Getting enough sleep, and getting enough quality sleep, is mighty important for our health and well being. It’s one of the most essential things we crave day-to-day and having a good sleep space to drift away on can make or break the cycle.
According to the Sleep Council, 40 percent of the UK population suffer with sleep issues which could be down to a multitude of reasons. For example, your lifestyle may be keeping you awake at night, your duvet is making you hot or your bed isn’t quite up to scratch so it doesn’t give your body the support it needs. And, with the warmer weather now upon us, you may have noticed these issues have become more prevalent than ever.
To help address these concerns, we’ve teamed up with U2 Sleep who have spent the past three years developing their own bedding innovations to ensure we get an undisturbed night’s rest. We get the lowdown on how to improve the quality of sleep and how to sleep more comfortably.
1. Make sure your head is correctly supported
Sleeping on a pillow which is too flat, too tall, too soft or too hard is pretty common amongst households, and is something which certainly isn’t a one-size-fits-all. On average, we keep using our pillows for a little over three years, which is a long time if it’s not quite right for you. Imagine how much stress and discomfort that puts your neck under, too, not to mention the increased likelihood of mites and other gremlins living in there.
This issue is tackled head on with companies, such as the likes of U2 Sleep, who have developed the Stop Tossing & Turning Pillow – a unique memory foam pillow – which aligns the spine and adjusts to the sleepers preferred height thanks to a removable layer.
2. Check that your mattress is keeping you aligned
If you’re waking up with stiffness, aches or pains, or notice you sleep better in other beds, then you know it’s time to be out with the old and in with the new. A mattress is a big investment but they are the foundations of a good night’s sleep so are worth every penny, if you choose the right one. A comfortable bed will save you from fatigue and irritability for the rest of the day, and will be one you look forward to slumping back into.
A memory foam mattress, such as the U2 Tossing & Turning Mattress, will help to reduce pressure on the body and support your head, neck and backbone in the correct alignment.
3. Top your old mattress
If you don’t quite have the budget for a new mattress, then a mattress topper will help to make your bed much more comfortable and will help to extend its life, too. A mattress topper works by adding an extra layer of cushioning, which will be a welcomed change if you are suffering from any aches or pains. They’ll also protect the mattress from any stains and, dare we say it, bed bugs and other nasties.
4. Adjust your duvet with the seasons
You may be comfortable with your pillow and mattress, but having the right duvet for the seasons is just as important to get right. The change in seasons is responsible for the varying temperatures inside the home which will affect the quality of your sleep if not regulated. In general, you’ll need to look out for the difference in tog.
For a summer duvet, you’ll need an option between 1–4 tog; for a winter duvet, you’ll want to look out for 10.5–15 tog. Or, you can opt for an all-seasons duvet, to keep it nice and simple.
5. Sleep comfortably when you're on the move
If you find yourself falling asleep on long distance journeys in the car, on the train or on a plane then your body will thank you for the gift of a cradling pillow which supports your heavy head. Travelling can put a tremendous amount of strain on the body because not only is there a lot of take in in quick succession, but you could also be sat down hunched up for long spells.
Taking a good pillow with you is an option, especially if it’s a pillow which can be reduced in size – just like the U2 Pillow which can be taken out with the U2 Pillow Capsule to reduce its size by up to 80 per cent – so you can always find some level of comfort, wherever in the world you are.
6. And keep your lifestyle in check
Modern life is typically fast-paced and is one where we are constantly bombarded by information to process; from what we consume on the television to religiously checking emails, and then juggling everything that’s going on at home and in the office. It’s a lot to take in every day, so our minds go into overdrive.
However, there are a few simple ways to adjust your lifestyle to encourage a better night’s sleep. This includes; setting out and maintaining a regular bedtime routine, switching off any tech a few hours before bed time and avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine before it’s time for bed.
About U2 Sleep
U2 Sleep has been developing bedding innovations to help you sleep better for the past three years. They are passionate about introducing a completely new sleeping experience which will help to reduce sleep-turning times by up to 20 per cent, based on their breakthrough designs.
The campaign launches on Kickstarter at 10:00 AM PDT 18 June 2020.