Turns out, sleep is pretty much magic. It has the power to boost your health, increase your energy, and make you an overall happier person. And if you feel like you’re missing out on all this good stuff, it might come down to your sleep environment.
Here, we’ll tell you how to build your perfect bed, so you can easily drift off into dreamland night after night.
The Mattress
We bet this was your first guess on where to start. And you guessed right, because your mattress plays a major role in your quality of sleep. Now, if you’re feeling stumped on where to go from here, that’s totally normal. There are a lot of mattress options out there, and it’s daunting to think of where to even start. Do you need a hybrid? Memory foam? Plush? Firm?
Your best bet is to go to the store and consult with someone who is specially trained to match you to the right support. It’s an important choice, and it will make all the difference in your comfort.
The Foundation
Yes, what you put your mattress on matters too, and for a variety of reasons. But for starters, we’ll start by breaking down the two common foundation types.
FLAT BACKS:
This type of foundation serves to support your mattress and helps avoid the dreaded sagging. It will also absorb shock every time you lie down, which will prolong the life of your mattress. Additionally, they help add height to your bed, since many people prefer a taller bed.
Speaking of height, flat-back foundations typically come in a standard 9-inch height or a low-profile 5-inch height. This helps you pick the right one for your type of bed. For example, if your bed has a shallow footboard, you’ll want to go with the lower height so you can’t see the foundation peeking above.
POWER BASES:
Now, this is where it gets really good. A power base allows you to adjust the position of your mattress, so you can raise your head and/or feet. This comes with so many benefits, like improved circulation, reduced snoring, and back pain relief. Even though it isn’t the best thing for you when it comes to sleep, it’s also great for things like working on your laptop in bed or just watching a movie.
The Pillows
Did you know that pillows account for 30 percent of your overall sleep comfort? That’s a pretty big deal, which is why it’s a big part of how to build your perfect bed. There are a couple of things to keep in mind when choosing your pillows.
First, determine if you are generally a back, side, or stomach sleeper. There are different pillows for each type, and each will provide catered support for your favorite sleep position. You’ll also want to consider the fill type, which really comes down to personal preference.
The Bedding
From the sheets and pillowcases to the duvet cover and inserts, these layers play a major factor in keeping you comfortable at night. This is something that will come down to personal preference, therefore, it’s best to get a feel—literally—before making your final choice. Don’t let the ease of ordering online deter you from heading into the store to get your hands, literally, on the bedding you are considering purchasing.
Take a Test Rest with a Sleep Expert
Still need some help setting up your bedroom for a perfect night’s sleep? Head to our partner CITY Furniture and do a “Test Rest.” They will help you find the perfect bed to try out and you will get a $25 gift card for doing so. Even better? They will match that $25 by making a $25 donation to their partners who champion the success of minorities and a diverse community.
Their partners change each quarter, as part of our efforts to support a wide range of causes. And it’s already making a huge impact! Thanks to their Test Rest campaign, they exceeded their goal to give back five percent of annual profits through CITY’s 5% Giving Pledge.
*This post was created with the help of our friends at City Furniture.