Category Archives: Sleep Research

Spotlight on King Koil Orthopaedic Mattresses

Founded by Samuel Bronstein in 1898, King Koil has for over a century manufactured the highest-quality beds and mattresses in the market today.  One of the leading Orthopaedic Bed brands in the world, King Koil produces some of the most advanced Spinal Comfort mattresses and is the only brand endorsed by the International Chiropractors Association for the support its mattresses provide.

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Is Your Bed a Pain?

Did you wake up this morning with aches and pains? Well, you’re not alone. Recent research by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) found that nearly one in three people experience back and neck pain after a night’s sleep. The survey also found that one third (33 per cent) of people only change their mattress once every ten years, despite recommendations by The Sleep Council to do so every seven.

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Christmas Sleep Tips for Children

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads…’

‘The Night Before Christmas‘ by Clement Clarke Moore is a favourite story in our home. Truth be told, it’s part of the overall strategy in helping the little ones get to sleep. Such is the excitement about Santa coming, bedtime routines can prove difficult at this time of year.

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What’s Your Ideal Bed of the Future?

It’s fair to say we all love our beds. Given that we spend a third of our lives in them we want to make sure they offer us the best possible comfort and support. Not just determined by the layout of our bedroom and the space we have available, our bed choices are influenced by our design preferences and lifestyle aspirations.

However, have you ever wondered what your ideal bed of the future might look like? (Image courtesy of The Sleep Council)

Bedroom of the Future

The latest research from The Sleep Council found that people in Northern Ireland have a very clear idea of what their bed and bedroom of the future looks and feels like.

  1. 46% say they’d like to see self-cleaning / bacteria resistant materials i.e. mattresses with self-sterilisation systems in the bedroom of the future
  2. 38% would like heat/humidity adaptive materials i.e. mattresses that heat/cool in response to conditions
  3. 35% would like a Smart Bed which monitors your vital statistics as you sleep i.e a bed that can warn you if you have an infection, an oncoming cold or if you are about to have a heart attack etc
  4. 30% would like seasonally adaptive lighting i.e. lights that turn on during the darker winter months to help you wake up in the morning

Our Choice of Beds for the Now! 

Self-cleaning / bacteria resistant beds sound amazing, but did you know that right now such a bed actually exists? Part of Respa’s Physiotech Collection of Beds and Mattresses, the Respa Exhilar8 Divan Bed  incorporates Sleepfresh Technology and Purotex Active Bed Cleanser and Allergen Control to create a cool, fresh and hygienic sleeping environment.

Mattresses that heat/cool in response to conditions are not just a thing of the future as can be seen in the Kaymed Gel Miami 2000 Pocket Gel Divan Bed. Incorporating K3Gel – an innovative technology that provides the pressure relief of visco elastic – this bed is clinically proven to Sleep 3 Degrees Cooler than a standard foam bed. What’s more, the K3Gel cubes contour to the body, Soothing and Reviving Tired Bodies.

Whilst we can’t promise a Smart Bed to monitor your vital statistics when you sleep we can recommend the Respa Flotation Comfort Electric Bed.   This luxurious adjustable bed enables Independent Adjustable Sleeping Positions to offer Relief for Sufferers with Back or Joint Problems. What’s more, this luxurious pocket sprung and memory foam electropaedic bed is on special offer right now at Dalzells!

Seasonally adaptive lighting in the bedroom? Well, we predict that that’s not so very far away. Why not pop over to our sister site armaghelectrical.com and chat with our team there – they’d be the people in the know !

What to do next

We at Dalzells like to think we’ve got our fingers on the pulse when it comes to new bed technology. Stocking 500+ beds from leading brands Respa, King Koil, Kaymed and Staples, we’ve a great selection of beds and mattresses that could be part of your future! Our expert staff are on hand to offer advice on choosing what suits your individual circumstances best and as a Sleep Council accredited retailer, you’re guaranteed quality, independent advice about choosing the right bed for you. Located in Markethill, Co Armagh, we’re a family owned business with a set of business values you’d like to expect but don’t always get nowadays. Conveniently positioned near to Newry we are a short drive from major towns and cities across Northern Ireland, including Lisburn and Cookstown. In addition to our Free Delivery and Free Collection & Recycling of Your old Bed service in Northern Ireland and Counties Louth, Dublin and Monaghan, we’ll also unpack and set-up your New Divan Bed in a room of your choosing and dispose of all the packaging. Call us on 028 3755 1260. Contact us by Email, or why not Visit in-store today!

*Delivery throughout the rest of Ireland available at Highly Competitive Rates

 

Celebrate National Sleep In Day with a Lie In!

As a parent of small children it’s not often I get a chance of a lie-in but with next Sunday, 27th October marking National Sleep In Day – the day that we can turn back our clocks by an hour – you never know, it might just happen!

Northern Ireland Sleep Habits

According to a major report published by The Sleep Council, the average person in Northern Ireland has less sleep than the rest of the population in the United Kingdom averaging just 6hrs 19 minutes of sleep per night.

Some 46% of people reported that worry or stress was keeping them awake at night, and scarily, 26% have used alcohol as a remedy to help them get to sleep.

So how do we ensure we get that all important sleep, never mind that all too precious lie-in?

Top Tips on Getting a Lie-in

  • As National Sleep In Day falls at the weekend we can justify turning off those alarm clocks next Sunday morning and allow our bodies to wake naturally. If you’re getting enough sleep, you should wake up naturally without an alarm. If you need an alarm clock to wake up on time, it may be that you need to go to bed earlier.
  • Turn off gadgets and phones so you have no background stimulation to interfere with your sleep. Many people also rely on the alarm clock on their mobiles to wake them up – make sure it’s turned off just in case!
  • If you have blackout blinds or curtains it’s best to have them closed tight and drawn to prevent daylight from seeping through. Even a little bit of morning light can wake the drowsiest of sleepers.
  • Is your bed preventing you from having a good night’s sleep? If your bed is too hard, or too soft, it might be stopping you from experiencing a deep slumber. Not sure if your bed is giving you the proper support? Take the Bed M.O.T. and find out.
  • With the colder nights coming back we’re tempted to turn up the thermostats to keep the chill out. Temperatures around 12-13°C (53-55°F) are usually too cool to be able to drop off. Conversely, anything over 24°C is more likely to cause restlessness. Bedroom temperatures should be between 16-18°C but if you you like your bed to be a bit warmer why not try an electric blanket to take the edge off – cheap to run too!
  • Of course you can always layer up your bed with duvets and pillows for extra snuggly comfort. Or dig out those bed socks and keep your feet from feeling the autumn chill!
  • Avoid alcohol the night before. Not only will it  interrupt your sleep later in the night but it will play havoc with sleep patterns.

 

What to do next

Dalzell’s is a Sleep Council accredited retailer so our staff are always on hand to offer advice for those who wish to buy a new bed or mattress. Situated in Markethill, we’re convenient to most major towns and cities across Northern Ireland. Positioned halfway between Armagh and Newry, we’re but a short drive from Dungannon and Portadown. Even if it’s not convenient to Visit us in-store, our online shop armaghbeds.com features many of our extensive range of beds and mattresses for you to shop from the comfort of your home. You can always telephone us 028 37 55 1260 or Email us if that’s how you prefer. With Free Delivery throughout Northern Ireland you can rest assure that you’ll get a great deal and excellent customer service from our family run business. What’s more, we also provide Free Collection & Recycling of your Old Bed when we deliver your new bed or mattress. This great Free Delivery and Free Recycling Service is extended further to our customers in Counties Louth, Dublin and Monaghan with very competitive rates throughout the rest of Ireland.

 

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Sleeptember Slumbers

As Sleeptember draws to a close we reflect on some of the key sleep facts The Sleep Council has shared with us during this month long campaign dedicated to helping people get a healthy night’s sleep.

Key Sleep Facts

  1. Sleep is essential for health and wellbeing. Without it we’re moody, irritable, prone to infections and we don’t look or feel good!
  2. For the average person who needs 8hrs sleep, losing even 1hr can lower IQ by 1 point the next day.
  3. Performance in sport or creativity can be improved by as much as 20% after a good night’s sleep.
  4. The average Briton goes to bed at 11.15pm & gets just 6 hours 35 minutes sleep per night.
  5. Lack of sleep can make you fat! It fuels junk food habit by changing our brain function to stop us making smart choices about food!

Is your bed fit to sleep on? 

We spend one third of our lives sleeping yet we don’t pay enough attention to what we do it on!  Many people don’t realise that it could be their bed that is preventing them from getting a good night’s sleep.

Changes in our lifestyle and the quality, care and amount of use our beds get impact on whether we need to think about buying a new bed.   Factors such as getting married, moving to a new home, losing or gaining weight and our age can affect the level of comfort and support our bed provides. How we use our beds and the length of time we spend in them e.g. reading, watching television or the occasional use of a spare bed can be the deciding factors in choosing a new bed.

Sleeping in a bed that no longer provides the proper support or comfort can affect the quality of our sleep. Four out of five adults (80%) will experience back pain at some stage in their life and a recent American study found that 63% of back sufferers felt an improvement after sleeping on a new bed.

A new bed is important for a good night’s sleep! With the Sleep Council recommending that we change our beds every seven years, it’s worth making time to take the Bed MOT (Mattress Obsolescence Test) to see if your bed fits the bill.

 

What to do next

With over 500 beds in stock including leading brands Kaymed, Dorlux, Respa, Myers, Staples, King Koil and Slumber Night our staff are also on hand to provide expert advice on choosing a new bed. You can buy with complete confidence at Dalzell’s and what’s more, we provide a Free Delivery service and Free Collection and Recycling of Your Old Bed throughout Northern Ireland and Counties Louth, Monaghan and Dublin, with highly competitive rates across the rest of Ireland. Located in Markethill, just off the A28 between Armagh and Newry, we are just a short drive from Belfast and easily accessible to Dublin from the M1.  No time to visit, no problem! You can place your order and gain expert advice from our experienced team over the phone on 028 3755 1260 or even by Email.

 

Health Benefits of a Good Night’s Sleep

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.

  1. Establish a bedtime routine by going to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Avoid alcohol, caffeine or high-sugar content drinks as they can lead to over stimulation and prevent you from getting those all-important snoozes!
  5. Create a relaxing sleep environment in your bedroom. Turn off game consoles, TVs, mobile phones or any other distracting technology devices.
  6. 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.

 

New Mum Sleep Tips

As the world waits with bated breath on the new Royal baby, those of us who’ve been there before know only too well what those first few weeks of sleepless nights are like when a new baby arrives. No doubt Kate will hear the oft-quoted phrase ‘Sleep when the baby sleeps’ numerous times in the days and weeks ahead.

However, if you feel you’re really not getting enough sleep, feel low, agitated or simply unable to cope or enjoy those first precious moments with baby, it’s essential to get more sleep, or at least more rest.

Signs of sleep deprivation

Some of the signs that we are sleep deprived include being unable to get up in the morning when the alarm goes, feeling groggy all day, short tempered and maybe snapping at the children or your partner, or simply being unable to concentrate on anything.

If you are feeling very tired however, even after your baby has started to sleep through the night – or if you just can’t get to sleep – you should talk to your doctor or other health professional about possible causes and how to improve your sleeping pattern.

Dr Chris Idzikowski, director of the Edinburgh Sleep Centre, explains ‘If you’re not getting enough sleep, the sleep you do get becomes more intense in order to help compensate. When you do get the chance to drop off, your body knows getting the two hours of deep and restorative sleep it needs is a priority, so that will come first in your sleep cycle.’ Yes, you’ll still feel tired the next day, as your natural sleep cycle is being disrupted by the demands of your new baby, but at least you can rest assured knowing your body is doing its best to cope and keep you functioning as well as it can.’

Tips for getting more sleep

  1. It’s true what they say, you need to sleep when the baby sleeps. If at all possible take some time out and rest during the day. This will not only lessen the effects of sleep deprivation, it will also help improve quality of your sleep, when you get some!
  2. Try and go to bed a bit earlier. Maybe your partner or a relative could help out what that last nappy change or soothing a colicky baby. Even if you find you can’t nod off earlier, try and do something relaxing for half an hour beforehand, such as reading a book to help you relax.
  3. Try and establish a good bedtime routine. From having all your nightly baby paraphernalia organised for the night ahead, to having a relaxing bath to soothe the body and mind.
  4. If you can, share the responsibility of getting up in the night with your partner. Take alternate nights or weeks. If grandparents offer to help out with other children, accept all invitations readily!
  5. Try and build some exercise into your daily routine. Time is a very precious thing to new mums and it’s difficult to find time to build in exercise, especially when you’re feeling exhausted or slightly overwhelmed by the demands of a new baby. However, exercise is one of the key strategies in helping you to relieve stress and helping you to sleep more effectively as well as baby and you getting some fresh air.
  6. Keep your bedroom as clutter free as possible. We all know the amount of ‘stuff’ that parents accumulate for newborns, but where possible try and keep your bedroom as clutter free as possible so that you can relax better.
  7. Avoid sedatives such as sleeping pills and alcohol to help you sleep. The effects are usually short-term, they can have counter effects, and sustained use can lead to dependency.
  8. Make sure your bed, mattress and bedding is giving you the right support and comfort levels to help aid sleep. A good supportive bed can make all the difference to getting a good night’s sleep. Extra pillows or a back support pillow might also help during nighttime feeds.
  9. Finally, don’t get stressed about lack of sleep. Those first few months with baby are precious times and winding yourself up about sleepless nights will only exacerbate the situation. Allow yourself time to just rest and enjoy your new baby.

 

 

 What to do next 

At Dalzell’s we know only too well how lack of sleep can disrupt family life. With over fifty years of bedding expertise we’ve met many sleep deprived mums and dads over the years who have come to us looking for advice on buying a new bed.  Our expertly trained staff are happy to advise on all types of beds and mattresses that will help new parents get some well-earned kip. With over 500 beds in stock we have a wide range to choose from. Stocking leading bed manufacturers Respa, Myers, Staples, Kaymed and King Koil, among others, we’re confident you’ll find the right bed and mattress for you. Conveniently located between Armagh and Newry we’re a short drive from Lisburn and Belfast. What’s more, with Free Delivery* and Free Collection and Recyling of Your Old Bed throughout our Free Delivery Zone of Northern Ireland and Counties Dublin, Louth and Monaghan, there’s one less thing to worry about in those early days. Not only that, but we’ll we’ll also unpack and set-up your New Bed and Mattress in a room of your choosing and dispose of all the packaging, leaving mum and dad more time to relax and enjoy baby’s first few weeks.  Time being precious and no time to visit, no problem! You can view our extensive collection of beds and mattresses online at Armagh Beds.com any time day or night! Email, or simply Call us on T: 028 3755 1260 where our staff are on hand to answer and questions you may have.

*Delivery throughout the rest of Ireland available at Highly Competitive Rates

Don’t Let Stress Steal Your Slumber

 

According to The Sleep Council’s Great British Bedtime report, the economic downturn has meant that many people are too anxious to sleep. The report found that 47% of the respondents to the survey said that stress or worry was keeping them awake at night:rising to 54% of women, compared to 40% of men.

Jessica Alexander of The Sleep Council said: “A good night’s sleep can be affected by everything from stress at work or money worries to more practical considerations such as a bedroom that is too hot or cold, or an uncomfortable bed.

“We know from past research that, as a nation, stress levels rise during periods of economic uncertainty and this can have considerable impact on our sleeping habits – as it clearly is doing now.”

Stress can make it difficult for people to fall asleep and to stay asleep, thereby affecting the quality of sleep.

Why we need to sleep

Sleepless nights contribute to a low immune system and can be to be blame for constantly catching colds and bugs. People who sleep less might also weigh more as they have reduced levels of leptin, the chemical that makes you feel full and increased levels of ghrelin, the hunger-stimulating hormone.

Prolonged lack of sleep can also make us more irritable and anxious: getting a good night’s sleep can boost our mental wellbeing. Studies have also shown that people who usually sleep less than five hours a night have an increased risk of having or developing diabetes.

Relaxation Tips to Help Relieve Stress

Relaxation can help to relieve the symptoms of stress. Not only can relaxation help calm us down but it can also help us take a step back from a stressful or worrying situation. The NHS has also produced a very useful guide on stress relieving relaxation techniques, which you might find helpful.

  1. Practise deep breathing and deep muscle relaxation in a quiet and comfortable place where you won’t be disturbed.
  2. Try and give your mind time to calm down before you try to sleep.
  3. Read a book, which will help relax the  body and tire your eyes.
  4. If you’re concerned about something, try and write your worries down in a notebook.
  5. Try and keep a regular bedtime.
  6. Cut back on caffeine and alcohol.
  7. Ensure your bed and mattress are giving you the right comfort and support levels to aid better sleep.

What to do now

If you are concerned about your health, consult your GP or see medical advice at the earliest convenience. At Dalzell’s we have expert staff on hand to advise on choosing the right bed and mattress to aid better sleep. With over 500 beds and mattresses in stock including orthopaedic and memory foam beds, we’re confident that you’ll find the right bed to meet your needs. We recommend you visit us in-store so you can try out a range of different beds, or if you’re short for time, why not give us a call T: 028 3755 1260 or email us where our staff will be only too happy to advise you on what best suits your circumstances. Just a short drive down the M1 from Belfast, and conveniently located to Newry, Armagh and Lisburn, Dalzell’s of Markethill is your local, friendly independent bed and mattress retailer. What’s more with Free Delivery* and Free Collection and Recycling of Your Old Bed throughout Northern Ireland, and Counties Monaghan, Louth and Dublin, in the Republic of Ireland, you’ll know you’re getting the best deal, at thr right price. Not only that, 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