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Bed Size Facts: The Definitive Mattress Size Chart and Bed Dimensions Guide

Instinctively, the different sizes of beds seem simple enough to understand, right? But, the truth is, picking the right size of your mattress can be much more complex than you might infer. There are tons of things that you should take into consideration. For example, does it suit perfectly in your bedroom? Is there sufficient leg room? And many more.

Purchasing a too-small mattress can be one of the biggest mistakes anyone can ever make. So, to help you make the best decisions when choosing a mattress, below are the summary of the most common measurements you can see in a store and online. By reading this guide, you’ll get a clearer picture as to what mattress suits you and your bedroom.

Small Single or Cot Dimensions

This type of bed size dimension (30 x 75) is suitable for babies and toddlers. Small single or cot mattresses, created explicitly for cribs, can work well as toddler beds as well, once our child outgrows the cot.

Small single bed size is the perfect size when you are planning to save space in a small-space room. It is slim enough to suit into very narrow spaces but still gives a realistic sleeping surface for everyone, which is a cost-effective option both in space and budget.

This type of bed size is also ideal if you have visitors coming in unexpectedly. A single or cot mattress is perfect for bunk beds, daybeds, and small sleepouts.

Twin Bed Dimensions

A twin mattress is most probably the smallest possible bed size other than a small single or cot-size mattress. Twin mattresses bed dimensions are approximately (38×75) 38 inches wide by 75 inches long.

With this bed size, some adults might find it difficult to sleep in it since it is too short. As such, a  twin mattress is ideal for kids who have outgrown their toddler beds or cribs. And those who are very much ready for a larger mattress.

Moreover, twin mattresses are perfect for those people who sleep in narrow spaces or those who share a room with a roommate or with their sibling. This type of bed size is also an excellent choice for a daybed, guest bed, or bunk bed, most especially where space is at a real premium.

The advantage of having a twin bed compared to a larger toddler bed is that it provides more comfort and convenience into account. For sure, it is common that, once a person necessitates the Twin size, more high-quality materials are being used. Therefore, more engineering centered on giving comfort takes place. It is particularly true because as people age, the more they want to consider sleeping in a comfortable bed as a necessity.

Twin XL Dimensions

Twin XL mattresses are on the same width as a regular twin has, which is 38 inches. However, it features an additional 5 inches lengthwise, yielding to 80 inches all-in-all. Surprisingly, they are around the same height as a queen or king mattress.

So if you are an adult searching for a bed that saves tons of space but is a much more comfortable choice, then a Twin XL might be perfect for you. Even if it offers a few inches more in length, but the width remains the same as a regular twin. Meaning, it can be an excellent alternative for those people living in narrow spaces.

A Twin XL is also a common bed size in college dormitories and a great option for taller kids. The best thing about this type of bed is that you can use it in a king size bed frame. So if you’re in a romantic relationship, where your partner wants a different firmness than you, having a Twin XL mattress on a King size bed frame can be a great setup, especially if you opt for two Twin XL beds.

It is because two Twin XL beds can fit perfectly alongside with each other on a King size bed frame. This is certainly true, especially for couples who are sick of the firmness or the fluffiness of having just one mattress.

Full or Double Bed Dimensions

Full or sometimes referred as a double mattress, a full-size mattress is approximately 54 inches wide and 74 inches in length. As you can see, a full-size bed is 15 inches wider than a single or twin size bed. But, both full and twin sizes are approximately 74 inches in length, which might be too short for some people.

This type of bed size is ideal for people who require more space than what a Twin bed size can offer. However, if you’re in a relationship, a full-sized bed may not be the best option for you because the fit will be extremely tight.

On the other hand, if you pets (dog or cat) or if you have a kid who sleeps next to you, you might want to think of a wider option. A full sized bed can also be great in a children’s bedroom because it provides more comfort to sit down or lie down. It will also help you avoid buying another set of bed, once your child matures.

Full (Double) XL Dimensions

Though a Full (double) XL bed may not be a common bed size, it’s one that is very versatile. A Full (double) XL bed measures 54 inches in width by 80 inches in length, making it as long as a king or queen size can be. However, it is much narrower in shape, which means it’ll fit or work well in smaller rooms.

This bed size is the perfect option if you want to have more room for your legs but don’t need extra width. That makes Full (double) XL mattresses perfect for adults or adolescents who would want a spacious room to sleep in, but do not want to sacrifice or give up their valued space in their room.

One of the best advantages of having a full-size bed is that it can provide you the maximum comfort you need without consuming the whole space in your room. And even if it is not as thin as a regular twin, Full (double) XL mattresses can fit within most bedrooms comfortably. So you will have the essential amount of space to move in your room effortlessly.

Choosing the right size of your mattress is going to be determined by a few different factors such as the overall comfort not only of your sleeping solution but to the whole bedroom as well. So, if you have a smaller room, it is best to go with a Full (double) XL mattress to leave enough space for other necessary furniture as well.

Queen Bed Dimensions

The Queen mattress dimensions are 60 inches in width by 80 inches in length, which is 7 inches wider and 5 inches longer compared to a full-size mattress. These extra inches can make all the difference regarding its comfort-ability, most especially for couples.  And even for people who sleep with their kids or pets with them, a Queen bed may be perfect for you.

Anyone who sleeps in a Queen sized bed will have more space to move around and stretch out at night with the additional inches. However, with almost 30 inches of personal space, each person still has at least 8 inches less width compared if they sleep alone in a twin bed. As such, a Queen size bed is still ideal for single sleepers.

Even though an affordable price tag and the extra space might be enticing for most couples, sharing a Queen size bed with another person can give each sleeper only a single width of space, which is probably not that ideal.

And if you have a narrow space in your room, this type of bed is not the best option for you because it takes up too many spaces than the Full or Twin, and thus, the capability to openly move around the bedroom may become limited. But if you have a larger bedroom, then this will never be a problem for you.

Olympic Queen Dimensions

An Olympic Queen size bed is not just any standard bed size. It is 6 inches wider than the Queen, making it 66 inches wide by 80 inches long, which is not something that anyone can buy from any mattress store. This type of bed size is a much better option for those who do not need something super big but want something large enough for a couple sleeping.

It will give you, and your significant other the adequate sleep you both need, with 6 inches more than what a standard Queen bed does. So if you love to sit or lie spread out, an Olympic Queen bed will give you the opportunity to do so. It will also offer you lots of closeness to cuddle and snuggle if you are into such thing.

And as for space, if you have a small-space bedroom, this might not be the best mattress for you since it will not leave that much space for your furniture or even for moving around. But if you have more space in your room, then the added width will not be an issue at all. Surprisingly, the dimensions of this type of mattress can also help with the feng shui facet as well.

Moreover, the price of an Olympic Queen bed will not differ that much than that of a standard Queen bed. But depending on the manufacturer of the bed or the kind of bed frame you go with, that is what will determine how much money you will spend on this type of mattress. Don’t forget to check the dimensions of the bed frame as well.

King Bed Dimensions

The King-size bed dimensions are 76 inches in width by 80 inches long, making it 16 inches wider than a Queen-size bed. Keep in mind that it is best not to go with this mattress if your bedroom is less than the recommended size, which is at least 12×12.

It is probably the closest a couple can come since they can have a personal space as much as 38 inches than each would have on a twin bed. As a matter of fact, two twin extra-long beds placed together are about the equal size as a king-sized bed, which is a great option that can provide a flexible adjustment for a guest room. A King-size bed is the perfect size of mattress for your preferred sleeping position.

A king-size mattress is a perfect choice for couples who want to have the maximum personal sleeping space. To be able to ensure that the king-size mattress will suit nicely into your bedroom, determine your bedroom dimensions.

Furthermore, take into consideration on how you are going to place the mattress in your bedroom. Say, for example, taking the measurements of the entrance way, doors, and stairwells so that the mattress will fit through. Aside from that, your delivery service, if possible, might be able to give you tips on how to put your new king mattress into your bedroom.

California King Bed Dimensions

Popularly known on the West Coast, a California king mattress is approximately 72 inches wide by 84 inches long, which is 4 inches narrower and 4 inches longer than a regular king. It is ideal for, tall people, couples, active sleepers, and for those sleeping with their kids or pets. Similar to the King-sized bed, it’s recommended that you should have a large room of at least 12’x12’.

For a spacious bedroom or a large bedroom, a California king-sized bed can help you fill the space and give you tons of space to catch some sleep. But keep in mind to get bedding that matches the size of the mattress. Regular king mattress sheet sets and other type linens will not fit properly in this bed size. So, when measuring the size of your bed, don’t forget to get the size of a nightstand and whether you use one or two.

Wyoming King Bed Dimensions

Wyoming King Bed is a variety of a King size bed, which measures 84 inches wide by 84 inches long. This type of King-size bed is ideal for two
persons. But if you have a toddler or a pet sleeping with you, it’s not a problem at all.

Alaskan King Bed Dimensions

Of course, not all beds are all the same. You might think that there are only 4 sizes available, but you’re completely wrong. There’s a much
wider range of bed sizes in the market today. Today, the bed sizes are available in added sizes, just like the Alaskan King Bed. There are a variety of King size mattresses, and Alaskan King bed is just one of them. It is
about 108 inches wide by 108 inches long, which is big enough for almost four people. Alaskan King mattresses are probably the biggest bed size as of today.

So, you’ll need at least a three-piece box spring to go with this bed size. You can opt to share it with your kids and even with your pets. And because it’s heavy and big, flipping and cleaning it would require a group of people.

When selecting a mattress size that will fit your needs and your family as well, there are a couple of things to remember. First of all, be sure to know the accurate dimensions of your current bed. Of course, you would not want to go for a larger option and accidentally select the same type.

Second, if you are moving, keep in mind to measure the room that you will be sleeping in because it’s awful to get a mattress that’s too big for your bedroom. You will certainly have problems around the room if that’s the case, and your room will never be aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Officials argue that along with a balanced diet and consistent exercise, sleep is the third critical element of overall health. Sleep not only preserves our physical condition but also improves our cognitive functions and boosts our ability to cope with stress. However, stress can severely affect our sleep schedule. Multiple studies show that more than half of the people report experiencing inadequate sleep or believe they don’t get enough rest. Did you know that insufficient sleep can increase the risk of being in a car accident by three times? If stress is affecting your sleep quality, it’s important to recognize how stress impacts sleep.

Missing Out on Sleep

Common factors that contribute to lack of sleep include overthinking, consuming too much caffeine, high cortisol levels overscheduling, anxiety and so on. All the factors we mentioned have something in common – stress often triggers them.

Overthinking

With today’s demanding workloads, many people take their work home. While some do it metaphorically, unfortunately, many of us also have to do it physically. Stay-at-home parents and students also experience this on a regular basis. It is just hard to let all your worries go before going to bed if you have spent an entire day troubleshooting or stressing out. Overthinking will stimulate your mind and prevent you from falling into blissful slumber. Worries can even wake you up in the middle of the night and keep you awake. This happens when you transition between sleep stages.

Caffeine

People under a lot of stress tend to consume more caffeine. For example, many people drink coffee in the morning to get them going. However, stressed people also drink big amounts of coffee to help them make it through the day. All that caffeine will not help you, on the contrary, it will only make things worse because it aggravates your stress levels. Stress paired with caffeine will severely affect the amount and quality of your sleep.

Cortisol

Cortisol is a stress hormone that has a vital role in boosting our energy levels when we need it the most. For example, cortisol levels are increased in a fight or flight situations. Similar to adrenaline, cortisol enables us to respond when we feel stressed or threatened. Chronic stress can raise your cortisol levels and disrupt healthy sleep patterns.

Overscheduling

Every person has experienced the consequences of a hectic and busy life. However, we mustn’t allow overscheduling to affect our sleep. If you have recently started pushing your bedtime back in order to get things done, over time, you will feel chronically tired. The same goes if you start getting up earlier and earlier. You need around 7 to 8 hours of sleep in order to stay healthy and function normally. Lack of sleep definitely won’t get things done, because, without it, you will be unable to focus, solve problems and even remember things. Overscheduling negatively affects students the most.

Anxiety

Anxiety is very similar to overthinking, and it can definitely wake you up or keep you awake at night. As overthinking, anxiety also stimulates the mind with threatening scenarios and worries. Not being able to find a solution or calm down will rob you of sleep and raise your cortisol levels.

First-Aid Tips for Sleep

If you find yourself regularly short on sleep, try some of the following essential sleep tips, such as maintaining a consistent sleep and wake up schedule, releasing stress or having sex.

Healthy Nighttime Habits

Sleep habits are not easy to develop, but when you start to enjoy all the benefits that come with, you will be glad you tried. To tune your inner clock, begin by going to bed and waking up roughly at the same time every day. When the routine kicks in, you will always feel sleepy at the same time in the evening, and you will fall asleep faster than usual. When it comes to waking up, soon, you won’t have to use an alarm clock to wake up for work or school.

Creating a short bedtime ritual such as brushing teeth, taking a shower, or listening to a soothing song will also help your routine kick in faster. The routine shouldn’t last longer than 30 minutes. It should consist of calming and soothing activities that will help you unwind and prepare for bed. All pre-bed activities should be done in the same order, every night.

Release Stress

When stress accumulates, you just have to release it somehow. People report that meditation and muscle relaxation usually help them the most. If you are not in meditation, create your own stress relief ritual. For some people, that can be a warm bubble bath or reading a book, while for others, the perfect method to unwind is to play with their kids and pets or watch a nice movie.

Have Sex

A favorite way for many people to relax before bed is to have sex.  Since sex with a loving partner gives you a dose of relaxing hormones, it a perfect natural stress relief aid. Apart from relieving tension and helping you unwind, sex also helps you to sleep better. Unfortunately, many people who are under a lot of stress are not in the mood for sex.

Music, aromatherapy, and a soothing environment might help setting up the perfect mood for romance. If you are both stressed, start by trading massages to loosen the pent-up tension.

Nap More Often

If nothing helps and you are exhausted, it is time to turn to power napping. It is not recommended to nap often during the day if you have troubles falling asleep at night. However, if you are sleep deprived, napping is a good way to return a bit of your sleep debt. Power napping is especially useful when you don’t have troubles to fall asleep, but you are just too busy. Napping can also increase your productivity and give you a quick boost of energy. If you are under a lot of stress, naps can help you cope with it better.

In the past, cutting-edge tools and technology for monitoring sleep, designed to accurately measure both its length and quality, were only available to doctors and those specializing in sleep studies. Nowadays, individuals can easily track their sleep habits from the comfort of their own homes with the help of sleep-tracking apps and devices that can be worn. However, can a phone app or several motion-detecting sensors worn around your wrist really substitute traditional clinical evaluations of sleep? Find out what sleep experts have to say about this issue.

An Increased Demand for Consumer Sleep Monitoring Devices

People have become more and more interested in monitoring their sleep quality. This interest aroused due to many sleepless nights an average American experience every year. Research shows that 1 out of 3 Americans occasionally suffers from insomnia and sleep deprivation. We can assume that a person who regularly has a bad sleep and feels tired and groggy during the day would like to know what is wrong and how to snooze a bit better.

As feeling unrefreshed and tired every day isn’t enough, scientists have found a link between poor sleep and serious medical disorders such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and even cancer. The mentioned health consequences of poor sleep are widely reported in news media, and people are genuinely concerned.  Due to all we have mentioned above, a demand for sleep monitoring devices has significantly increased. The concern of people who want to know if they have a sleep problem has presented a great opportunity for consumer device manufacturers. Suddenly, dozens of sleep apps and other snooze tracking devices appeared. All these products claim not only to monitor but also to improve sleep. Most tech is available to every budget because it costs as little as $20.

Differences between Medical Sleep Monitoring and Consumer Sleep Tracking Devices

Medical sleep monitoring is usually done in a controlled environment such as a laboratory. The patient must spend a full night being monitored by twenty or more sensors that record brain activity, breathing, pulse, and body movement. Typically, a device called polysomnogram is used for sleep evaluation. This device is very different from consumer products. Apart from being accurate and efficient, all recording is supervised by experts who later evaluate the results. A polysomnogram can determine how much time a person spent awake and in different sleep stages. The device also detects breathing abnormalities or abnormal movements.

Consumer sleep tracking devices usually track body movement. However, this is not enough to determine a person’s quality of sleep.

Consumer Sleep Monitors

Sleep apps and most consumer sleep monitors have an actigraphy device inside them that can track body movement. Based only on body movement, these devices evaluate sleep quality. This is based on an idea that people move less when asleep. However, snooze tracking and evaluation are much more complicated than that.

Are Consumer Sleep Tracking Devices Accurate?

Only a few out of a handful of devices have been properly evaluated in studies. In order to establish the validity of these apps and wearables, a lot more research needs to be conducted. It is very important to test consumer sleep monitors not only on healthy individuals but also on people who suffer from a particular sleep disorder such as sleep apnea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome and similar.

Snooze tracking tech that is based solely on actigraphy cannot accurately estimate sleep time. Some studies show that these apps and devices actually miss approximately two-thirds of awake time. There is no evidence that could support the claim that sleep apps can distinguish different stage of slumber such light and deep sleep or REM and non-REM sleep.

Benefits of Consumer Sleep Monitors

If sleep apps and wearables are that bad, there is no point in using them, right? Well, although they do not provide precise and accurate results, they offer a number of benefits to an individual consumer. For example, they are good for establishing a sleep routine, which is important for alleviating insomnia and its symptoms. Since most apps require keeping a little sleep diary, they are good for identifying the possible causes of a person’s sleep deprivation and insomnia. For example, an individual that has kept track of his sleep via a diary might notice certain activities or foods and drinks disturb his or hers snoozing. So rather than trying to measure the quality of your sleep, you can use these devices to figure out what is causing it in the first place. Of course, don’t expect the device to set the diagnosis.

Apart from the mentioned benefits, sleep apps and wearables also increase awareness of sleep issues among society. Its increased use shows our urgent desire to understand and improve sleep, which is something that the medical community must address. Relying on consumer apps and other snooze monitoring tech to evaluate sleep quality is a bad idea, and it will mostly lead to false results and reassurances. For example, excessive awake time may be evaluated as a disorder where no disorder exists. Many people have benign body movements during slumber or simply sleep less than the recommended 7 hours. Sleep needs and patterns are very unique, and being slightly different from the crowd doesn’t automatically mean you are ill or have to visit a doctor.

However, when you feel the consequences of your particular sleep pattern and routine, it’s time to act and make a change. If there are indications of sleep disruption (such as breathing interruptions, excessive movement or kicking, habitual snoring, etc.), if you feel sleepy during the day or if you are always tired in the morning, you should seek medical advice.

Most people recognize the significance of eating well and keeping active to stay healthy. However, it’s not as widely known that getting enough high-quality sleep is equally essential. Unfortunately, the fast-paced nature of today’s work environment and packed schedules mean that one out of every three Americans struggles with some kind of sleep problem. This results in at least a third of the population having sleep difficulties at least once a week, which causes them to wake up feeling exhausted and lethargic. So, is there a way to improve the quality of your sleep without having to turn to medication or completely revamping your sleeping space? Absolutely, there is. Grab your favorite pillow, make yourself cozy, and read on.

How Much Sleep Do We Really Need?

Before you start thinking you have a problem, think if you are getting as much as shuteye as you should. Most people who wake up tired every day don’t have a sleep problem. They simply don’t have enough time to sleep.

The only person who can determine how much sleep you need is you. It’s that simple. If you feel tired, you need more sleep. You should sleep around seven hours every night in order to feel refreshed and rested. Research shows that sleeping less than seven hours a night (paired with other factors) may result in experiencing severe health problems such as obesity, heart disease, depression and heart attack.

Apart from your age, you should be aware that factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and environment play a significant role in how much sleep you need. If you work a lot or engage in strenuous physical activity every day, you require more sleep than a person with an average schedule. Lastly, have in mind that the quality of your sleep is strongly affected by your habits.

Are You Sleepy?

The simplest way to determine if you are sleeping enough is to ask yourself if you are sleepy. If you are regularly tired, have to nap during the day, your body is loudly letting you know that you need to sleep more. If you don’t have a busy schedule and you manage to sleep seven or eight hours per night, and still wake up tired, you will definitely have a problem. Having a sleep problem doesn’t necessarily mean you suffer from a sleep disorder. It is necessary to see a doctor and find out what is messing with your sleep.

Keep a Sleep Diary

Keeping a sleep diary might help you identify your sleep problem. Also, you may be surprised when you actually start monitoring your sleep and see your snooze pattern in black and white. When keeping a sleep diary, you should write down the following:

• The time you go to bed and the hour you wake up
• The total number of hours you sleep (including naps)
• Note if you wake up in the middle of the night
• Note how you feel in the morning (refreshed or tired)

If you decide to visit a doctor, this little sleep diary will also be very valuable to your doctor. This is a simple way to gain more insight into your sleep habits.

Sleep Vacation Experiment

In order to identify your individual sleep needs, consider trying a little sleep vacation experiment. To do this, you need a week or two when you don’t have to be somewhere at a specific time in the morning, like your job. So, in order to try this out, you may need to wait until a vacation.

The experiment requires picking the same bedtime and wake up every night, and turning off your alarm. Record when you wake up in the morning.

During the first few days, you will definitely sleep longer because you are returning your sleep debt. However, after a week, you will begin to notice a specific pattern and find out how many hours of shuteye your body needs each night. For some people, that might be 7 hours, while for others 9 or more hours. Once you find out how many hours of slumber you need, pick a bedtime that will allow you to sleep enough to wake up naturally.

How to Become a Morning Person

If you can’t get up early in the morning, you should try tuning up your circadian clock. Circadian rhythm is our body’s natural snooze and wake up clock that regulates our sleep pattern. To tune your inner clock, you will need a little focus and patience, but a lot of discipline. Changing your sleep pattern and resetting your inner clock requires a lot of commitment, meaning you will have to change some of your good old habits, such as watching Netflix until 3 am.

To become a morning person, you first need to set a goal for your wake-up time and move your current wake-up time by 20 minutes each day. For example, if you typically wake up at 8 am, but you would like to get up two hours earlier, instead of eight, set your alarm clock for 7:40 am. Then move 20 minutes earlier each day until you have set your alarm for 6 am.

It is very important to go to bed when you are tired. To avoid unnecessary stimulation before bedtime, avoid watching TV or using your computer and smartphone. When your alarm goes off in the morning, you mustn’t stay in bed. Immediately get up and expose yourself to fresh air and bright sunlight. Lastly, try going to bed a bit earlier the next night. That should help you feel sleepy around 20 minutes earlier each night.

How to Wake Up in the Morning

If you can’t wake early in the morning, try the following tips. Start by using a louder alarm. If you sleep through your alarm, you have to change it. Sometimes, changing the ringtone to something irritating and setting the volume on high may do the trick.
One of the most natural ways to wake up in the morning is sunlight. Leave your blinds open to let the sunshine in and help you wake up faster.

Eating breakfast at the same time every day will train your body to expect food at a particular time and help you get prepared for it in the morning. If you have ever flown across time zones, you might have noticed that airlines often serve breakfast to help passengers adjust to the new time zone.

It is essential to keep the same bedtime routine every day, even on weekends. Staying up late on Friday night or sleeping in during the weekend will detune your inner clock. So, when you try to get up at 6 am on Monday, you will feel like it’s 4 am.

Most people usually don’t think twice about their mattresses unless there’s an issue. However, did you realize that the comfy layer of foam and springs that you snooze on every night has some super interesting secrets stashed away? You’re about to look at your mattress from an entirely fresh perspective with these odd yet captivating facts.

The Most Popular Mattress Type is Least-Liked

Around % of mattress sales in the US are innerspring mattresses. However, although they are sold the most, they are the least liked. A recent survey showed that innerspring beds have the lowest satisfaction ratings.

Only 60% of innerspring mattress owners are completely satisfied with their choice of bed. When it comes to memory foam and latex bedding, more than 80% of consumers are satisfied. Surprisingly, although water beds are not particularly comfortable nor they provide adequate support, 75% of waterbed owners are happy with their choice. The mentioned satisfaction rates have remained relatively stable for the last ten years. However, nowadays, specialty mattresses like memory foam and latex are becoming increasingly popular.

You are Sleeping with Creepy Critters

Don’t fool yourself and think you are sleeping alone. If your mattress is more than seven years old, you are sharing it with millions of dust mites. As this isn’t enough, you also sleep in their excrement.

Apart from mattresses, dust mites live almost anywhere where there are fabrics and carpets. However, their number is increased in more humid environments and places where there are people and pets. These creepy little critters are not particularly dangerous, but they can cause allergies and asthma. To prevent them from sharing your bed with you, it is recommended to get a mattress encasement or another type of bed protector.  Keep in mind that apart from your mattress, dust mites also live in pillows. It is recommended to replace your pillows at least every year and a half. If you have problems with allergies, you should replace your pillows every six months.

Your Mattress Can Be Recycled

If you are thinking about replacing your mattress, you probably haven’t considered what to do with it once you get a new bed. Instead of sending it to a landfill where it will slowly degrade for centuries, consider recycling it. As you know, recycling is a growing industry, and many states and organizations have recently started pushing the development of mattress recycling. Since many mattresses are thrown away every year, recycling them would significantly help reduce waste. For now, California, Rhode Island and Connecticut have laws that require from you to recycle your old mattress. We hope more countries will pass these laws in the future.

So, how are mattresses exactly recycled? Innerspring types can be repurposed, while beds that contain wood and fibers can be used as a fuel source. Foam and latex types can be recycled for use in padding and similar applications.

If your mattress is still in decent shape, you should consider reselling or donating it. Everything is a better option than simply throwing it away.

A Mattress is a Go-To Spot for Thieves

You have definitely heard the saying of hiding money under the mattress. Well, so have home burglars and thieves! Statistics show that home thieves will always look for hidden money and other valuable possessions under your bed.

So, if you have been keeping money under your bed, you should consider storing them in some less suspicious and safer places such as a bank. Burying money outside or in potted plants is also not a good idea. Also, sleeping on piles of cash is not good for your back.

Mattresses Were Supported By Ropes

Nowadays, our mattresses rest on box springs, platforms and other types of foundations. However, in the past, our beds were actually supported by ropes stretched across wood frames. Once you have learned this, you probably understand the meaning of the phrase “sleep tight” better. The phrase originated from a period when people regularly had to tighten the ropes of their bed. If not, their mattress would start sagging.

Mattresses Must Be Flame-Proof

In 2007, a federal law was passed that all mattresses must meet flammability guidelines in order to be sold in the United States. Simply put, all beds must be flameproof or able to withstand an open flame for 30 seconds.

The law was enacted because mattress fires were a common occurrence in the US. The main culprits for these fires were cigarettes and candles. The Consumer Products Safety Commission estimated that this mattresses meeting these requirements save more than 280 lives and 1300 injuries every year.

Apart from achieving flameproofing, mattress manufacturers also tend to use safer chemicals, fabric barriers as well as some greener bed manufacturing methods.

Mattress Dominoes is a Legitimate World Record Category

Have you ever heard about mattress dominoes? Mattress dominoes is an actual record maintained by Guinness. It involves lining mattresses and people up as you would do with dominoes and tipping one over.

The current record is 1001 mattresses and people. The record was set by volunteers in Shanghai in 2012. The American record was 850 human mattress dominoes set by La Quinta volunteers in New Orleans.

You Sweat and Shed All Over Your Bed at Night

Your mattress, apart from being filled with dust mites, is also packed with your shed skin cells and sweat. An average adult sheds more than a million of skin cells a day. Since we spend around a third of our day in bed, most of it will end up in our mattresses. We also sweat while sleeping, so our bed is filled with body fluids as well.

If you are a hot sleeper who sweats a lot, you should consider sleeping a memory foam or latex mattress that can cool your body down. Also, make sure your room is not too hot. The healthiest is to sleep in a moderately cold bedroom. To keep your mattress clean and safe protected from dust mites, sweat and shed skin, it is best to use a protective mattress cover. Bedding should also be regularly washed to keep your bed in a clean and healthy condition.

An Unmade Bed May Be Healthier

You had always been told to make your bed in the morning. Although making your bed is desirable to make your room look a little better, a study from Kingston University found out that leaving your bed unmade is a bit healthier. The study suggests that when you make your bed and cover it, you are actually trapping sweat and moisture. This is actually an ideal environment for dust mites to reproduce. To kill the critters, leave your mattress exposed in the morning for a few hours to dry out. Also, expose sheets to sunlight and fresh air half an hour before making the bed.

Since the mid-20th century, the design of bedrooms has changed dramatically. From the 1950s to today, we’ve seen notable changes, with many outdated trends and styles now behind us. Explore the evolution of bedroom designs over these years. 

The 1950s 

Pastel colors were trendy back then, including pink, mint, blue, turquoise, and pale yellow. Modern colors were also a quite common choice, such as orange, red, electric blue, black, and vibrant yellow. The goal was to create a contrast between colors. When it comes to fabrics, stars, stripes, and polka dots were a favorite bedroom option. Most bedrooms had curtains with floral prints. Chrome furniture and vinyl chairs were also a thing back then, as well as Formica tops. Most people slept on foam rubber mattresses, as it was a must-have thing in the 50s. 

The 1960s 

The 60s are associated with the rebellion and a specific home décor style. Living rooms looked much different compared to the previous decade. Pastel and modern colors were no longer a thing, and the style of furniture, chairs, and sofas was influenced by psychedelia and the hippie movement. Op art patterns became a trendy print, both inside and outside of a bedroom. Beanbag chairs and blow up furniture were quite popular as the accent was on furniture that could take the shape of the sitter. Many bedrooms also had shag rugs and lava lamps.  

The 1970s 

The 70s were characterized by corruption, recession, high unemployment rate, the lack of taste and material excess. During this decade, bigger became better when it comes to home décor, and queen and king bed sizes were very popular. The focus of the attention was on bedroom design, with campy colors and earth tones. High-tech futurism was also a thing.  

The 1980s 

During this decade, the size of the bedrooms and their number have increased a lot. Houses accommodated large furniture and electronics. The popularity of floor-sweeping drapes has increased, and everything was in a floral pattern, from sheets, pillowcases, and duvets to dust ruffles. Geometric patterns and bold colors were also widespread. 

The 1990s 

In the 90s, people tended to bring the nature inside – silk, dried, and plasticized versions of flowers, trees, and other plants were a favorite decoration option for the indoors. Wooden furniture was also trendy, especially in kitchens. Most new homes had at least three bedrooms, and they had multiple purposes, besides sleeping. The queen size mattress was the favorite choice of couples from the U.S.  

The 2000s 

During this decade, patterned wallpapers came back, as well as the feature wall, with everything from floral prints to heavy damasks. The reason is simple – it is more affordable to cover a single wall than to decorate the entire room. Living rooms were also reinvented, and they became more than just a place to watch TV with other family members. Formal living rooms served as workspaces, libraries, and game rooms. The focus was also on reducing the carbon footprint by opting for environmentally-friendly paint and other home products. The popularity of furniture made of recycled materials has also increased, and gardening took off. When it comes to bedrooms, they became personal spaces with the spa-like atmosphere for relaxation and personal retreat. Calming textures and colors were popular choices, for example, aqua, coral, and lavender, and new technologies have been invented, such as adjustable beds and memory foam mattresses. Bedrooms have become more comfortable than ever thanks to advancements in bed and mattress technology.  

At times, getting enough sleep at night can be challenging, especially when you’re alone. It becomes an issue if you have trouble falling asleep or frequently wake up during the night. As a result, you may end up feeling tired when you wake up in the morning. This problem is even more significant when you share your bed with a partner. For many couples, sharing a bed helps to strengthen their relationship. Moreover, waking up ready for the day and seeing your partner still sleeping can bring you joy. However, problems occur if your partner disrupts your sleep, whether by snoring or hogging the blankets, causing sleep deprivation.

Snoring 

Many adults snore regularly; it is a quite common problem. If your partner snores on a regular basis, you probably have a hard time getting the rest that you deserve. You should be aware that snoring can be a sign of a severe health issue, such as sleep apnea. It is a treatable condition, and it stops the breathing a few times per night. In this situation, your partner should consult his or her physician as soon as possible. Until your partner’s snoring problem is resolved, you may want to invest money in anti-snore pillows, mattresses made especially for people with this issue, or sprays that help people breathe more easily. These things can alleviate the snoring. If they are not as helpful as you hoped for, and you keep being sleep-deprived, your best option is to try earplugs. 

Different Temperature Preferences 

Many couples have different preferences when it comes to temperature. Some of them love sleeping in a warm bedroom, while others prefer resting in a cool space. Couples often have disagreements when the time for sleeping comes. Those who prefer warm surroundings tend to increase the temperature, while people who prefer colder environment tend to open the window to drop the heat a bit. If you and your partner can’t agree on the temperature, your only solution is to make a compromise – pick something between your preferences. Partners who like warm spaces can put on another blanket, while those who prefer the cold don’t have to use blankets at all.  

Different Sleep Schedules 

All of us have an internal clock that determines when to go to sleep and when to wake up. Some people prefer going to bed early, while others are night owls. If you tend to go to bed early because of the work in the morning, try your best to keep the noise to a minimum in the morning so that your partner doesn’t wake up. Be considerate and don’t wake them up just because you need to leave the house. Let them have their rest. On the other hand, if you are a night owl, you should also be considerate to your partner. If your partner gets up early, you should understand that they need to go to bed on time. If you don’t feel tired, read a book in bed with your personal book lamp until you are ready to go to sleep. Make sure you use minimal lighting. 

Different Mattress Preferences 

Another common problem that many couples have is the difference in their mattress preferences. Some people prefer sleeping on soft surfaces, while others rather choose firm ones. Luckily, there is a solution to this problem, and it is very simple – buy a mattress with two firmness options. Many manufacturers are aware of different firmness preferences of couples, and that’s why they offer a perfect solution for these couples. With these mattresses, you can make one side softer and the other firmer, so that you don’t have to disagree on the firmness anymore. They can be a bit pricey, but it is worth it as it will save your relationship. 

Before drifting off to sleep, it’s crucial to be mindful of a few precautions. Certain activities within your bedroom should be avoided as they could lead to significant dangers. To protect yourself and avoid potential dangers, find out which actions you should not engage in while in your bed.

• Don’t smoke in bed – It is one of the most important things to avoid. If you smoke in bed, you may fall asleep with a cigarette in your hand, and cause bedroom fire. Someone could get severely burned or worse in this case if you don’t wake up on time. If you feel sleepy, stay away from cigarettes until the morning. Don’t put your and your partner’s well-being in jeopardy just because you are in need of a smoke. 
• Don’t use candles in your bedroom – If you want to create a romantic atmosphere, of course, candles are allowed. They can turn the entire room into a romantic getaway. There is nothing wrong with trying to surprise your partner with this pleasant gest. However, don’t leave the candles unattended if they are lighted. If you and your partner are hungry or want to take a bath, make sure to blow out all candles before leaving the bedroom. The same applies if you are close to falling asleep. Sleeping with lighted candles is something that you should never do as you can set your bedroom or even the entire house on fire. No matter how romantic they may be, don’t forget that candles represent a potential severe danger.  
• Be careful where you place your space heater – Many people use space heaters when they are cold and want to bring up the temperature in the room a bit. It is an especially popular solution during cold winter months. When the temperature is below zero outside, you surely have the need for a warm and cozy space. Using a space heater will keep you cozy and comfortable. However, never place them near flammable items, such as mattresses. Also, you shouldn’t leave them turned on if you don’t plan to be in the same room while they are working. When you buy a space heater, make sure to read all warnings and instructions from manufacturers before using it. 
• Your baby belongs in a crib – If you are a new parent, you probably have a hard time letting go of the newborn. Most parents can recognize themselves in this, especially mothers. However, no matter how difficult it may be to spend some time apart, your baby should rest in a crib. Never let it sleep in an adult bed, as newborns can suffocate or be strangled if they get trapped between a mattress and a bed frame. It is just not worth the risk, especially when you can just put a crib a few feet from your bed. Also, if you are very sleepy, and playing with your baby on the bed, put your newborn in a crib to sleep. Don’t risk falling asleep and rolling over your newborn as you will never be able to forgive yourself in case of injuries.  
• Dispose of plastic wrapping immediately – if you buy a new bed or a mattress, it will probably arrive wrapped in plastic for its protection from potential damage during the transport. Make sure you get rid of it as soon as possible. Sometimes, adults get overwhelmed and happy because of the new sleeping surface, and they forget the dangers of plastic wrapping laying around on the floor. If you are a parent, your child can get entangled and suffocate. The same can happen if you have a pet, especially a dog that tends to chew everything it can put the paws on. If your pet swallows plastic wrapping, the chance of potential suffocation is high. Be careful and never forget to dispose of plastic wrapping properly, and in a timely manner. 

If the experience of a sleepless night is something you’re all too familiar with, you know the terrible feeling of being fully awake despite being totally drained. The challenge of nights filled with insomnia is immense. It appears that the harder you try to sleep, the more alert and unsettled you become. Thus, you end up staying awake until dawn, only to begin your day feeling weary, annoyed, and with eyes burdened by lack of sleep. Rather than spending your nights tossing and turning or staring at the clock in annoyance, why not experiment with some of our unconventional sleep advice? They could be just what you need to finally catch some z’s.

Try Your Best to Stay Awake

In order to be able to fall asleep at night, you should do your best to stay awake during the day. Also, if you have troubles meeting the sandman when you should, do the opposite of what your body and brain expects – try to stay awake.  Some psychotherapists such as Julie Hirst, claim that by doing this, you may actually trick your brain into falling asleep. Lie in bed with your eyes wide open and tell yourself you will not fall asleep over and over again. Soon, your eye muscles will get tired and your brain will kinda get bored. Everyone knows boredom is something that can definitely get you to sleep.

Squeeze all of Your Muscles

Squeezing all your muscles may seem counterproductive, but it is also a way to relax your muscles. While lying in bed, start focusing on squeezing the toes on your feet. Then squeeze your calves, thighs, butt, hands and so on. When you start going from head to toes, your breathing should stabilize and get your ready for a night of blissful slumber.

Try the 4-7-8 Breathing Technique

Many people reported that this yoga breathing trick has helped people meet the sandman in a few minutes. It is believed that the 4-7-8 breathing technique acts as a natural tranquilizer for the nervous system. It involves a lot of heavy breathing which will actually help you bring more oxygen to your brain while at the same time relaxing the tense parasympathetic nervous system.

Make Your Room Colder

You may think that a warm and cozy room is perfect for sleeping. However, our body fells the best when we are sleeping in a reasonably cool room. The perfect temperature for meeting the sandman is around 60 to 68 degrees.

Hide Your Clock

The worst thing you can do when you are fighting the insomnia beast is to stare angrily at your clock. Checking the time will only increase stress and make it harder to relax and fall asleep.

Slip on Some Socks

Although sleeping in a cool room helps you slip off to dreamland faster, sleep with cold feet actually makes things worse. So, if you can’t fall asleep, try putting on some socks to warm your feet. Shifting blood flow from your core to your extremities will help you cool down and warm up the right body parts.

Change Your Sleep Position

If you typically sleep on your back or stomach, try mixing things up and sleeping on your side or like a starfish. Switch positions until you find the most comfortable ones. Who knows, you might get tired and fall asleep in search of that perfect position.

Ban Your Phone

If you think scrolling through Facebook will help you drift off to sleep, you are wrong. The blue light emitted by electronic devices we use every day such as our smartphones, computers, tablets and laptops have a stimulating effect on our brain and actually makes it harder to fall asleep at night. Apart from stimulating our mind, blue light also prevents the release of melatonin that is crucial for regulating our snooze and wake up cycle. So, make sure you ban your phone and all other electronics out of the bedroom.

Put a Pillow Under Your Knees

If you are tossing and turning because you can’t find a comfortable position to sleep, try putting a pillow under your knees for better support. It may feel strange at first, but it will actually help you place your spine in its natural neutral position and relax into the mattress.

Review Your Day in Reverse

If worries are keeping you awake, it may be wise to get up and write everything down. Empty yourself any way you can. You can also try replaying your day in reverse in order to focus on something else. Think about the most boring things you done this day, such as what did you ate, what happened on your way home from work and similar. Remembering these insignificant details will help you clear your mind of worries.

Wash Your Face with Cold Water

Scientists say that washing your face with cold water will not shock you awake, but trigger an involuntary phenomenon called the Mammalian Dive Reflex. This reflex will actually lower your heart rate and blood pressure and relax you just enough to help you visit the dreamland faster.

When you sleep in the same bed as your partner, you also end up facing each other’s sleep disturbances. Common problems that couples encounter during sleep are snoring, restless movements, and inability to sleep. These problems interrupt the sleep of the person who is directly experiencing them and also create difficulties for the person sharing the bed. Small annoyances such as texting after the lights have been turned off or monopolizing the blankets can seem never-ending. However, even if you find yourself next to a partner who snores, takes over the blankets, or occupies more space in bed than they should, there are ways to ensure both of you can enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.

It is important to say that common nighttime disturbances are genuine sleep disorders, such as insomnia and sleep apnea. A doctor must treat these conditions. So, if your partner falls into this category, there is nothing you can do without professional help. The following practical solution should help you both have a better night sleep.

A Snoring Bedmate

This is the most common and also the most annoying sleep problem a couple can deal with. If you are not a light sleeper, earplugs may help. If you can’t sleep with earplugs, try using a white noise machine or play some calming music in the bedroom. Also, giving the non-snorer time to drift into slumber may also help. Once the non-snorer is in a deep sleep, it is less likely he or she will be awake by noise.

If you are a light sleeper and you don’t want to sleep in another room without your significant other, you should wake him up to change his position. Most people snore sleeping on their back. However, no matter how your partner sleeps, when he snores, wake him up, and ask him to turn over.

Sleeping on a memory foam mattress and using a special pillow will also help reduce snoring. If you are sleeping on an old mattress or if you use pillows that don’t provide quality support to your neck and spine, you should replace them.

If snoring is caused by nasal problems, the snorer must visit a doctor to address the issue. Excess weight and alcohol consumption can also exacerbate snoring.

Never-ending Tossing and Turning

Restless sleeping is always caused by something. It is not a normal sleep pattern. Frequent tossing and turning can be caused by stress or a sleep problem known as the Restless Legs Syndrome. Getting a bigger bed or a mattress that minimizes movement will significantly help not to disturb your partner.

A Cover Thief

This one is easy. Just cover yourself with a different set of sheets. You can use individual set of sheets, and place a big blanket over both of you.

Night Owls and Early Risers

If you or your partner or not ready to go to sleep, don’t force them to go to bed with you. Spend time in bed together before the other partner feels sleepy. Once your partner is asleep, you can get out of bed and resume other activities. If you are an early riser, also don’t force your better half to get up when you do.

Nighttime Tech Use

Your bedroom should be used only for sleep and sex. It should be an individual’s sleeping sanctuary and heaven for couples. Blue light emitted by smartphones, tablets, laptops, and TVs can significantly disrupt sleep, so it is best to remove all tech out of your bedroom. We all have a technology-saturated lifestyle, so we should at least try cutting it down before bed.

If none of the mentioned solutions work, you should consider sleeping in different beds or rooms. Spending time together right before sleep is very important for maintaining a relationship. However, that doesn’t have to include actual sleeping together. If you sleep in separate rooms, spend more time before sleep and nurture your closeness and intimacy any way you can.