Public Servant Lifestyle

How does the bed you sleep on affect your health and wellbeing?

If you suffer from sleepless nights, your bed may be to blame. An uncomfortable bed can reduce the time you sleep by up to an hour.

Did you know that you should replace your bed every eight to 10 years? After a decade's use, the average bed has deteriorated by as much as 75%. That does not make for a good night's sleep.

Sleepless Nights?

If you suffer from sleepless nights, your bed may be to blame. An uncomfortable bed can reduce the time you sleep by up to an hour. Considering the average Brit spends 2,900 hours a year in bed, that's a lot of lost sleep.

Research by the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service found that replacing your old bed with a new one will increase the time you sleep more than popping a sleeping pill would.

Bed Facts

1. Don't skimp when buying a new bed. Over ten years, £447 (the average spent on a double divan) works out at a reasonable 12p per night's sleep.

2. Ergonomic studies show that couples sleep better in a bigger bed. In fact, two-thirds of all couples are still sleeping on a standard 135cm (4ft 6in) double bed says the Sleep Council. That's less space per person than a baby has in its cot.

3. We lose over 23 gallons - that's a staggering 87 litres - of moisture a year while sleeping and up to 1lb - half a kilo - of skin, most of it in our beds. This means it's important to air out your mattress every six-twelve months and to turn it over regularly.

When buying a bed, the Sleep Council has this advice:

More information available in Your Home, Living Space