Ah, the lazy days of summer… stretched out in a deck chair or a hammock, enjoying the sunshine or relaxing in the shade. Summer is definitely the time for snoozing in the great outdoors.

But at the end of the day, getting a good night’s sleep is serious business. No matter what the season, sound, restful sleep is essential to your mental, emotional and physical health. Most people need 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep every night.

What happens when you don’t get enough sleep?

Here’s the scary stuff. People who get insufficient or poor quality sleep are more prone to many serious health conditions – obesity, diabetes and heart problems, for example. They also suffer from an inability to concentrate and emotional ups and downs.

Are you tired of counting sheep to no avail? Maybe the problem is your mattress…

How do you know when you need a new mattress?

Most of us use our mattresses long past their expiration. But think about it, where else do you spend more time? No other product you own gets more use, or has a more important job to do! In fact, we spend about 33% of our lives asleep. Check these warning signs that you may need a new sleep set:

• You wake up with stiffness, aches and pains – or worse yet, grumpy!
• You sleep better somewhere other than your own bed – at a hotel, for example.
• Your mattress shows visible signs of overuse – lumps, bumps, etc.
• Your mattress is 7 years old or older

How do you choose a new mattress?            

The number of options is daunting – memory foam mattresses, pocket sprung mattresses, pillow top mattresses, coil sprung mattresses, latex mattresses, orthopedic mattresses. There are multiple brands and multiple price points. Frankly, it’s so confusing you may just want to hide under the covers!

But don’t! There is a wonderful mattress out there just for you!

The pay-offs for a good night’s sleep are huge. More energy, better memory, better mood, better concentration, better health. In fact, studies have shown that getting adequate and restful sleep is the single biggest way to ensure your longevity!

Now that you know how important your mattress is, it’s time to “spring” into action and buy a new one!  Here are a few pointers:

• Take the mattress for a “test drive” before you make a final decision. Take your shoes off and lie down in various positions on the mattress, paying extra attention to the support it provides your lower back and the comfort level at the shoulders and hips. This is no time to be shy!
• Take your partner along with you when you shop. Mattresses feel quite different with two people on them.
• Don’t forget the pillow talk! Pillows affect your comfort as much as your mattress. Make sure you get the right type of pillow for your sleep style – back, stomach or side.
• Choose a mattress retailer you trust. Talk someone who knows their stuff and can best guide you in the right direction

And for some additional tips, have a look at Jim Fee’s (VP of Stoney Creek Furniture) video on how to select a mattress and pillow to improve your sleep.