AtHomeWithSarahBeenyAutumn2016 - 109

SLEEP EASY ▲ T he average person spends a third of their life asleep - so it's important to snuggle down in the best possible bed each night. But with most people juggling busy lives and strict budgets, the important decision of buying a bed can end up being rushed or guided by bargain prices. We spoke to expert Lisa Artis of The Sleep Council (www.sleepcouncil. org.uk) to get specialist advice on finding the perfect bed. I NEED A NEW BED BUT I HAVE A TIGHT BUDGET. ARE THERE LOWER-PRICED OPTIONS OUT THERE THAT CAN STILL GIVE ME A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP? 'There's a huge range of prices for beds, from a few hundred to several thousand pounds. It's always better to buy new than make do with second hand. Be sure that the bed you're buying is comfortable and suits your needs - take time to try out a bed, buy as big as you can and spend as much as you budget will allow. 'When deciding on A RAISED BED CAN your budget for a new BE A GREAT SOLUTION bed, consider that it will I HAVE A LOT IF YOU HAVE LIMITED last for up to 10 years. OF ALLERGIES, STORAGE AS YOU If the budget is £1,000, PARTICULARLY CAN HIDE BOXES that works out at 27p IN THE SUMMER. UNDERNEATH. a day - a worthwhile IS THERE A investment for a great SPECIFIC MATTRESS night's sleep!' DESIGNED FOR PEOPLE High life HOW DO I KNOW WHEN I NEED A NEW MATTRESS? KEY THINGS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION: WHO HAVE ALLERGIES? WORDS: AMY TARRANT, IMAGES: GETTY IMAGES, SHUTTERSTOCK MY TWO-YEAR-OLD IS OUTGROWING HER COT. HOW DO I CHOOSE A FIRST BED FOR HER, AND HELP HER TRANSITION IN TO IT? 'Some companies have beds designed specifically for children. Turn it into a special purchase, involve your child in the purchase and never use the bed or bedroom as a place of punishment. 'Silentnight's Healthy Growth range includes mattresses for a toddler's first bed made with special fibres to keep them cool and comfy and a spring system that helps to align their growing spines as they sleep.' (www.silentnight.co.uk/ babies-and-kids) I SUFFER FROM REGULAR BACK PAIN. COULD A NEW MATTRESS HELP? 'Sleeping on the wrong mattress can lead to, or worsen, back pain. If you've had your mattress for over seven years, or if you think your support needs have changed, then a new mattress may be a worthwhile investment.' 'Look for a mattress with fabric that has been treated to repel dust mites. If you experience allergies, regular cleaning and airing, plus the use of protective covers, will reduce the effect. 'Memory foam and latex mattresses can be good options for those with allergies. Look for hypoallergenic bed linen, too, to relieve symptoms.' OUR NEW HOUSE HAS SMALL BEDROOMS. DO CERTAIN MATTRESS GIVE QUALITY SLEEP IN SMALLER BEDS? 'Pocket-sprung mattresses offer good independent support, so if two of you have to share a smaller bed, this might be a good option.' I GET REALLY HOT DURING THE NIGHT. COULD THIS BE SOMETHING TO DO WITH MY MATTRESS? 'Probably not, as mattresses don't create heat and people can get hot in all kinds of beds, regardless of how they have been manufactured. But foam is a good insulator and the higher SARAH SAYS 'Sleeping well depends on comfort, so it's worth taking the time to choose your bed. You don't need to spend a fortune, though - I have never spent more than £1,000 on a bed and they have always been amazing.' Is the bed seven years old or more? Do you have enough space? Does it still seem fresh? Does it feel lumpy? Does it make suspicious noises in the night? Do you and your partner roll towards each other unintentionally? Is it sagging? Are the legs worn out? Would it be embarrassing if your neighbours saw it without its covers? Did you have your best night's sleep recently in another bed? Are you waking up more frequently feeling unrefreshed and aching? If you answer 'yes' to five or more of the above, then it's time for a new mattress. Flipping the mattress regularly can help to keep it healthy - turn it over and rotate it 180˚ at the start of each season. www.athomemagazine.co.uk OCTOBER 2016 | 109 http://www.sleepcouncil http://www.org.uk http://www.silentnight.co.uk/ http://www.athomemagazine.co.uk

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