ADVANTAGES OF SHREDDED LATEX PILLOWS

Have you ever heard about shredded latex pillows? There have been more searches for shredded latex pillows recently, which we will be more than happy to answer.

?hat is shredded latex? What are the advantages of shredded latex pillows?

In some stores these pillows are called micro cushion pillows.

Generally latex and shredded latex can be all natural latex or a blend with synthetics. However we at Organic Textiles LLC dedicate our products to be completely natural with no synthetic blends. We believe our products can work just as well as non-organic shredded latex, if not better.

Shredded latex pillows are made by shredding latex slabs into small pieces (about 0.5-1.5 inches long). The cut pieces are flexible and resilient in order to conform to body contours. The versatility offers varying degrees of support and pressure point relief. This enables comfortable, deep sleep.

Standard Latex pillows are usually made as a slab of latex. These pillows are made by utilizing a unique pin-core design to allow these pinholes in the pillow to deliver superior air flows, preventing heat build up.

The natural latex pillows are classified into single zone and dual-zones. The single zone pillows have the same sized pinholes, which spread from the edges to the center of the pillow. Dual-zone pillows has two areas zones, which consist of smaller pinholes and bigger pinholes.  This variation in pin hole size alters the density where as in dual zone pillows offer firmer edges and softer mid section.

Retailers such as Well Living Shop and My Organic Sleep offer shredded latex pillows, available in standard size, queen size or king size.

What is the same? What is the different?

	Latex Pillows	Shredded Latex Pillows
Adjustable	No.   It will be in its original shape for at least 5 years. The standard latex pillow has a thickness of 5 – 6 inches.	Yes. Usually made with the zippered covers for easy adjustment.If it is too thick, you can get some micro cushions out to and use them later. The cushions inside are movable and can be adjusted to support body contours whereby a greater degree of support and comfort.
Weight(Standard size)	3 pounds	6 pounds
Supportive	Yes	Yes
	Both Latex Pillows and Shredded Pillows are made with natural latex and are usually covered by a 100% organic cotton cover.No synthetic latex and other toxic additives are added to these pillows. They are more expensive than big stores pillows because they do not loose their thickness (and shape) within few months of use, where as big brands do. Will keep you cool and dry throughout the night. Offers resilient, responsive support, and have the added benefit of being naturally hypoallergenic and anti-microbial, preventing the growth of harmful bacteria

COMMON SLEEPING POSITION

If you are one of those people who think they change sleeping positions, that’s not likely to really be the case. Professor Chris Idzikowski, director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service, said research reveals that most people stay in the same position all night and only 5% lay differently every night. Also an interesting study showed only one tenth people cover their bodies entirely with a blanket, with most people exposing an arm, leg, or both feet.

Fetus position (or fetal position)

Curling up in a ball when sleeping. Over half of people in the study literally curl up into the fetal position when they hit the sheets. However this is a common position among the women. These people tend to have a tough exterior but are still sensitive and may appear to be shy but warm up quickly. During waking hours they are very conscientious and like to over think their task and daily lives.

Log position

Sleeping straight in vertical line with both arms down. Around 15% people sleep in this way. It is considered as side sleeper. They are easy-going person who is trusting, sometimes to the point of being gullible. You like social works.

Yearner position

Sleeping by the sides but both arms out in front of the body. Around 13% sleepers sleep like this way. They are also side sleepers. They are open-minded and cynical suspicious, and stubborn about sticking to decisions once they are made.

Soldier position

Soldier position sleepers lie on their backs with arms down and kept close to the body. Soldier sleepers have a higher likelihood for snoring due to the flat-back position. Study about this, 8% result show that the soldier position tend to be reserved, quiet, without fuss, and hold themselves and others to a high standard.

Starfish position

Back sleeper. Sleepers lie on their backs with arms up near their head or the pillow. These people are good listeners, helpful, and uncomfortable being the center of attention.

Freefall position

Stomach sleeper. Those people who lie on their bellies with arms under or wrapped around a pillow with head turned to the side (right or left). According to some studies, there is around 7% of the population sleep like that. They are brash, outgoing, and very uncomfortable with criticism.

WHAT IS GOOD IN NATURAL WOOL COMFORTER?

Wool’s Characteristics

Wool is the textile fiber obtained from sheep and certain other animals (Wikipedia). It is natural– wool is grown from sheep, since every year sheep have new fleece, so wool is renewable every year. Wool has high Natural Flame resistant since it has a higher ignition threshold than many other fibers and is flame retardant up to 600º C. Also, wool has a naturally high UV protection. It is very efficient absorber of potentially harmful UV-A and UV-B radiation.

Wool is eko-environment fiber. It takes a few years to decompose into the soil and can act as fertilizer with a high nitrogen content. It also acclimatizes to its surroundings. Wool is eko-friendly fiber. First it is non allergenic and does not create the growth of bacteria. Also, wool will able to keep your body warm in the winter and cool in summer since its natural structure make it possible to absorb and release water vapor into the atmosphere.  According to Wool Studies and Resources, wool fiber can be bent 20,000 times without breaking and still strong to recover into the natural shape. So it is very durable and elastic. Besides, wool is easy care since it can be machine – washed.

Benefits of a Natural Wool Comforter

1. Regulates body temperature. It attains body temperature quickly and maintains it at comfort level. It does not have the cooling shock of polyester or synthetic.
2. Preserves natural warmth by conserving body heat. This allows you to warm quickly in cold weather and retain warmth.
3. It is naturally hypoallergenic. Resists dust mites, mold and mill dew. This is a big plus over celluloses based comforters.
4. Naturally flame retardant. Does not need the chemical laden fire retardant that is sprayed on most of polyester comforters.
5. Good for all season use. Best to just double up in severe winter and use one year long.

Washable Eco Wool from Organic Textiles LLC
In addition to the great benefits offered by regular comforter, washable wool is a step ahead as new development with these benefits.

1. This wool is washable in cold water cycle or hand wash with delicate low temperature drying or hang drying. This eliminates the need for a costly dry cleaning process plus more importantly, avoids the risks associated with dry cleaning solvent (carbon tetra chloride is frequently used in dry cleaning, though lower toxicity alternatives have been developed lately). This is a big plus because toxic dry cleaning solvent residue in wool is much higher than in light weight garments.
2. Washable wool is processed in a eco friendly process using natural enzymes instead of harsh chemicals associated with traditional wool processing. It helps you and the environment.
3. This wool is free of “sheep smell” associated with traditional wool comforters.
4. This comforter is softer than traditional wool comforters because the process softens the wool fiber.

NATURAL AND ORGANIC LATEX: DUNLOP VERSUS TALALAY

We love organic and natural latex–there are too many benefits for us to pass up.

Natural latex is breathable, hypoallergenic**, durable, supportive, temperature control, and most importantly, it is more chemically safe than polyurethane and memory foam. (1)

Latex is made through extracting a milky liquid from a rubber tree. It is then produced into latex foam using two main methods: Dunlop versus Talalay.

One is not inherently better than the other, as some articles may suggest–but is highly dependent on individual preferences.

They both can be quite durable depending on care and use. Do you use a cover? Do you sleep in one place? How often do you wash your sheets?

So, what is the difference between Dunlop versus Talalay method?

Here, we’ve provided a chart on our research, and our experiences with our own products at Organic Textiles LLC.

Dunlop Latex

Talalay Latex

General History	1929 (E.A. Murphy UK) Named after the findings at Dunlop Tyre and Rubber Company, a research scientist accidentally discovered that mixing together after heating soap, liquid latex, and gelling agents created latex foam. (3) Since this method has been in the business longer, it has been more time-tested for reliability.	1935 (Russia) Named after Ansil Talalay, he with his brothers, Leon and Joseph reinvented latex rubber products. (3) The new engineering has improved and created a process to create a more consistent texture.
Engineering	Dunlop tends to be a simpler and less expensive method to manufacture. The rubber liquid is extracted, whipped and frothed, placed in a mold and baked steam.	Talalay is a method that requires fewer raw materials during manufacturing. It uses a vacuum and deep freeze method that results in a more consistent cell structure foam structure. (2)
Texture	During the baking process, sediments in the mixture “settle” towards the bottom, making the final product much more firm on the bottom. (2) Because of this, Dunlop latex tends to feel dense due to the firmer bottom layer. However, Dunlop has a softer texture upon first touch because it’s not as porous.	Talalay has a more consistent cell structure, making it more soft and fluffy. Because of the more consistent texture of the latex, it may feel plushy when compressed. Talalay latex also has higher tensile strength, meaning it can elongate more.
Buoyancy/Springy	Customers say Dunlop is more bouncy and buoyant since it doesn’t quite sink like Talalay does. Reports say it feels like “floating” when used.	Customers often say Talalay is much springier, because of its consistency. It is able to bounce back easily when folded or compressed. It also feels lighter and softer to sink into.
Air Circulation	Dense foam tends to have less air circulation within latex—however the convenient larger pinholes balance air circulation.	Talalay tends to be breathable, making an excellent choice for those who sleeps  “hot.”
Support	Because of the “settling” effects of Dunlop creating a firm layer on the bottom,there is a higher, desirable quality of support factor. (2)	Comparing Talalay with the same density and size of the Dunlop, Talaly is much softer and springier. However, our firmer Talalay can also provide support when needed.
Sleeping Positions	Because of the engineering, the top part of a Dunlop latex is soft enough to release pressure point on the body. The firmer bottom part of the latex provides more support. Some of customers say they prefer this mattress if they are a side sleeper, as it’s easier to switch positions and will not feel like it’s “sinking.” Again, it depends on preference.	This tends to be the most preferred comfort layer of a mattress. It’s consistently soft texture will feel plushy and completely conform to the body, making it ideal for a cloud-nine experience. It provides complete relief from pressure point associated with firmer beds, and it is ideal for back sleepers. The firmer version can also be made into a support layer as well.

In the end, we love them both. We want to provide both options to accommodate to customer preferences and requirements—whatever will make our customers happy.

IMPORTANCE OF DUVET COVER

Duvet cover is used to cover the duvet, which is a bag filled with down, feathers, wool or other natural or man made stuffing to create a warm bed covering that takes the place of quilts, comforters & bedspreads. Normally, the duvet cannot be washed because the water will ruin the stuffing. That’s why the duvet needs a cover. So, a duvet cover likes a very large pillowcase for a duvet.

Similarity to a duvet is a comforter. The question is what is different between them? Duvet and comforter are forms of blankets or quilts. People use it to protect them from the cold. The differences between a comforter and a duvet lie in the material they are made of and their usage. A comforter is a thick and quilted, fluffy blanket intended to keep the user warm. It is usually filled with synthetic fiber filler. A Duvet is a type of bedding – a soft flat bag traditionally filled with down or feathers, or a combination of both and used on a bed as a blanket. A comforter can be washed but a duvet can’t. A comforter usually has a size bigger than the bed size, a duvet size normally equals to bed size. A duvet should be with a cover while a comforter can be by itself.

Generally people use a duvet cover for many reasons:

To protect the expensive down duvet. Of course the people don’t want to wash the luxury duvet. They don’t want the great duvet get it soiled, snagged or possibly a whole lot worse.

There is a lot of work to do when cleaning a duvet. There are not many people enjoy washing a huge duvet.

Normally, people will get more energy, more excited when their bedrooms are fresh and renewed more often. What can we do? Changing a sheet set then changing the duvet? Yes, it is easy to replace a sheet set to different colors, but it costs a lot to change a duvet or comforter. Every one knows about that. The best solution is a duvet cover. We can change the feel of the room without having to completely redecorate. In the market, also we purchase as part of a bedding set, along with sheets, pillowcases and a bed skirt, all in coordinating patter. We can change the duvet cover by season or whenever time we want. We can keep your luxury sheets and still make over your bed to match the seasons or our mood by simply purchasing a duvet cover.

Making organic to the duvet. For any reason, one has a Natural but non- organic duvet, it is possible for she or he to organic it by covering the duvet with an organic cotton duvet cover, which many stores are offering.

We are spending one third of our life to sleep. It is no doubt to spend more time to decorate the bedrooms and spend a little much money to change bed to be a luxurious and comfortable place to sleep.

THE BENEFITS OF ORGANIC COTTON

Cotton plays an important role in the world of fiber.  However, a large portion of it is grown with toxic chemicals.

“Fabric of our lives” – That is the name cotton is often called. Many of items that we use everyday are made from cotton. The clothes we wear, the sheets we sleep on, the diapers we put on our baby. But growing cotton in a conventional way requires a large amount of pesticides, which has a huge impact on the environment and potentially cause health risks for those working around it. It may cost less to manufacture and buy conventional cotton, but it’s better for the land, the farm workers and your well-being to choose organic whenever possible.

What Is Organic Cotton?

Organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic pesticides or fertilizers. Methods such as beneficial insect releases, strip cutting of alfalfa and new weeding machinery help reduce the environmental impact of cotton crops. Third-party organizations certify that organic cotton farms use only these approved methods and do not spray toxic chemicals on their crops. In 2004, 6,814 bales of organic cotton were harvested in the United States, which is about 3.2 million pounds. That is compared to this year’s estimate of total U.S. cotton production of 19.2 million bales — over 9 trillion pounds. Globally, it is estimated that 120.5 million bales of cotton will be harvested.

Cotton and the Environment

Estimate about 25 percent of the world’s insecticide use and about 10 percent of the world’s pesticide go to cotton crops.  According to a research in 2003, 55 million pounds of pesticides are being sprayed on 12.8 million acres of cotton.  Many of these chemical are considered to be the most toxic chemicals in the world.  The effects of pesticide exposure including birth defects, reproductive disorders and weaker immune systems.

Cotton is still hand-picked in many countries and therefore working in these areas may be exposed to the toxic chemicals.  The toxic chemicals also affect the community through water as they seeped into the water supply.  Because there so many products that are made from cotton, we are all have the exposure to the toxic chemicals at some points.

Water use is another issue with conventional cotton production. Crops use intensive irrigation and some estimates say cotton crops are the largest water user among agricultural crops.

Go Organic

Besides helping the environment, there are plenty benefits from using organic cotton products. The working environments become better for those farmers save their money by not having to buy large amount of pesticides. Consumers benefit too because the organic cotton products are softer and easier on your skin. Recent awareness of these benefits has increased demand of organic cotton and thus, lowered its cost.

TRUTH ABOUT POLYESTER TEXTILES

There is misconception that we should avoid polyester because it’s synthetic–it is not natural, it is not organic—it is bad.

Not necessarily.

What is polyester?

It’s made of large polymer molecules that form bigger chains and long fibers.

Polymer uses the acids and alcohol from petroleum and uses the energy from coal and water to create synthetic polyester. [1] These polyester are also known as virgin polyester. Petroleum is not environmentally friendly. **

However, there is a way to bypass petroleum and use recycled plastic–which helps conserve the environment.

The recycled plastic used are considered “food grade” and FDR approved for our water bottles, the plastic containers for food, etc.

These plastic bottles are sorted and cleaned, crushed into fiber size, and then stretched enough to be threaded for textiles materials.  [2]

Pro’s and Cons of Polyster: Alternative Down Comforters

Pros:

• Vegan
• Eco friendly. If it’s made out of recycled water bottles.
• Easy Care. Down alternative can be used many times and washed many times with cold water and then air-dried. It’s durable.
• Resists shrinking and stretching. Once pre-shrunk, it resists shrinking and stretching.
• Doesn’t absorb moisture. It is not damaged by mildew.
• Non-allergenic insulator.

Cons:

• It absorbs oil. It’s harder to get rid of oil stain.
• Traps heat. Because it traps moisture and heat, it may be uncomfortable in warm weathers compared to cotton.
• Static. Bedding may attract static electricity.
• Irritating. Some fibers can be irritating to delicate skin.

We at Organic Textiles LLC know the pragmatic uses of polyester. However, we take it a step further by incorporating 100% organic cotton in our polyblends. We want to get the best of both worlds and reduce any inconvenient byproducts.

WHY YOU COULD BE HAVING TROUBLE SLEEPING ?

At night, most of us will realize we can’t sleep; we’re still on our phones.

We think close to bedtime is the perfect time to snuggle up, cradle our phones and scroll through Facebook or Instagram just for a little bit. But yet we find ourselves wide awake enough for that little bit to turn into a lot of bit. 

Why?

Circadian Rhythm

Humans have an internal clock called the circadian rhythm.  In short,  sunlight means ‘wake up, time for fun in the sun’ versus the lack of light, which means ‘it’s time to sleep’.

But it’s not limited to sunlight—artificial light, which our phone emits, can also affect our circadian rhythm.

Physiologically, melatonin is a hormone that influences the circadian rhythm. High production of melatonin encourages us to sleep; reduced production of melatonin will encourage us to stay more awake. This is why most sleep aids on the market utilizes melatonin for those of us who can’t sleep.

But isn’t there a more natural way to induce sleeps and avoid using supplements?

Blue light/Warm light

Not all lights are created equal.

Blue light’s wavelength just happened to be one of the most powerful suppressant of melatonin—whether it be from the phone, television, computer, or even regular room lighting. (2)

But there are other colors that are less luminous and harsh towards optimal sleep.

Orange or red tints are shown to be much more tolerable and less disruptive for sleep. (1)

What should we do since we can’t sleep?

There’s no need to throw away your phone and live in the dark ages. Here are some tips and tricks:

• Newer generations of phones have built in ‘Nightshift mode’. This feature is available for phones like the iphone 5s and above, the Samsung Galaxy 7,  and the Note 7 (if it didn’t blow up),

• The‘Nightshift mode’ App is available for those with slightly older generations of phone.

• Orange/red tinted lamps for those of you who love DIY or available for purchase.

• Multiple settings lamp. There are some lamps that can change to studying mode, reading mode, and softer, warm light for sleep preparations.

• You can wear orange tint sunglasses at night. It may look dorky but it’s possible to rock orange tinted sunglasses for work or before bedtime.

• Changing phone usage and sleep habits is the ultimate organic method. Avoiding illuminant light two hours before bed, honoring a sleep schedule, and using a good old fashion alarm clock will be much more beneficial towards achieving well-rested sleep.

Blue is not always the enemy of sleep

There’s no need to avoid blue for bedtime. In fact, a travelodge study shows many people find the color of blue is associated with soothing, calming, and relaxing mood before slumber.  (3) Perfect for those who can’t sleep–not to say it’s an instant fix, but it may make a significant difference. 

Decorating the room interspersed with blue, such as blue wallpaper, blue bed sheets, pillow cases or duvet covers, may contribute to a more well rested sleep.

However, for those who are not a fan of blue, green and yellow have also been shown to have restful effects on people too. (3)

How much light is acceptable?

It doesn’t take much light to disrupt sleep. Table lamps with a mere 8 lux can still have that effect. (1)

For reference and comparison:

Lux Light Level Chart
Conditions	Illumination (LUX)
Summer Sunshine	25,000 Lux
Overcast Skies	1,000
Well-lit office	500
Sunset	400
Minimum for easy reading	300
Twilight	3.4
Clear full moon	1
Typical Starlight	.002
Poor starlight	.0001

In the end, we get it. It’s hard to put the phone down.

However, this is definitely noteworthy to keep in mind.

A Harvard study shows the possible connection between the lights emitted from phones and TV can lead to: several types of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and even depression. (1,  2)

Ideally, this correlation should jump start your decision to reduce phone usage at night. Snuggle up to a luscious, fluffy pillow instead. 

BEDROOM FENG SHUI

What is Feng Shui?

At its core, Feng Shui is a philosophy that originated from Asia to maximize your well-being through certain guidelines. Although there are many skeptics about the effects of this ideology, we think it’s a wonderful idea to share.

Feng Shui encompasses the belief of the harmonious interaction between “yin” energy and “yang” energy.

Yin is associated with feminine energy such as black, mysteries of the dark, soft, slow, and relaxation. Yang energy is a contrast, associated with masculine energy such as white, fire, aggression, fast, and hard surfaces such as rocks.

The bedroom should have more “Yin” in order to ensure a more relaxing energy in the bedroom. “Yang” should more be for the office.

What does it look like to have Feng Shui for the bedroom.

The art presented in your room should be pleasant and appealing since they will be the last things encountered before sleep and the first thing you see when you wake up. Theoretically, these can subconsciously affect your dream and mood in the morning.

The bedroom should be predominantly be more towards “yin” to encourage relaxation, but it’s still important to provide more “yang.” Red candles, or light accent colors should balance the deep colors.

Paintings with subjects like water (ponds, lakes, and oceans) are advised to be avoided outside the bedroom, as an old Chinese superstition says doing so can bring financial disaster.

Religious icons or photos of family and friends should be avoided in the bedroom, as it can be used for lovemaking, which is considered disrespectful in Feng Shui. And awkward.

It is also a part of the Feng Shui to avoid images of solitary figures as they will cause a sense of loneliness in your subconscious. On the other hand, images of a crowd (three or more people) may encourage desire to be involved with multiple people.

Abstract paintings, although may promote and inspire deep pondering, are also believed to be too strenuous and thought provoking which may hinder the ability to unwindand have peaceful sleep.

There are some subjects that may be all around pleasant to incorporate:

Bamboo is recomended for strength, energy, and growth.

Flowers inspire feelings of content and joyfulness.

Skies attract blessings from the heavens into your life.

Any of these will be positive and uplifting to see every morning and every night.

TIPS FOR A HEALTHIER SLEEP

Does that drip, drip, drip of the faucet keep you up at night? Do you need to keep your fan running because “white noise” helps you sleep? Have you ever tossed and turned because you were too hot, or too cold? What about the barking dog or the cat that jumps onto your bed – have they ever disrupted your zzz’s? Most of us recognize that our sleep environment can greatly affect how (and if) we sleep, but are you doing everything you can to make your bedroom a sleep haven?

Learn about the do’s and dont’s of the sleep environment and then get tips for making a healthier sleep.

Noise

Noises at levels as low as 40 decibels or as high as 70 decibels can keep us awake. That means that a dripping faucet can steal your sleep, as well as the next door neighbor’s blaring stereo. But the absence or presence of a familiar noise can have as great an impact on your sleep as out-of-the-ordinary noises. Studies show that sirens and traffic noise from a city street can actually become soothing to longtime city sleepers (they will cringe at the thought of sleeping in the serene desert or mountain climate) just as the absence of the tick, tick, tick of your favorite clock while you try to sleep at a hotel can become a sleep stealer.

Try to block out unwanted sounds with earplugs or use “white noise” such as a fan, air cleaner or sound conditioner. Take your favorite clock with you when you travel in order to recreate familiar sounds that help you sleep.

Temperature

In most cases, temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit and below 54 degrees will disrupt sleep, but even sleep researchers fail to agree on the ideal temperature for sleep. The point at which sleep is interrupted due to temperature or climate conditions varies from person to person and can be affected by bed clothes and bedding materials selected by the sleeper. In general, most sleep scientists believe that a slightly cool room contributes to good sleep. That’s because it mimics what occurs inside the body when the body’s internal temperature drops during the night to its lowest level. (For good sleepers, this occurs about four hours after they begin sleeping.)

In general, sleep scientists recommend keeping your room slightly cool — Turning the thermostat down at night in cold weather sets the stage for sleep and saves on fuel bills. Blankets, comforters or electric blankets can lock in heat without feeling too heavy or confining. Or the heat-seeking partner might dress in warmer bedclothes while the warmer partner might opt not to wear sleep clothes or bed covering. A room that’s too hot can also be disruptive. In fact, research suggests that a hot sleeping environment leads to more wake time and lighter sleep at night, while awakenings multiply. An air conditioner or fan can help, and a humidifier can provide relief if you’re suffering from a sore throat or dryness in your nose.

Light

Much of our sleep patterns – feeling sleepy at night and awake during the day – are regulated by light and darkness. Light – strong light, like bright outdoor light (which is brighter than indoor light even on cloudy days) – is the most powerful regulator of our circadian rhythms , or biological clock. The biological clock influences when we feel sleepy and when we feel alert. As a result, finding the balance of light and darkness exposure is important. Bright light helps to keep you awake during the day, but in the evening prior to sleep, bright lights can be disturbing.

Make sure to expose yourself to enough bright light during the day. Find time for sunlight, or purchase a lightbox or light visor to supplement your exposure to bright light. At bedtime, think dark: a dark bedroom contributes to better sleep. Try light blocking curtains, shades or blinds. If you find yourself waking earlier than you’d like, try increasing your

Exposure to bright light in the evening. It may delay sleep onset but as little as one to two hours of evening bright light exposure may help you sleep longer in the morning. Also, make sure to avoid light if you wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. Minimize light by using a low illumination night light.

Sleeping Surface

For the most part, we know people sleep better when horizontal and not cramped by space, and it is clear that the sleep surface plays a role in getting a good night’s sleep. For example, tossing and turning on a lumpy 20-year-old mattress that doesn’t provide support for your back or neck can impede you from getting the sleep you need and make you very sleepy (and stiff) the next day. Mattress experts say that too often consumers believe that ultra-firm mattresses are good for them, but research on patients with back pain found this was not true and a more supple, comforting mattress may lead to better sleep.

Give yourself enough space to sleep. If you share a bed with a partner, make sure it is large enough to give both of you room to move around. Replace an old mattress with a new one, and choose a pillow and mattress that fits you best (soft, firm, thick, thin?) and will be comfortable throughout the whole night. Consumer Reports recently found that consumers who spent 15 minutes or more testing each mattress at the store were more likely to be happy with their purchase. When choosing pillows, find the shape and construction that supports your head and neck and that you find most comfortable. And change your pillows regularly. If you have allergies or asthma, you may also wish to purchase hypo-allergenic covers designed to protect from possible allergic triggers such as dust mites.

Other Factors for a Healthier Sleep

Bed partners with sleep disorders can negatively impact your sleep. Have you ever been kept awake by your partner’s snoring? Or been jolted out of a sound sleep by your partner’s restless movements?

If so, you’re not alone. According to the National Sleep Foundation’s 2005 Sleep in Americapoll, 67% of respondents reported that their partner snores, 27% said their intimate relationship was affected because they were too sleepy, and 38% said they have had problems in their relationship due to their partner’s sleep disorder.

Start off by talking to your partner about the problem. If he/she has not sought treatment for a potential sleep disorder, encourage them to see a doctor. Consider ear plugs if snoring prevents your sleep. Try to create a sleeping arrangement that is comfortable for both you and your partner. Keep the lines of communication open.

TVs, computers, and work in the bedroom are sleep stealing culprits. NSF’s 2005 Sleep in America poll found that 87% of respondents watched TV within an hour of going to bed at least a few nights a week. Doing work, watching TV and using the computer, both close to bedtime and especially in the bedroom, hinders quality sleep. Violent shows, news reports and stories before bedtime can be agitating. The sleep environment should be used only for sleep.