Good sleep is essential for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The importance of sleep has been extensively researched and has been found to affect nearly every aspect of our health. It is a time when our body repairs and rejuvenates itself, and our brain processes and consolidates information learned during the day.
World Sleep Day is the perfect occasion to prioritise sleep, reflect on our sleep habits and make positive changes that will promote a healthier and more restful lifestyle. It’s worth taking a moment to consider whether your sleep setup is helping or hindering your rest.
At Harvey Norman, we know that one of the best ways to improve the quality of our sleep is to create the perfect sleep environment. While many people focus on creating a relaxing sleep environment, by reducing noise and light, or creating a calming bedtime routine, few consider the significant impact that their mattress and pillow have on their sleep quality.
The benefits of a great night’s sleep
The quality of your sleep is an essential component of overall health and well-being. Sleep plays a critical role in the repair and restoration of our body. Lack of sleep can lead to mood swings, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
Good sleep is associated with increased productivity, as well as improved performance and focus at work or school. It is essential for consolidating memories and learning new information. During sleep, the brain processes and stores information from the day, making it easier to recall and use later.
Sleep helps regulate the production of hormones that control hunger, metabolism, and stress. Good sleep plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of our immune system and helps to strengthen our immune system and fight off infections and diseases.
The importance of a good mattress and pillow
Here are some of the benefits of using the right mattress and pillow:
Improved sleep quality – The right mattress and pillow can improve the quality of your sleep, helping you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling more rested and refreshed. A comfortable sleep surface can help reduce tossing and turning during the night, leading to a more restful sleep experience.
Reduced pain and discomfort – If you frequently wake up feeling stiff or sore, your mattress and pillow may be to blame. A well-suited mattress and pillow can provide proper support for your spine and neck, reducing the risk of developing pain and discomfort. Replace your mattress every 8-10 years and your pillow every 2-3 years to ensure they provide adequate support.
Better alignment and posture – A good mattress and pillow can help keep your spine and neck properly aligned throughout the night, promoting good posture and reducing the likelihood of back pain, stiffness and other issues.
Reduced Allergies – If you suffer from allergies, your bedding can play a significant role in your symptoms. Dust mites and other allergens can accumulate in mattresses and pillows. Mattresses and pillows that use hypoallergenic materials and treatments can help reduce the risk of allergic reactions, helping you to breathe easy through the night.
Tips for choosing the right mattress and pillow
Choosing the right mattress and pillow can be a daunting task, but there are some things to keep in mind while you choose what’s right for you.
Determine your sleeping position – Different sleeping positions require different levels of support. Your sleeping position will influence the type of mattress and pillow you need. For example, if you sleep on your back, you may want to consider a firmer mattress and a flatter pillow. While side sleepers may prefer a firmer and thicker pillow and a softer mattress that can help reduce pressure points on your shoulders and hips. Your body type and preferred sleeping position determines the height of the pillow you need to ensure your spine is correctly aligned.
Consider any special needs – If you have any special needs such as back pain or allergies, ask about mattresses and pillows that can cater to those needs. For example, memory foam mattresses and pillows may provide better pressure relief for those with back pain, and mattresses and pillows made with hypoallergenic materials can help reduce allergies. If you share your bed with a partner, a mattress that minimises motion transfer can be beneficial. This will reduce disruptions caused by movement during the night. If you are a hot sleeper, look for a mattress that can regulate your body temperature and keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night. Materials like latex, gel-infused foam or air channels are known to assist with effective temperature regulation.
Test it out! – It’s important to test out different mattresses and pillows before making a purchase. The right mattress and pillow should be a perfect balance between comfort and support, conform to your body’s natural curves and distribute your weight evenly. Mattresses can be made from different materials such as latex, memory foam or innerspring and pillows can use memory foam or have different fillings including down, feathers, foam and synthetic materials. Consider your personal preferences and determine which materials are most suited to your needs. Lie down and test the mattress and pillow for a few minutes to determine which one feels best for you.
Harvey Norman is a one-stop destination for all your sleep needs. At Harvey Norman, you can find a wide selection of high-quality mattresses and pillows designed to suit your individual needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a firm or soft mattress or a memory foam or latex pillow, Harvey Norman has everything you need to get a good night’s sleep.
Extensive Range – Harvey Norman offers an extensive range of options from leading brands, providing an extensive selection to choose from and suited to every preference and budget.
Expert Advice – Our experienced team can provide specialist advice and guidance to help you find the perfect mattress and pillow to suit your sleep preferences, including firmness, material and size.
Quality Assurance – At Harvey Norman, we are committed to offering quality products that get you the best value for your money and that provide superior comfort and support for a restful sleep experience.
Harvey Norman has got you covered with a diverse range of options that cater to different sleep preferences and budgets. Check out some of our top recommendations below:
Quality materials and craftsmanship have gone into making the Chiro Approved Mattress by King Koil. With maximum spinal support, the Chiro Approved range is proudly New Zealand made and endorsed by the International Chiropractors Association and the Sensitive Choice program, making it an ideal choice for people who suffer from asthma and allergies. This range is designed and manufactured exclusively for Harvey Norman.
Arlington by Sealy Posturepedic
Proudly New Zealand made, the Arlington Mattress by Sealy Posturepedic is designed using innovative technology, with the added benefits of a hand layered Posturepedic comfort system, which is uniquely fabricated to perform over time. The mattress features temperature control and a gel-infused layer to help you achieve long-lasting comfort and a restful sleep.
The Revere Mattress by Beautyrest is made with an Alpaca fibre – a naturally hypo-allergenic fibre with excellent thermal qualities that helps to regulate body temperature throughout the night by keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The mattress is designed with an independent support technology that promotes proper sleeping posture all night long while the Aircool design enhances airflow and dissipates heat to help keep you at your ideal sleeping temperature.
Gusseted Pillows by Herrington
Endorsed as a Sensitive Choice option by the National Asthma Council Australia, this pillow is an obvious choice for those who are susceptible to dust and allergens. This pillow is also covered with high quality, piped and gusseted cotton for optimal comfort and support. This range is suited to various height and feel preferences – available options are High and Soft, High and Firm, Low and Soft and Low and Firm.
Harmony Lux – Gel Infused Memory Foam Pillows by Beauty Rest
The Harmony Lux Gel Infused Memory Foam Pillow combines the pressure relieving comfort of memory foam with the heat-absorbing support of advanced gel particles. The open cell structure and ventilated foam help to regulate your body temperature while sleeping. Proudly made in New Zealand, the pillow is available in 3 different feels – Low, Mid and Contour.
In conclusion, good sleep is a critical component of our overall health and well-being. By prioritising quality sleep, we can enhance our overall quality of life and adopt a healthier and more restful lifestyle. By providing proper support, reducing pain, enhancing comfort, and reducing allergens, a good mattress and pillow can help you get the quality sleep you need to thrive.
On this World Sleep Day, take the time to reflect on your sleep environment and consider investing in a good quality mattress and pillow to ensure that you get the restful and rejuvenating sleep that you deserve.
