Getting Comfy for National Bed Month

March is National Bed Month – a time of year when we’re encouraged to take notice of our beds, mattresses and sleeping habits. Getting a good night’s sleep has a positive knock-on effect on almost every aspect of our lives. On the other hand, sleeping badly negatively affects our energy levels, concentration and overall health.

So what helps you have the perfect night’s sleep? The Sleep Council has shared lots of useful tips, especially for National Bed Month.

Best beds

The Sleep Council recommends investing in the best bed you can afford, ideally made by a member of the National Bed Federation. At The Runnymede on Thames, we use mattresses made by Hypnos. Not only is Hypnos a National Bed Federation approved member, the company also has a Royal Warrant – a highly prized mark of approval from HM Queen Elizabeth II herself! Bigger beds are widely hailed as being best too, giving you more space to spread out and less chance of being disturbed by your partner.

Pillow talk

The average head weighs up to 5.5 kilos and the neck contains seven of the spine’s 33 vertebrae. These eye-opening facts shared by The Sleep Council certainly demonstrate just how important pillows are. A good pillow should be hypoallergenic and hold the head in perfect alignment – not too high or too low – which will help avoid neck pain and headaches. All our pillows at The Runnymede on Thames are hypoallergenic and we’re able to provide feather pillows on request to help you find your perfect fit.

Food and drink

Getting the mattress right is just the beginning. The Sleep Council recommends avoiding stimulants such as coffee, alcohol and cigarettes before bedtime. Over-eating before going to bed is also warned against. That said, there are certain sleep-promoting foods that can help you get a good night’s sleep, including chicken, turkey, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, peanuts, beans and milk. Luckily our menus at The Runnymede on Thames are well-stocked with these foods. You can also join us for a caffeine-free camomile or red bush tea in The Lounge before bed.

Perfect sleep environment

The Sleep Council says the perfect environment for sleeping includes a mild temperature, low lighting and comfortable furnishings. The ideal sleeping spot must also be relaxing, while electronic devices should be banned at least an hour before bedtime. At The Runnymede on Thames, the in-room climate control, various lighting options, dark curtains and crisp bed linens make the perfect sleep sanctuaries. We also recommend a bath with our ESPA products before bed for the ultimate pre-bedtime ritual.