We live in a body-conscious world where exercise lies at the core of almost all everyday activities. However, even with all the benefits associated with being regularly active (be it brisk walking or weight lifting), for many people exercise has become more of a here and there routine.
While fitness trainers blow the whistle on short-lived over exercising (people’s attempt to rev their fat burning and speed up weight loss), medical experts say, lack of sleep is to blame. If we consider our hectic pace of lifestyle (the need to get more done in a day), we are indeed not getting enough sleep. And the scary fact is that lack of quality sleep is linked to increased risks of cognitive disorders and even cancer.
I am not here to pummel you with medical statistics, but to put lack of sleep into perspective, it’s like a series of rear-end crashes. Your body simply does not have enough downtime to restore its energy supply. Less energy means less exercise. Also, your body needs to compensate for the low levels of dopamine and serotonin and it does so by craving foods high in fat and sugar. The outcome – you gain weight instead of losing it. So I urge you, put getting seven to eight hours of shut-eye at the top of your to do list. Remember, you snooze, you lose (fat that is).
Now, the question of the hour is, how to combat poor sleep? The key is to find the cause. Is it an iron deficiency or have you been overloading your stomach with junk food at dinner time? Or maybe it’s work-related stress and a cramped daily schedule. While all these are surely to blame, have you ever considered that it actually may be your bedroom, and in particular, your bed and mattress that are the culprits to not getting a full, restful night’s sleep?
The bedroom, although the one room we spend one-third of our lives in, often gets the cold shoulder when it comes to decorating and investing in quality furniture. You certainly wouldn’t go cycling or sprinting without the right equipment, so why not gear up your secret getaway with the right modern bedroom furniture.
The right mattress and bed frame do matter when it comes to getting restful sleep. Style wise, it’s all about personal choice, however, there are certain components that are fundamental and universal. First off, the single most important piece of modern bedroom furniture – the mattress. The right type and support will make a huge difference in the quality and quantity of sleep your body receives. Take the time to research all available options and understand the terminology so you can make the best decision.
The Mattress
A memory-foam mattresses moulds to the shape of your body and absorbs movement. Latex mattresses are a crossover combining features of the memory foam and innerspring. It provides good support and reduces pressure points. Innerspring mattresses feature coils individually wrapped in cushioning and is by far the most popular choice as it offers a good support for a reasonable price. Once you have selected the type of mattress, the next thing to decide on is the support – soft, medium or firm. Remember, the just-right support will balance out your body weight, and the wrong one can lead to back pain.
Besides the type and firmness, the mattress material matters as well. Synthetic blends cost less but do not offer good insulation nor allow the air to circulate. Also, synthetics cannot regulate your body temperature nor wick away sweat. Natural materials on the other hand, keep you cool during summer and warm during winter. Hence, to ensure utmost comfort, choose a mattress made with either cotton, wool or latex. That is of course, if it’s within your budget range.
The Bed
The next piece of modern bedroom furniture on the agenda is the bed frame. Choose the type that fits your sleeping habits and needs. For example, if watching TV or reading a good book is part of your bedtime routine, it’s best to consider an upholstered or the French-style bed frame. If you want something sturdy yet romantic, a brass or wrought iron bed frame is the way to go. Modern platform frame styles in general do not require a box spring (thanks to the improvements in the construction and height of mattresses) and are the perfect choice for low profile and compact contemporary bedrooms.
Competing with the bed frame as the second most important in creating a soothing environment are nightstands. Although these furniture pieces do not directly impact the quality of sleep your body needs every night to rejuvenate, they do serve their purpose. Aside from having a landing pad for your book, reading glasses, cell phone or a glass of water, nightstands can be a great help when in need of extra storage space. Do consider height and surface area to make sure they function well for you. Also, think beyond the expected and accessorise these spaces. A classic lamp, framed art or something sculptural will go a long way in creating a soothing and serene sleep environment.
The Final Touches
Finally, there is one more thing to consider that does not fall on this modern-bedroom-furniture list yet helps create a restful environment – bedding. Higher thread count does not mean extra comfort (although the bedding industry wants you to believe so). Simply choose sheets that feel soft against the skin and are made of cotton. Cotton is more breathable and offers better moisture absorption than satin.
Promote relaxation where you need it most and make your bedroom the peaceful sanctuary where you can escape from anything and everything life has chosen to throw your way. Planning your bedroom and investing in quality furniture can help you build the just-right space that does not work against you when it comes to quality sleep. After all, sleep is free, so grab all you can get.