According to a recent survey by mega home store, IKEA, nearly 10 percent of British adults still go to bed with a teddy bear. (Insert "awwww," here.) From the study, they also found that more than 70 percent of the surveyed adults don't get enough sleep.
The survey polled 3,000 adults and also found that more than 50 percent blamed a poor mattress for their lack of sleep. This shouldn't be surprising considering that we learned from a study conducted by Oklahoma State University and the Better Sleep Council which found that a new mattress improves sleep quality and quantity, while also decreasing back, neck and shoulder stiffness.
Mattresses aside, another issue keeping the participants up at night was worrying about work and money. Of those respondents, 10 percent checked their work emails in the middle of the night, 6 percent woke up their partner, and 26 percent tried listening to soothing music.
When trying to get a good night's rest, try following a few of these tips from the Better Sleep Council:
1. Make sleep a priority by keeping a consistent bedtime and wake schedule, including weekends.
2. Create a bedtime routine that is relaxing. Experts recommend reading a book, listening to soothing music or soaking in a hot bath.
3. Create a room that is dark, quiet, comfortable and cool for the best possible sleep.
4. Evaluate your mattress and pillow to ensure proper comfort and support. If your mattress is seven years old or older, it may be time for a new one. In general, pillows should be replaced every year.
5. Keep work materials, computers and televisions out of the bedroom.
6. Exercise regularly, but complete workouts at least two hours before bedtime.
7. If you sleep with a partner, your mattress should allow each of you enough space to move easily. A
queen mattress is ideal for two people sharing a mattress.
8. Avoid eating, alcohol, nicotine and caffeine close to bedtime. These can lead to poor sleep, keep you awake or disrupt sleep later in the night.
Oh, and of course, we can't forget about sleep tip #9: Be sure and hold on to your teddy bear extra tight. :) For more information on mattress shopping or tips on how to get a great night's rest, be sure and check out the BSC's site, or the UK's Sleep Council site.
Sweet dreams!
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