The start of September signifies many new beginnings. From children starting school, to the first signs of autumn. Did you know that it could also mark the start of a whole new sleep routine? Sleeptember, a new and exciting initiative from The Sleep Council, has been launched to remind everyone of the health benefits of a good night’s sleep. Getting the right amount of sleep not only keeps us mentally alert and ready to face the challenges of the day, it also brings many other benefits.
Sleep Facts
Majority of Britons (70%) now sleep for seven hours or less per night with more than a quarter (27%) experiencing poor quality sleep on a regular basis. And the number of Britons getting just five-to-six hours per night has risen dramatically in the past three
years: more than a third of us get by on that amount of sleep compared to 27% in 2010. (The Sleep Council’s Great British Bedtime Report, March 2013)
Getting a good night’s sleep is just as important as diet and exercise when trying to lose weight. People who shifted their sleeping pattern from less than six hours to between seven and eight hours a night put on 2.4kg less weight over a six year period. (Eastern Ontario Research Institute and Laval University in Quebec, September 2012)
A bed may have deteriorated by as much as 70% from its ‘as new’ state after 10 years. It also showed that beds as little as six years old could offer significantly less support and comfort than a new one, thanks to wear and tear not just from body weight and movement but also sweat and debris such as skin, scales, hair etc. (Research by the Furniture Industry Research Association, 2011)
One in six women acknowledged that their tiredness was caused by an uncomfortable bed. And seven out of 10 women would be prepared to pay £500 and considerably more to buy a new one. (Sleep Council ‘Sleeping Beauty’ survey, October 2011)
Ensuring a good night’s sleep
Current research indicates that we don’t necessarily need eight hours sleep: experts believe that most adults require somewhere between six and nine hours in order to feel refreshed and to function well both mentally and physically. To ensure a good night’s sleep it’s essential to follow good lifestyle habits and to eliminate the factors that are causing disturbed sleep.
- Establish a bedtime routine by going to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning.
- Try and wind down at night by doing a relaxing activity i.e. something that is not going to stimulate your brain, such as listening to calming music or reading a book.
- Incorporate some exercise into your routine earlier in the day as this will help relax the body and prepare you for the evening wind down.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine or high-sugar content drinks as they can lead to over stimulation and prevent you from getting those all-important snoozes!
- Create a relaxing sleep environment in your bedroom. Turn off game consoles, TVs, mobile phones or any other distracting technology devices.
- Ensure you are getting the right support from your bed and mattress. If you’re a couple, make sure your bed is big enough for two to sleep comfortably beside one another. Ergonomic studies have shown that couples sleep better in a bigger bed. Before trials only 15% said they would buy a larger than standard bed while afterwards, 50% said they would. (Ergonomic Pilot Study of Bed Size and Sleep Quality by ICE Ergonomics, February 1995)
What to do next
At Dalzell’s of Markethill we want you to enjoy a great night’s sleep every night. As a Sleep Council Accredited Retailer and a supporter of Sleeptember, we have compiled a comprehensive buyers guide where you’ll find lots of helpful information on choosing the right bed and mattress for you. You can place your order and gain expert advice from our experienced team over the phone on 028 3755 1260 or even by Email. Or why not Visit in-store at Dalzells, located in Markethill, just off the A28 between Armagh and Newry and less than 45 minutes drive from Lisburn. No time to visit, no problem! With over 500 beds and mattresses in stock, including leading brands Respa, King Koil, Kaymed, Staples Beds, Myers Beds you’ll be spoilt for choice. What’s more, we also provide Free Delivery and Free Collection and Recycling of Your Old Bed throughout Northern Ireland and Counties Louth, Monaghan and Dublin. We’ll also unpack and set up your New Divan Bed in a room of your choosing and dispose of all the packaging.
*Delivery throughout the rest of Ireland available at Highly Competitive Rates.
