How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep

I can hardly remember when sleep wasn’t something I had to plan around or factor into the functionality of my daily life. I just remember there being a gradual shift from having a laissez faire bedtime routine to a structured drill sergeant ritual. Maybe it was due to having children and adding new life responsibilities but whatever it was, as the years passed my sleep just became more and more dysfunctional. I developed new sleep crutches like the need for a sound machine and blackout shades and relied on melatonin or sleepy time teas to help get the job done. I’m now left with the reality that a good night’s sleep takes dedication. Here are a few things to research if you struggle to clock in quality Z’s.  

Mattress: 

According to Po-Chang Hsu, M.D., a medical expert at SleepingOcean in Boston, “One’s mattress is responsible for proper back alignment, pressure relief, temperature regulation and even pain alleviation.” No wonder they are so pricey. Careful consideration seems a matter of health. I mistakenly thought customizable mattresses were for celebrities and nursing homes, but as it turns out three (now including myself) out of five friends have their own specialized mattress – either Tempur-Pedic or Sleep Number.  

My husband and I happened to sleep on a Sleep Number bed while visiting a family in Arizona recently and we were blown away by how much better we slept. Sure, we were on vacation, so our relaxation factors in, but it was undeniably a better night sleep on this mattress. We were wowed by the lack of movement as the other person got up to do this or that. It was drastically different from our experience at home. So, when we returned home, we invested in our own Sleep Number bed. Now, there are a lot fewer nighttime disturbances from the other person and we can adjust the firmness through an app on our phone. It turns out, we both have a completely different idea of how soft the bed should be. There was also the option to have two separate mattresses or split king in which you can lift your head or feet separately. While we did not opt for that benefit, when we tested it, the leg lifting feature significantly decreased my lower back stress.  

Temperature: 

I have yet to try the Chilipad Sleep System by SleepMe but several friends rave about it. If you and your partner like to sleep at different temperatures, this is reported as a great fix. Without having to buy a new mattress, you can use the thermal mattress topper with tubeless design to set each side to temperatures from 55-115. There is even a way to change the temperatures throughout the night. 

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Bedding: 

In my opinion, your bedding contributes to getting a good night’s rest. At New Orleans-based Leontine Linens, they agree and put the focus on personalization. They help you find the prettiest and most functional bedding options for your lifestyle. Founder, Jane Scott Hodges says, “your bedroom should be your sanctuary. And the bedding should be something that tucks you in, holds you tight, and comforts you every time you use it.” Leontine offers two sheet options; sateen or 500 thread count percale milled in Italy using American cotton. Both are breathable (percale the lighter of the two) and specifically offered by Leontine because of their quality and durability. Hodges also emphasizes, “Nothing should be too precious.” You don’t have to commit to an overage of decorative pillows in a non-washable fabric to have a beautiful bedroom. Our bedding is designed to be loved, washed and used again.  

Pillows: 

If you don’t already have a great pillow, you should. Depending on which position you sleep in you can opt for a down or down alternative side sleep pillow or back sleeper pillow, both at Maisonette. According to the website, the Slumberlicious back pillow has a 4″ cradles the head while offering gentle support under the neck. The side sleep pillow aims to keep your head in line with your spine throughout the night.  

More Resources:  

“Why We Sleep” by Matthew Walker, Garden District Book Shop 

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How to Get a Good Night's Sleep

Sleep Number Memory Foam M7, Sleep Number (on Veterans), Chilipad Dock Pro System, SleepMe 

How to Get a Good Night's Sleep

Slumberlicious Back Sleeper Pillow by The Pillow Bar and Dr. Mary’s Side Sleeper by The Pillow Bar, both at Maisonette  

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