Make Your Bed More Comfortable to Sleep on with These 5 Tips

Did you know that the average person spends about a third of their life in bed? Sleep is such a huge part of health and wellness, but it’s not normally given the importance it deserves. The same attitude is likewise extended to how we think of our sleeping environment.

If you’re looking to make your bed more comfortable, you’re on the right track. It may surprise you how much this simple change can help with nighttime rest, and how a great sleep schedule can improve your mental and physical fitness overall.

Remember: You deserve more than a functional mattress and discount “bed-in-a-bag” comforter sets. Sleeping on a cozy bed should be a nightly experience, instead of something you only expect on vacation at a fancy hotel or resort. 

You need to create a sleep sanctuary that will have you looking forward to sweet dreams, and an easy way to achieve this is by burning incense that’s soothing and relaxing, such as Nag Champa. Follow these five tips and get a good night’s rest every night.

1. Replace Your Lumpy Mattress or Pillow

Don’t hold on to a mattress that’s worn and sagging or older than eight years. Pillows should also be replaced every two years, more or less. 

If you share the bed with a partner, their movements shouldn’t disturb your slumber. You should wake up every day feeling refreshed, not achy or exhausted. If your mattress or pillows are no longer providing adequate support when you’re resting, they’re no longer serving their purpose. Anything short of replacing them will be a stopgap measure and won’t provide long term comfort or a significant boost to your sleep health.

Make sure that you choose a mattress and pillows that keep your spine aligned, support your sleeping position and work with your particular health needs. For example, if you sleep on your side, you may want to steer clear of very firm mattresses, as your hip and shoulder need to sink into the bed to keep your back straight. If you suffer from acid reflux, consider a bed wedge pillow to prop up your torso while sleeping.

Should a large purchase be out of the question, for the time being, you may use a mattress topper to make your bed more comfortable. Pillows can also be fluffed and sanitized by running them through your washer and dryer.

2. Change Sheets and Blankets with the Seasons

You change your wardrobe throughout the year, so why not do the same for your bed? Temperature has a huge effect on how well you sleep. What’s comfortable during cold weather months can be heat-trapping and sweat-inducing come summertime.

Chenille, flannel, and fleece fabrics are ideal for fall and winter bedding because they provide warmth and texture. Linen and percale weave cotton are best for hot weather because they’re more breathable and moisture-wicking. 

Sateen weave cotton is a great year-round option, but it may not be a perfect fit if you sleep hot. It can wick away moisture, but the close-ply structure of the material makes it much warmer than percale weave. Silk is also very comfortable, but very high maintenance. You may need to handwash the latter or machine wash it by itself. 

Aside from picking out fabrics to match the seasons, you should also be choosing single-ply sheets, regardless of thread count. Single-ply sheets last longer and feel softer than double, or quadruple, ply sheets. Thread count is not always a good indication of fabric quality.

3.  Clear Clutter and Tone Down the Loud Colors and Prints

Too much clutter and visual stimulation can keep you from relaxing completely and affect how you drift off once you settle into bed. 

Your bed and the area surrounding it should be clean and cozy, not cramped or closed in. Keep your nightstands spotless and sparsely decorated. Don’t pile on more pillows and layers than you will use while you’re sleeping. They’ll only end up on the floor or transferred to a chair or ottoman every night.

Think about the colors and prints of your sheets, too. Bold choices may look attractive during the daytime, but won’t necessarily make your bed more comfortable at night. Play with different textures and very separate tones. If you must add a loud accent color or decorative element, at least start with a sheet set in a neutral and relaxing color, like brown, gray, or white.

4. Invest in a Quality Down Comforter

Apart from a mattress and pillows, a down-filled duvet is another near-essential part of your sleeping environment that’s worth investing in. A high-quality comforter should feel breathable and cocoon-like at the same time.

You may find a duvet optional during sweltering summers, but even when they’re not used for warmth, they add a layer of plushness and comfort. You can wear lighter bedclothes or sleep on top of your comforter when it’s hot. During chilly nights, though, a throw or quilt may not be enough to keep you warm.

A comforter can also act as the centerpiece of your bedroom design story. You may use a duvet cover in your favorite color or featuring a busy print. Keep it folded in a pleated pattern at the foot of your bed when you’re not sleeping, to show off a hue or print without overwhelming the room.

5. Make Your Bed Every Day

Speaking of keeping your comforter folded: Here’s a tip that you can implement right away at no cost. Don’t leave your bed messy and unmade when you wake up. The easiest way to make your bed more comfortable is to encourage the habit of making your bed. 

When the National Sleep Foundation conducted its Bedroom Poll, the organization found that people who made their bed each morning were almost 20 percent more likely to experience better sleep quality. What could be the connection here?

It’s worth noting that more than 60 percent also mentioned that a clean bedroom helps in getting a good night’s sleep. It may be that neatness contributes to creating and maintaining a positive outlook, which translates to more restful sleep. This notion could also explain why some people sleep so soundly when they’re on holiday and in spacious, squeaky clean hotel suites.