Let's face it: we don't get enough sleep. Between work, family and social lives, how can anyone find the time to get the rest they need and deserve? We run ourselves ragged day after day and when we do finally get to collapse into our beds, we find that it leaves much to be desired. An uncomfortable mattress, too little or too many blankets, a lumpy pillow and scratchy sheets can all be factors in the quality of sleep we get, so is it any wonder that so many of us are tired.
I am a bed junky. Thanks to my mom, I firmly believe in luxury linens, lightly scented with something soothing. My pillows must be fluffed just so and my blankets have to be thick and warm. I have differing preferences for each season and sheets and blankets to match, but I guarantee you that if I can't sleep, it is not because my bed is uncomfortable.
The thing is that so many people don't think about their beds nearly as much as they should. The truth is, that you don't have to short yourself on luxury quality just because your budget is a little smaller than you'd like. Here are some tips for making your bed more like the heaven all beds should be, without draining your savings.
Lumpy Mattress?
Sometimes, a simple mattress topper can do the trick. There are lots of different kinds of mattress toppers, so it's important to know what you're looking for. If you want to feel like you're sleeping on a cloud, consider a feather bed. If you're looking for firmer support that adds a little softness, consider memory foam. Look for products that are on sale during clearance events to save a ton of money. Another thing to consider is a new mattress. Set a budget and go shopping with an idea of what you're looking for. Don't overextend yourself, because that will just make you nervous, but right about now, mattress stores might be willing to work with you. See one you like? Think about making an offer.Comfy Sheets
When it comes to sheets, we all have different preferences; some like their sheets soft like flannel or jersey knit and others prefer the 1000 thread count crisp and smooth sheets. Others still like when sheets have been worn soft from use. Then, there are the truly luxury linens, which are (in my opinion) the best. The beauty part is that there are virtually thousands of sheets out there to choose from. Don't stick to one kind when you buy; try some that you think you'll like for variation and don't forget colors and patterns as well. These can really liven up your bedroom. Mattress Pad
Buy a good mattress pad, or two. These not only protect your mattress, but they can go a long way toward improving the overall comfort of your sleep experience. Mattress pads come in all different styles, so whether you're looking for a padded one that keeps you a little warmer to a softly quilted one, you're sure to find exactly what you're looking for.Give Pillows
An Overhaul. Do you like a firm pillow or a softer one. Down or feather pillows? The important thing to remember with pillows is that a lot of the ones which have a standard hypo-allergenic stuffing tend to get lumpy with washings, because the filling breaks apart into little balls. If you're looking for feather pillows, it's really important to know the difference between feather and down filled. Down is feathers, but they're the soft feathers that are used more as insulation, so they stay much fluffier than your standard feather pillows. Usually a mix of down and feathers can provide the proper support without driving you broke. They're “squishy” and soft, without being too soft. Don't forget a pillow covering for your pillow. Usually, they're called pillow protectors and they are an essential for keeping your pillows fresh and odor free.Blankets and Comforters
You need to know what your preferences are here on this one, but the fact is, you never want to have too few or too many. If you get hot easily, maybe choose a nice blanket paired up with a quilt. Down comforters are really great because they're so versatile. They aren't too heavy, so they don't sit like a weight on top of you when you're sleeping, but they insulate well while letting your body breathe. There are a lot of choices for comforter covers, which makes changing the décor in your room easy. Shop Sales
This is a rule for most luxury bedding connoisseurs. The key is to find the best sales so you can cash in on them. The day after Thanksgiving, a store by me had down comforters for 75% off. These were really nice comforters, for really, really low prices. Another way to shop for luxury bedding is to look online. There are a ton of luxury bedding sites. Most of them have limited supply of the products they're selling, but you can get them at a really deep discount. Don't forget about outlet stores. So often now, outlets carry more overstock than imperfect products. It's usually a good idea to look your product over if you're at an outlet, but most often, you'll find nothing wrong with it.
Sleep is one of the most important things in our lives. Without it, we don't feel good, function well or look good. Lack of sleep can cause everything from weight gain to confusion, and we all know how cranky a person can get without sleep, so it's a really good idea to make your bed a little piece of heaven. Just think, if you get on it now, by the time you go to bed tonight, you could be having the sleep of your life!
