Holiday Delivery Update

With the holiday season approaching please be advised that our orders are delivered through the Australia Post network. Please place your orders for anywhere in Australia (except WA and NT) by 8th December 2022 and for WA and NT by 3rd December 2022.

Please visit our delivery partner’s website to review their current expected shipping timelines for Christmas here:https://auspost.com.au/sending/christmas-sending-dates

Our team are taking a well-deserved break over the holiday period, if you need to get in touch with them regarding something urgent please contact our client services team at clientservices@sleepcorp.com.au.

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March 07, 2024

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The Importance of Sleep on your Physical Health

Woman sleeping peacefully

Have you ever stopped to admire the remarkable resilience of the human body? It's incredible how it perseveres through our jam-packed schedules, endless to-do lists, and the myriad challenges life throws our way. But amidst our awe, there's one powerful tool we often overlook: sleep. When was the last time you truly prioritised your sleep? When you allowed yourself to indulge in a peaceful night's rest, knowing that with each extra Z, you were replenishing your body?

It's a question worth contemplating because the consequences of neglecting sleep extend far beyond just fatigue. In today's fast-paced world, where productivity is prized above all else, sleep often takes a backseat. However, the toll this takes on our physical health cannot be overstated. Lack of quality sleep has been linked to numerous adverse health effects, such as:

  • High Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Weight Gain and Obesity
  • Weakened Immune System
  • Skin Health
  • Increased risk of accidents

When we deprive ourselves of sleep's restorative powers, we open the door to a host of potential health issues, each one chipping away at our physical well-being.

So, Let’s look at why you should care about prioritising your sleep amidst the chaos of everyday life. Simply put, sleep is not a luxury – it is a necessity. It is the foundation upon which our physical health is built. By understanding the impact that sleep has on our bodies, we empower ourselves to make informed choices that prioritise our health.

High Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Disease

Studies have shown that inadequate sleep, particularly over an extended period of time, can lead to high blood pressure, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. During sleep, our bodies undergo crucial repair processes, including the restoration of blood vessels and the regulation of blood pressure. However, when we consistently deprive ourselves of adequate rest, these processes are disrupted, leading to an imbalance in our cardiovascular system.

Chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to the development of conditions where plaque builds up in the arteries, narrowing them and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Diabetes

Research has shown that poor sleep quality can significantly affect glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, two key factors in the development of diabetes. When we don't get enough sleep, our bodies become less efficient at regulating blood sugar levels, leading to insulin resistance and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Insufficient sleep can disrupt the balance of hormones involved in appetite regulation, leading to cravings for sugary and high-calorie foods. This can contribute to weight gain and obesity, both of which are major risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

Weight Gain and Obesity

Research has consistently shown that deficient sleep is associated with weight gain and obesity. There are several ways this occurs. Firstly, sleep deprivation disrupts the balance of hormones that regulate hunger and appetite, leading to increased cravings for high-calorie foods. On top of this a lack of sleep can impair the body's ability to process and metabolise carbohydrates, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and increased fat storage.

Insufficient sleep can affect our cognitive function and decision-making abilities, making it more challenging to resist unhealthy food choices and stick to a balanced diet. The combination of these issues creates the perfect storm for weight gain and obesity, both of which are major risk factors for negative health conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Woman in gym clothes on a bed

Weakened Immune System

Sleep plays a crucial role in regulating our immune response, helping our bodies to defend against pathogens and foreign invaders. During sleep, the immune system releases proteins called cytokines, which are necessary for fighting infection and inflammation. Without good sleep, the production of these protective cytokines may be compromised which leaves us more vulnerable to illness and infection.

Chronic sleep deprivation can also impair the function of white blood cells, which are essential for identifying and destroying harmful pathogens. This weakened immune response not only increases the risk of common illnesses such as colds and flu but can also have more serious consequences for individuals with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems.

Skin Health

Our skin serves as a protective barrier against environmental toxins, UV radiation, and other harmful elements. During sleep, our bodies undergo a process of repair and regeneration, including the production of collagen and elastin – two proteins crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. Sleep also allows for increased blood flow to the skin, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen that promote a healthy, radiant complexion.

When we don't get enough sleep, our skin suffers. Lack of sleep can lead to increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can trigger inflammation and break down collagen, leading to premature aging and the formation of wrinkles. Poor sleep can disrupt the skin's natural moisture balance, resulting in dryness, dullness, and an increased risk of conditions such as eczema and acne.

Woman with Healthy Skin

Increases the risk of accidents.

Sleep deprivation significantly impairs cognitive function, including attention, reaction time, and decision-making abilities. When we don't get enough sleep, our ability to focus and concentrate diminishes, increasing the likelihood of errors and accidents – whether on the road, at work, or during daily activities.

Studies have shown that sleep-deprived individuals are at a significantly higher risk of motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, and other mishaps. “Drivers who get six hours of sleep or less are 33% more likely to have an accident on the road, compared to those who get seven or eight hours of sleep”. Driving while drowsy has been compared to driving under the influence of alcohol in terms of impairment and danger. Sleep deprivation can impair judgment and increase risk-taking behaviour, further elevating the risk of accidents and injuries.

In a world where we're constantly pushing ourselves to do more, it's easy to overlook the simple act of sleep. But as we've explored, the consequences of neglecting sleep are far-reaching and significant. From jeopardising our cardiovascular health to compromising our immune system and even impacting our skin's appearance, the effects of inadequate sleep are undeniable.

November 27, 2023

Posted in


How to Wash a Mattress Protector

You’ve made a responsible and wise move and bought a mattress protector, but you might think to yourself, this thing is underneath my sheets, so it probably doesn’t need to be washed that regularly, right?

This is a common thought a lot of people who buy their mattress protectors have, but it is actually not correct; mattress protectors are like all other bedding and need regular washing; the waterproof layer does not make it dirtproof, only waterproof.

Let’s dive into the top reasons why you need to wash your mattress protector.
Extend the life of the protector.

Keeping your mattress protector clean is crucial for its longevity. When protectors go unwashed for extended periods, they accumulate body oils, sweat, and dirt. Over time, this build-up can compromise the waterproof layer, leading to its erosion. Regular washing prevents this build-up, preserving the protector’s effectiveness and durability.

Allergen Control

The Miracle Layer on your Protect-A-Bed Mattress Protector not only prevents fluids from seeping into your mattress but also acts as a barrier against allergens, bacteria, skin flakes and dust mites. While it effectively blocks these potential intruders from entering your mattress and creating a breeding ground, they can accumulate on the surface of the protector. Regular washing at 60°C is key as it effectively eliminates dust mites, ensuring your mattress protector remains fresh and clean, ready for continued use.

Odour Prevention

Stopping everyday body fluids like sweat and minerals passing through to your mattress is all in a night's work for a waterproof protector, but as we are all aware, they aren’t the nicest aromas for falling asleep with. Regularly washing your mattress protector plays a pivotal role in preventing odours and ensuring any accumulated scents are eliminated. The simple and effective act of washing not only maintains the protector’s hygiene but also contributes significantly to a fresh and inviting sleep environment.

Comfort

Few feelings rival slipping into fresh sheets at the end of the day, so why ruin that experience with a dirty, smelly and unhygienic mattress protector underneath? Regular washing eliminates these accumulated bacteria, allergens, body oils and sweat, revitalising the protector's softness and freshness. By maintaining a clean and hygienic surface, you ensure that slipping into bed doesn't just mean clean sheets but also a round, clean and comfortable sleeping environment.

How should you wash a mattress protector?

So, we have covered some great reasons as to why you should wash your mattress protector; now, let’s look at how you can wash it perfectly from the start and maintain it easily over the life of the protector.

Firstly, after you bring your new protector home and before you hop on your new mattress, it is advised to wash your protector before use. When the fabric is produced, it is starched for easier cutting during production. So, washing your mattress protector will remove any starch that may be remaining from this process.

Warm wash at 60°C: Unlike other mattress protectors, the waterproof Miracle Layer on a Protect-A-Bed mattress protector is designed to wash at 60°C. This heat is warm enough to kill bacteria and dust mites that may have taken up residence in your protector.

Wash with other linens; when you strip the bed and wash your sheets, it is advised to put your mattress protector in with them; this helps the waterproof layer not stick together for an even better clean.

Do not bleach or use solvents; use washing powder to clean your protector; if stains persist after washing, view these as a badge of honour; your protector did its job and saved your mattress. Don’t try to use bleach or solvents to remove the stain, as these will damage the waterproof layer and lead to it breaking down.

Do not iron or dry clean. The heat from these will destroy the waterproof layer, rendering your product a melted and sad mess.

Line dry your protector over a line span to maximise the airflow and reduce the drying time. 

When machine drying, it is recommended to dry them with other bed linen or towels in a medium setting; Dry at 60°C for best results. 

When should you wash your mattress protector?

It is important to know when to wash your mattress protector. If you leave it unwashed for long periods of time, you can damage it unknowingly. We recommend washing at least monthly as a minimum, but if you wash your bedding more regularly, it’s best to wash your protector at the same time.

September 04, 2023

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Creating a Healthy Bedroom

 

Do you ever wake up feeling like your bedroom could use a fresh start? While we all cherish the coziness of our sleep sanctuaries, it's easy for clutter, dust, and disorganisation to creep in. Picture this: a sunlit morning, birds chirping, and you wake up to a serene and tidy space that instantly uplifts your mood. Now, contrast that with the feeling of stumbling over misplaced items and inhaling musty air. The good news? Spring cleaning can be the catalyst for transforming your bedroom into the refreshing haven you deserve.

Getting Started with Spring Cleaning

As the season changes, so should your living space. Spring cleaning isn't just about tidying up; it's a revitalising ritual that clears out the old and makes room for the new. Welcome the freshness of spring into your bedroom by decluttering, dusting, and organising. These simple steps can breathe new life into your personal space and create an environment conducive to relaxation and rejuvenation.

Why Does Spring Cleaning Matter?

You might wonder why investing time and effort in spring cleaning is worth it. Well, think of your bedroom as your personal retreat. A clean and organised bedroom can have a positive impact on your overall wellbeing. Clutter-free surroundings can reduce stress and anxiety, while improved air quality promotes better sleep. The foundation of a restful sleep environment begins with a clean and tidy space.

Spring Cleaning Tips and Tricks:
1. Declutter with Purpose

Begin by sorting through your belongings. Donate or discard items you no longer need, creating more space for the things that truly matter.

Remove any rubbish that may be on the floor or bedside table, and remove any other objects that may be on bedside tables that don’t need to be there. Is that book you finished last week still waiting to go back in the bookcase? Then, move on to the floor, removing any dirty clothes lying around.

At the end of this process, all your spaces in the room should be clear, and only the essentials remain.

2. Deep Clean Surfaces

Dust accumulates over time, affecting air quality and exacerbating allergies. Dust and wipe down surfaces, including:

  • Bedside tables and dressers
  • Window sills and curtains & blinds
  • Ceiling fans
  • Mirrors or art

Don’t forget to give the floor a vacuum to pick up any dust or dirt that may be on the floor.

3. Refresh Bedding 

Spring is the perfect time to strip your bedding and give it a wash. Pillows, quilts, sheets, pillowcases, blankets and protectors should all be washed in water hotter than 55°C, if possible, in order to kill dust mites.

Consider switching to lighter, breathable bedding materials for the warmer months.

4. Reorganise Your Space 

Evaluate your bedroom layout and, if possible, rearrange your furniture for better flow and accessibility. Sometimes, a simple shift in the placement of your furniture can create a more open and inviting ambience. Utilise storage solutions like under-bed bins to maximise space; these are a discreet way to stow away items like seasonal clothing or bedding and reduce clutter.

5. Let there be Light

Cleaning your windows not only invites more natural light to brighten your space but also enables you to open them, allowing fresh air to flow in. This combination of natural light and fresh air can have a positive impact on your sleep patterns while simultaneously preventing your room from feeling stuffy, creating a more invigorating and pleasant atmosphere.

 

Now that you have deep-cleaned your bedroom, keep dust mites and allergies at bay. Make sure to cover your mattress and pillows with dust-mite-resistant protectors. We suggest using our Protect-A-Bed® mattress and pillow protectors. Protect-A-Bed®’s Miracle Layer™ acts as a barrier against any dust mites, mould and bacteria allergens that may be present in your mattress or pillows. Featuring Fresche® naturally derived anti-microbial technology that kills 99.99% of bacteria and inhibits mould and odour. Our protectors are recognised by the National Asthma Council of Australia’s Sensitive Choice Program.

Embrace the season of renewal, spring cleaning isn't just about sweeping away dust; it's about infusing your bedroom with positivity. A clean and organised space can have a ripple effect on your overall well-being, fostering better sleep and relaxation. As you embark on your spring-cleaning journey, remember that every small change you make contributes to a brighter, more refreshed bedroom – and a better night's sleep.

Ready to Refresh Your Sleep Space? Explore Our Mattress Protector Range!

August 22, 2023

Posted in


Bed for your head

Regularly changing your pillow is essential for maintaining a healthy and comfortable sleep environment. Pillows play a crucial role in supporting your head, neck, and spine while you sleep; over time, they can accumulate debris and lose structural integrity.

Woman peacefully sleeping on a new pillow.

First and foremost, let's address how often you should change your pillow. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, replacing your pillow every 1 to 3 years is generally recommended. However, several factors can influence the frequency of replacement, such as the type and quality of the pillow, how well you care for it, and how frequently you use it. For instance, higher-quality memory foam or latex pillows may last longer than cheaper pillows filled with feather or synthetic fibres. To extend the life of your pillow, it's essential to use a Protect-A-Bed pillow protector and pillowcase and regularly wash it along with the pillow, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Why you should change your pillow.

One of the main reasons to change your pillow regularly is hygiene. Over time, pillows accumulate sweat, body oils, dead skin cells, and dust mites. While you might not notice it, these elements can create an unhygienic sleeping environment. Dust mites, in particular, are microscopic organisms that feed on dead skin cells and thrive in bedding, including pillows. They can trigger allergies and respiratory issues, leading to discomfort during sleep and potentially affecting your overall health. Regularly replacing your pillow helps maintain a clean and healthy sleep surface, reducing allergens and ensuring a more hygienic sleeping experience.

Moreover, changing your pillow regularly is essential for maintaining proper support and comfort while you sleep. Pillows, especially those made of traditional materials like down or synthetic fibres, tend to lose their shape and supportiveness over time. A flat and unsupportive pillow can lead to discomfort and improper spinal alignment and may even cause neck pain or headaches. By replacing your pillow at appropriate intervals, you ensure that it continues to provide adequate support to your head and neck, promoting better sleep quality and reducing the risk of developing sleep-related discomforts.

Another aspect to consider is moisture accumulation in pillows. During the night, your body releases moisture in the form of sweat. Gradually, this moisture can penetrate your pillow, leading to the growth of mould and mildew. Mould and mildew emit an unpleasant odour and pose health risks, especially to individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions. Regularly changing your pillow can prevent moisture build-up, reducing the likelihood of mould and mildew formation and maintaining a fresh and clean sleep environment.

Fresh Pillows stacked on a stool.

Benefits of changing your pillow.

In addition to the physical benefits, changing your pillow regularly can lead to improved sleep quality. A fresh, supportive pillow can significantly enhance your overall comfort while you sleep. It allows you to find a more restful position, reduces the likelihood of tossing and turning, and minimises sleep disruptions. As a result, you are more likely to experience a night of deeper and more restorative sleep, waking up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.

So, check out your pillow; it’s just as important as your mattress for maintaining a healthy and comfortable sleep environment. The accumulation of sweat, body oils, dead skin cells, and dust mites can create an unhygienic sleeping surface, leading to allergies and other health issues. If your pillow has lost its shape and support, you are compromising your sleep quality and potentially causing discomfort and pain. By replacing your pillow every 1 to 3 years and practising proper pillow care, you can ensure a cleaner, more supportive, and comfortable sleep surface, improving overall well-being and sleep quality.

July 21, 2023

Posted in


Winter Wellness: Winter Sleep Tips to Stay Refreshed

As winter descends upon us, overcoming its unique challenges becomes essential in ensuring a good night's sleep. The colder temperatures, longer nights, and potential disruptions to our routines can pose obstacles to restful sleep. Understanding and addressing these challenges is crucial for maintaining optimal sleep quality and well-being.

So, what can you do during the cold months in order to maintain quality sleep:

Don’t Overheat the Bedroom

Overheating your bedroom can have detrimental effects on your sleep quality. While it may seem tempting to crank up the heat during cold nights, excessively high temperatures can disrupt sleep. A hot environment makes it difficult for your body to cool down, which is essential for initiating and maintaining sleep. Your body naturally lowers its core temperature to induce sleep, and an overheated room hampers this process.

To ensure optimal sleep quality, it's important to maintain a cool and comfortable temperature in your bedroom that promotes relaxation and undisturbed rest. The ideal ambient room temperature should be 18°C.

Maintain your Exercise Routine

It can be tempting to skip exercising to curl up under a blanket with the heater on during winter but maintaining your exercise routine is important. Exercise plays a crucial role in promoting quality sleep and overall well-being.

Regular physical activity has been linked to improved sleep duration and quality. Exercising helps to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, enhances the duration of deep sleep, and decreases the likelihood of sleep disturbances. Physical activity is also an effective stress reliever, helping to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, which can contribute to better sleep.

 

Don’t Sleep in on the Weekend

With the cold mornings on weekends and being in no rush to be anywhere, you may be tempted to stay in your warm cosy bed. Unfortunately, you can’t hibernate like a bear as sleeping late on the weekends can disrupt your sleep schedule (circadian rhythm) and negatively affect your overall sleep quality.

Our bodies thrive on consistency with our sleep patterns, and irregular sleep-wake cycles can disrupt the delicate balance of our circadian rhythm. By sleeping in excessively on the weekends, you alter the timing of your sleep and wakefulness, making it harder to fall asleep at your regular bedtime.

Use a Humidifier when you Sleep

The dry air in winter can cause various issues that negatively impact sleep. It can lead to dry skin, irritated nasal passages, and even a dry throat, making breathing uncomfortable and increasing the likelihood of snoring. Dry air can also worsen respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies, further disrupting sleep.

Using a humidifier, you can add moisture to the air, creating a more comfortable sleep environment. The humidifier increases humidity levels, which can alleviate dryness and congestion, soothe irritated nasal passages, and reduce snoring. The improved air quality can promote better breathing and reduce the risk of respiratory discomfort that can disturb sleep.

Get some Sunlight in the Morning

Morning sunlight plays a significant role in regulating our sleep-wake cycle and promoting better sleep. Exposure to natural light in the morning helps to reset our internal body clock, also known as circadian rhythm, which governs our sleep patterns. Exposure to bright morning light, particularly within the first few hours after waking up, signals to our bodies that it is time to be awake and alert.

By getting exposure to morning sunlight, either by walking outside or opening curtains and blinds, we can align our internal clock, improve daytime alertness, and facilitate a more restful sleep at night.

Avoid Heavy Dinners Close to Going to Bed

Consuming heavy dinners close to bedtime can significantly impact your sleep quality. When you eat a large, heavy meal, especially one high in fat and calories, your body needs to work harder to digest the food. This can lead to discomfort, bloating, and indigestion, making it challenging to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

The digestion process requires increased metabolic activity, which can raise your body temperature and make it harder to achieve restful sleep. The discomfort and elevated body temperature can disrupt the natural sleep cycle and prevent you from entering deeper, more restorative stages of sleep.

Use Breathable and Thermoregulating Bedding

Breathable and thermoregulating bedding can be a game-changer when getting a restful sleep during winter. These types of bedding materials, such as cotton or Tencel fabrics, are designed to allow air circulation and wick away moisture, ensuring a comfortable sleep environment.

In winter, when temperatures drop, it's essential to balance warmth and breathability to prevent overheating or feeling too cold during the night. Breathable bedding allows excess heat and moisture to escape, preventing sweat and ensuring a drier, more comfortable sleep. Thermoregulating properties in bedding can help maintain a consistent body temperature throughout the night, keeping you cozy without feeling overly hot or cold.

Investing in breathable and thermoregulating bedding creates an optimal sleep environment that promotes airflow, regulates body temperature, and contributes to a more peaceful and uninterrupted sleep experience during the winter months.

June 16, 2023

Posted in


Can’t Sleep? Try these lifestyle tips for improved sleep.

Life is so much easier when you wake up feeling refreshed and alert, so it’s disappointing to know that for nearly half of us out there, it is common to experience difficulty falling asleep, waking up regularly, waking up way too early, and not being able to go back to sleep.

Women in bed smiling

What is sleep deprivation?

Sleep deprivation is a condition your body and mind enter caused by a lack of quantity and quality of sleep, getting less than 7 hours of sleep on a regular basis can cause health consequences for your entire body.

 According to the Sleep Health Foundation, around 2 in 5 adults in Australia and, similarly, in New Zealand, are not getting enough sleep. This contributes to the $66.3 billion* cost of insufficient sleep in Australia alone, including nearly $18 billion in lost productivity and workplace accidents due to sleepiness.

What causes a lack of sleep?   

There are many factors that can cause a lack of sleep, but some of the key ones that affect a majority of people are:

  1. Stress and anxiety – Racing thoughts, worry, and a busy mind can make it hard to relax.
  2. Poor sleep habits – Irregular sleep schedules can disrupt your body’s natural sleep cycle.
  3. Medical conditions – Certain medical conditions can lead to sleep problems. Chronic pain, respiratory disorders and mental health disorders can all disrupt sleep.
  4. Medications – Certain medications can have side effects that impact sleep. If you suspect your medication is affecting your sleep, it is important that you talk to your doctor.
  5. Environmental factors – Noise, light, and temperature can all impact your sleep.
  6. Lifestyle Factors – Excessive alcohol consumption or caffeine consumption late in the day can disrupt your sleep.
  7. Hormonal Changes – Hormonal changes can affect sleep patterns, particularly in women. Fluctuations in hormones during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause can cause sleep disruptions.

What are the effects of poor sleep?

A lack of quality sleep can have far-reaching consequences, such as significantly impairing cognitive function. Concentrating, retaining information, and making decisions effectively become more challenging, and memory consolidation is also hindered, affecting learning and problem-solving abilities.

This cognitive impairment encompasses our emotional well-being as well, and poor sleep can contribute to mood disturbances, irritability, and increased stress. On top of short-term mood disturbances, the risk of developing mood disorders such as depression and anxiety are also heightened due to a significant reduction in sleep quality and quantity.

Poor sleep can have detrimental effects on physical health, it weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Chronic sleep deprivation has been associated with an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. Disrupted sleep can disrupt hormone regulation, leading to imbalances that contribute to weight gain and difficulties in maintaining a healthy weight.

In addition to heightened risks to your physical health, inadequate sleep also affects your physical performance, coordination, and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

Ways to help improve your sleep.

So, if the importance of sleep on our health and performance cannot be underestimated, what are some ways we can try and improve our sleep? Below are three broad tips to help you get a good night’s sleep, if these don’t help you, it’s important to seek medical advice. 

 1. Create the Ideal Sleep Environment

Factors such as the light and noise in your bedroom should be kept to a minimum, and the ideal ambient room temperature for sleep is around 18°C. These factors are essential to kickstarting your circadian rhythm or body clock, preparing the body for sleep and dropping your core body temperature. 

The bedroom should be peaceful, with a supportive mattress, a mattress protector to minimise allergens and fresh bedding. Even furniture placement can make a difference to the feel of the bedroom and leave electronics out of the sleep environment.   

 2. Develop a Sleep Routine

Keeping to a consistent bedtime and waketime is important to maintain your body clock, set an alarm an hour before your bedtime to begin winding down.

Turn off electronics, and turn down lights in your room, as bright lights and blue light from phones and tablets override the body’s natural inclination toward sleep. The blue light emitted from electronic devices can reduce the production of melatonin, which is required for sleep.

Don’t drastically change your sleep schedule on weekends from your weekdays, that only confuses the body and disrupts your sleep-wake cycle. Consistency is key when it comes to our body clock, and sudden changes can impact our sleep quality.

 3. Look At What You Drink

Try to avoid caffeine at least six hours before bedtime as it reduces the time you are in slow-wave sleep, the deep, restful sleep stage required to wake up refreshed and alert in the morning. Avoid alcohol before bed also, as while alcohol may induce sleep to begin with, it decreases the time spent in REM sleep, affecting memory, learning, and mood.

 4. Add Daily Exercise

Try and exercise daily as well, moderate exercise is not only good for your general health, lowering anxiety and stress levels which affect sleep quality, but it also assists with the onset of sleep and reduces the amount of time lying awake during the night.  

Here are a few lifestyle tips you can implement right away to improve your quality of sleep. Consider investing in a Waterproof Mattress Protector, which can provide protection against dust mite, mould, and bacteria allergens. Additionally, Thermocool Pillows are designed to support your head and promote a cooler sleeping experience.

 

 

*Hillman D, Mitchell S, Streatfeild J, Burns C, Bruck D, Pezzullo L. The economic cost of inadequate sleep. 2018 Aug;41(8):zsy083.

May 03, 2023

Posted in


How to minimise dust mites and allergies in the bedroom

Have you struggled to get that much needed sleep due to your allergies flaring up in bed? Allergies can cause discomfort and disrupt your sleep, and the bedroom is a common place where allergens can accumulate, including dust mites, pet dander, and pollen.

Woman lying in bed blowing her nose with a tissue.

What are dust mites?

What are dust mites? Dust mites are tiny microscopic arachnids found in nearly all indoor environments, but especially beds. They feed on dead skin cells, dust, and other microscopic organic matter, such as pollen.

While they don’t bite, dust mites produce 10-20 waste particles daily, each containing a protein that can cause various allergic reactions, including asthma, eczema, and hay fever.

How to reduce dust mites.

So, what can you do in order to reduce the number of dust mites and allergens in your bedroom and stop all that sniffling and sneezing to get that peaceful rest we all want and need?

1. Clean Regularly

Dust and allergens can accumulate quickly in the bedroom, so cleaning regularly is important. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove dust from floors, carpets, and curtains. Dust surfaces, including dressers and nightstands, with a damp cloth to avoid stirring up allergens. Wash bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and blankets, at least once a week in hot water (hotter than 60°C) to kill dust mites.

2. Control Humidity

Dust mites thrive in humid environments, so low humidity can help minimize allergies. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to control humidity in the bedroom. Keep indoor humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent.

3. Choose Hypoallergenic Bedding

Choose bedding made from hypoallergenic materials, such as cotton, bamboo, or tencel. Avoid materials that are prone to harbouring allergens, such as down feathers. Wash bedding regularly to remove allergens.

4. Keep Pets Out of the Bedroom

Pet dander is a common allergen that can accumulate in the bedroom and also provides a food source for dust mites. Keep pets out of the bedroom, especially if you are allergic to their dander. If you must have a pet in the bedroom, consider using an air purifier to remove pet dander from the air.

5. Use an Air Purifier

Air purifiers can help remove allergens from the air, including dust, pollen, and pet dander. Look for an air purifier with a HEPA filter, which can remove particles as small as 0.3 microns.

6. Encase Mattresses and Pillows

Protect-A-Bed waterproof mattress protectors and pillow protectors can be an effective way to minimize allergies in the bedroom. These protectors prevent allergens from leaving the mattress and pillow and entering the air. Encasing mattresses and pillows can help reduce exposure to dust mites and other allergens.

Say goodbye to dust dites and allergens

While it may sound daunting, following these tips can help minimize bedroom allergies and dust mites and improve sleep quality. Remember to clean regularly, control humidity levels, choose hypoallergenic bedding, use an air purifier, keep pets out of the bedroom, and encase mattresses and pillows.

Protect-A-Bed's waterproof mattress and pillow protectors can be an effective addition to your allergy-fighting arsenal, providing an extra layer of protection against allergens. The Allerzip fully encased mattress protectors and pillow protectors, seal your mattress and pillow and stop allergens entering or exiting.

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