Studies have found that being around nature can lower stress levels and heart rate, so whenever you’re feeling burdened with the pressures of life, take a hike or even just a walk around the block. You’ll feel mentally and physically better.

4. Be Serious About Relaxing

We want you to be able to fully unwind – so be sure to ignore those work emails and put your mind in the Zen zone. After a long day of treating yourself right, snuggle under the blankets of your Sealy mattress to finish your night off right – with a deep and restful sleep.

If you couldn’t tell, Sealy mattresses and relaxation go together like peanut butter and jelly. Don’t be afraid to treat yourself to a little time to unwind – come check out our store and talk to a sales associate to get tips on which mattress is right for you for this special day!

Angela, Your Sleep Expert

Tips on What to Do When Your Allergies Start Acting Up in Bed

Tips on What to Do When Your Allergies Start Acting Up in Bed

Many people suffer year-round from watery eyes, sinus pressure, and nasal congestion. Maybe you are new to the allergy-suffering world. Maybe you are looking for the best medicine for allergies and have yet to find relief. Whatever the reason, here are some tips to help you limit your exposure to the top offenders while trying to get a good night’s rest on your Sealy mattress.

  1. To prevent dust mites, cover the floor with washable throw rugs instead of carpets, which, like blankets, down comforters, and curtains, are favourite mite habitats. Wash rugs, bed linens, and curtains in hot water to kill mites. Dust often with a damp cloth.
  2. If you’re allergic to dog and cat dander be sure to vacuum couches or chairs, they’ve used and try to keep them off your Sealy mattress. Or if you’re not a pet owner, but have friends with pets, still vacuum. Your friends’ clothes may carry their furry friends’ dander, which can be deposited in your home and aggravate symptoms.
  3. Indoor mould develops in moist areas. Get a dehumidifier to dry out your basement, and use exhaust fans in other areas prone to dampness and mould, such as the kitchen and bathroom. Wash bath mats often, and keep houseplants to a minimum.
  4. Consider the fabrics on the clothes you purchase. Switch out synthetic materials for natural ones like cotton — your nose and eyes will thank you. When synthetic fabrics rub against one another, they create an electrical charge that attracts pollen, which is also electrically charged. Natural fibres such as cotton also breathe better, so they stay drier and are less hospitable to moisture-loving mould. The same goes for your mattress cover, bed sheets and blankets. A clean Sealy mattress is a happy Sealy.
  5. Don’t forget to shower often to keep allergy invasions at bay. While you’re outside, pollen and mould spores can parachute onto your hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, and skin. To give them the boot and minimize your exposure wash your hands, rinse your eyes, and shower before bed, or right away if you’ve done yard work. The same goes for your pet: Even if you’re not allergic to your pup, he can become an allergy magnet after running around outdoors. Brush off his fur before you give him free rein of the house again.
  6. OTC medications like antihistamines and decongestants can significantly relieve symptoms, but if your nose is still running, it may be time for an upgrade. Ask your doctor about a steroid nasal spray, which relieves these symptoms better than an antihistamine.
  7. If pollen, ragweed, or dust mites are your main problem, think about getting allergy shots (immunotherapy). Injections of very small, safe amounts what you’re allergic to will help your immune system become resistant to the allergens, so your body doesn’t launch a full-out attack every time you inhale a pollen particle.
  8. Lastly, before bed, enjoy a cup of green tea. Japanese researchers found that EGCG, the abundant antioxidant compound in green tea, may help stop your body from mounting an immune response to a wide range of allergens, including pollen, pet dander, and dust. Steeping two or three cups a day of green tea helps bolster the body’s defences.

Thinking about changing up your mattress to help the fight against allergies? Stop by our store to see (and try out) our wide selection of products! You’ll be saying bless you … to Sealy mattresses.

Shop our Sealy mattresses right now!

Angela, Your Sleep Expert

5 Reasons You Should Make Your Bed Every Morning

5 Reasons You Should Make Your Bed Every Morning

Wake up, sleepy head. The sun’s about to come up, you’ve snoozed your alarm four times already, and someone needs to make the kids’ breakfasts and lunches before they grab the bus and run off to school. That’s a lot to do in the morning, but don’t forget another important task: Be sure to make the bed.

Yes, it’s a pain. Yes, it’s something that none of us want to deal with, especially first thing in the morning when everyone is running around and there are other things that tend to take precedence.

But there are a lot of reasons why making your bed should make its way to the top of your morning routine to-do list, even if you are crunched for time. So, here are some good things that will come your way if you make some time to make your bed every morning.

Produce Productivity

If we told you that you could inject a powerful potion of productivity right into your veins every morning, wouldn’t you do it? There would probably be a line down the block of people waiting to sign right up and try a magical elixir of productivity.

Well, there’s no secret or magic here. According to Charles Duhigg in “The Power of Habit,” making your bed is correlated with better productivity.

So, put down those Monster Energy drinks and that third cup of morning espresso and try making your bed instead.

5 Reasons You Should Make Your Bed Every Morning (3)

Less Active Allergies

Allergies can be a pain, and nobody wants their bed to become a hot spot of allergy aggravation.

But, if you make your bed and securely cover up your sheets (and mattress), allergens won’t be able to enter the neatly made fortress of sheets, blankets, and pillows. Your bed will be piled up like Fort Knox, with all the annoying allergies stuck outside, unable to cross the moat or drawbridge and make it into your royal sleep kingdom.

Oh well. Nobody has sympathy for allergens, anyways. Good riddance.

It Might Actually Improve Your Sleep

According to a National Sleep Foundation poll, people who made their beds also said that they got better sleep. And honestly, how long does making your bed take, 30 seconds? It’s worth those 30 seconds for some better sleep, isn’t it? Of course it is.

You Won’t Have to Do It Later

Get it out of the way. Rip that bandage off. Nobody wants to make their bed when they come home from a long day of work, especially if they are only a few more hours away from jumping in it and messing it up again.

Instead, make your bed early in the morning and immediately cross it off your mental to-do list. You won’t have to worry about it later, and you’ll come home to a bed that’s already nice and neat.

5 Reasons You Should Make Your Bed Every Morning (2)

You’ll Feel Better About Yourself

Isn’t a messy bed a sad bed? We certainly think so, and there’s just something unfinished and lonely looking about a bed with sheets all askew and not made. But, if you take those few moments to make your bed, you’ll feel a sense of pride – and accomplishment – that you actually made your bed in the morning. It starts your day off, literally, on the right side of the bed.

As for waiting to make it until your partner wakes up, or just wrapping them inside a bed burrito while they are still asleep, that part is entirely up to you. There’s no science on either side of that issue.

Thinking about changing up your mattress to match the unbeatable comfort of a freshly made bed? Stop by our store to see (and try out) our wide selection of Beautyrest mattresses!

Angela, Your Sleep Expert