6 Bedroom Design Tips for Superior Sleep

Getting enough sleep is an essential component of being healthy. With the right design choices, any bedroom can become an oasis of restfulness and tranquility. Try these tips to prep the bedroom for sleep.

1. Take Stock of Temperature 

Experts say the ideal sleep temperature is between 65 and 69 degrees Fahrenheit. Installing a ceiling fan and sleeping with the window open helps keep the bedroom cool enough for optimal rest. As a bonus, the whir of a ceiling fan creates white noise that can lull anyone into a deep sleep.

2. Welcome the Dark

Adorning windows with blinds and light-blocking curtains prevents the morning light from interrupting sleep too early. LED motion lights are an excellent solution for those who often get up in the night to use the bathroom, as keeping a light on can interfere with the process of falling asleep.

3. Choose Calming Colors

It's no secret that colors have a profound effect on emotions. In the bedroom, color should be used to create a calm and comfortable vibe. Achieve the look with warm earth tones like rich terra cotta and soft, cool colors in natural shades of blue, violet, and green. Avoid colors that stimulate the senses, like pinks, reds, and oranges.

4. Clear Clutter

It's hard for the mind to calm down enough to sleep deeply when it's surrounded by stimulating objects. The room should be free of anything that isn't used for sleep and intimacy, including televisions, computers, family photos, and gaming systems. Avoid storing items under the bed or under mattresses, as feng shui practitioners note that this clutter can block the flow of energy within the room.

5. Consider Ideal Furniture Positioning

Another tip from feng shui concerns positioning of the bed, which should be as far from the door as possible while keeping the entrance in view. Placing the bed in the diagonal corner opposite the door promotes a feeling of safety while maintaining optimal energy flow. Experts also recommend against desks and mirrors, which can hinder restful energy.

6. Appeal to the Senses

Choose fabrics that create a cozy environment for the best sleep, such as soft, plush bedding and cushioned area rugs. Older mattresses should be replaced, especially when sleep is impacted. Most mattresses last about eight years, so anything older will negatively affect sleep. If a newer mattress is uncomfortable, a mattress topper can help. While it's important not to overstimulate the senses, soft scents like lavender promote relaxation.

With these six tips, the bedroom becomes a sanctuary where occupants can rejuvenate and recharge for the day ahead.

What to Know When Sharing a Bed With a Pet

Snuggling with furry family members can have surprising benefits for everyone. Feel free to dismiss the naysayers who tell horror stories about stained mattresses and focus on the positives of spending extended time with animals.

They Provide Stress Relief 

Having a warm and furry presence in the bed at night can give pet owners a strong sense of calmness and relaxation; just look at therapy dogs as proof. In addition, those suffering from insomnia may feel more at peace with a dog or cat in the bed, hopefully leading to a better night's sleep.

Your Personal Home Security System

Constantly worrying about burglars or intruders can be unsettling. Having a protective dog asleep at the foot of the bed can be comforting for many owners, especially those with children. Dogs have much better hearing than humans, and they're cheaper than most home alarm systems!

Added Warmth on a Cold Night

A curled up pet on the mattress can give off a lot of body heat. While this may not be ideal in the summer, there's nothing better than cuddling with a cozy pet on a cold winter night.

They Can Help Fight Depression and Anxiety

Feeling sad and lonely can be hard to bear. However, having a loving pet in the bed can be helpful for those dealing with depression or anxiety. Since dogs are known for their unconditional love, having this furry friend nearby can provide some needed comfort during hard times.

It's Great for the Pets, Too!

As good as this sleeping arrangement is for humans, it has possibly stronger benefits for pets. Dogs usually have a strong devotion and connection to their masters. We often forget that they receive comfort from us just as we do with them. So, allowing them to sleep on the same mattress works only to strengthen that cherished bond.

With an attentive and adoring pet around that wants nothing more than to spend time with its owner, sharing a bed can be a win-win situation for everyone involved.

How Often Should Mattresses Be Rotated?

People don't often think about bed maintenance, but it can make a big difference. Easy preventive measures can prolong usage while improving sleep.

Extend the Life of a Mattress

Spring mattresses contain hundreds of steel coils inside. Their purpose is to create a firm but springy sleeping surface while maintaining the product's shape. When a person sleeps in the same position night after night, some of the springs are compressed more than others. Over time, this can result in an uneven surface and uncomfortable sleep.

Rotating and flipping a mattress can extend its life. Periodically, spin it end to end. Alternate this with flipping it upside down from time to time. This way, the same areas aren't constantly compressed. Flipping and rotating gives the coils and other materials a chance to bounce back.

How Often?

Experts agree that it's beneficial to move mattresses at regular intervals. But exactly how often should they be rotated and flipped?

The answer depends on the product. A good rule, though, is to move a mattress every three to four months. For example, spin it end to end today. In three months, flip it upside down. In six months, spin it end to end. In nine months, flip it again.

The good news is that moving a mattress even as infrequently as twice a year can have beneficial results.

The Perfect Fit: Choosing the Ideal Mattress

With more options than ever, buyers can select the best mattress to fit their sleeping style, body type, and lifestyle.

Mattresses come in four standard types: innerspring, foam, latex, and air-filled. Those who prefer a traditional bed should shop for an innerspring. These range in number from 12, which provides firm support ideal for heavier individuals, to 18 for those who prefer a bouncier feel. This type of mattress is good for stomach sleepers.

Memory foam mattresses are extra firm and adapt to the pressure of the sleeper's body. They range in thickness from two to six inches and tend to be an excellent choice for side sleepers.

Latex mattresses are a pricey option, but they're the most durable and are just slightly less firm than memory foam. Also, latex has antimicrobial properties, so it's a smart choice for those with allergies.

Air-filled mattresses have a core that allows the firmness to be controlled with a remote. This feature is ideal for couples who can't agree on the type of bed they prefer.

Regardless of what a mattress buyer selects, choosing the correct mattress can make all the difference in a good night's rest.

When Is It Time to Replace Your Mattress?

We tend to take our beds for granted. Even though many of us don't give our mattresses a second thought, there will come a time when it's prudent to make a change. Here are a few guidelines to follow.

When You're Losing Sleep

If you're not getting a good night's sleep, your bed may be the culprit. When you wake up, you should feel renewed. If instead you notice aches, stiffness, soreness, or you're still tired even if you've slept enough hours, it may be time to purchase a replacement.

When It Shows Wear

Take a good, objective look. What do you see? Are there any dents, lumps, sags, or tears? This might be your answer to why you aren't sleeping well anymore.

Check Its Age

While the time frame varies from one type to the next, a lot of mattresses are designed to last five to ten years. Beyond that, issues may arise. It may lose its spring after bearing weight night after night, year after year. Anything older than seven years may need to be replaced.

You deserve to get the rest you need. A new mattress can help you feel more refreshed and revitalized.

5 Reasons You Need a Mattress Topper

Mattress toppers are a blend of cushioned pads and other materials designed to increase the comfort of existing mattresses. At Buis Mattress, we primarily use wool, latex, or high-density foam. They are sold separately, either as an accessory to a new mattress or an addition to an existing one.

Comfort

A topper can dramatically increase the comfort of an existing mattress. As the foam absorbs and supports the body's contours, it eases pressure points that can cause pain and soreness.

Savings

Before discarding your existing mattress for a new one, consider upgrading it with a mattress topper. If your mattress a newer mattress and you wake up feeling sore or have numb joints, a mattress topper can help resolve circulatory and pressure point issues.

Protection

Toppers protect your current mattresses by shielding them from spills, stains, soiling, and tears, among other potential types of damage.

Types of Foam

Foam toppers are available in a variety of materials and temperatures. Traditional foam offers support and cushioning properties. Wool will provide a cooler sleep surface and will aid in maintaining a constant temperature. Latex will provide the best of both worlds providing a very cool sleep surface, great support, and unsurpassed cushioning.

Couple Comfort

With a foam topper, neither partner's sleep is disturbed by the other's movement. The foam creates individual movement and sleeping space for each person.

How to Clean a Mattress

If you've visited a number of mattress stores in the past to replace dirty, discolored, or worn mattresses, it may be time to learn how to remove dust mites, sweat, and skin cells for a fresh, clean bed. Most people are good about changing sheets, but we often forget to clean the bed—which can lead to an accumulation of unwanted dirt and dust. Be proactive with these cleaning tips in order to get your mattress looking good as new.

Vacuuming

Remove linens, and wash and dry them on hot settings to rid them of dust mites and bacteria. Vacuum the mattress using an upholstery attachment to remove dirt, hair, mites, and pet dander.

Spot Treatments

Spills should always be washed immediately to prevent staining, but sometimes, stains can't be avoided. After vacuuming, treat any stains, especially those from bodily fluids such as blood or urine.

- Bloodstains may be removed using a tablespoon of salt and dish detergent, as well as 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide. Rub the solution into the area, let it dry, and vacuum again.

- Urine stains are best treated with natural enzyme cleaners that are chemically designed to break down odors and stains.

Deodorizing

Sprinkle the mattress with a small amount of baking soda. Leave it for a few hours to absorb odors. Remove the soda with a vacuum.

Keep the bed clean and fresh by vacuuming, treating spots, and deodorizing yearly. As one of the top mattress stores in the area, Buis Mattress knows the ins and outs of every mattress we make. Visit our store for more information on mattress care.