Dan's Papers - April 25, 2008 - Once Upon a Mattress

If you suffer from chronic sleep loss, rest easy (no pun intended), because you're not alone. Surveys and research show that most of us don't get enough sleep, and it has been proven that chronic sleep loss often leads to bad moods, safety risks, weight gain, cardiovascular disease and other health problems. And although there are many causes of sleep deprivation, the solution to sleepless nights could be simpler than you thought - you may just need a new mattress.

Or maybe you do get the recommended eight hours of sleep a night. But combined with the time also spent in bed reading, watching TV or whatever else, it's possible that about a third of your day is spent on your mattress.

Either way, it's important to sleep on a quality mattress that suits your specific needs.

When choosing a mattress, there are several basic factors to consider. First, if you suffer from allergies or respiratory disease, make sure the material covering the mattress doesn't make you sick. Some mattress coverings also could irritate the skin, so it's extremely important to make sure that anything you sleep on, including mattress pads and linens, doesn't cause aggravation.

The ideal firmness of a mattress depends on the individual. If you prefer a firm mattress, choose a spring mattress, as non-spring mattresses tend to be too soft, and may be harmful to your back. But if you prefer a soft mattress, keep in mind that if a bed is too soft it probably isn't giving you enough support. It may feel like a fluffy, comfortable marshmallow at first, but could result in severe shoulder, hip, neck and back problems in the long run. Also note that the more coils a mattress has, the more support it'll give you. If you're overweight, choose a mattress with high quality springs because it will extend the life of the mattress.

No matter which mattress you choose, it's important to turn it over every 2-3 months. It is also important to replace it every 5-7 years because over time, a mattress collects dust mites and dirt, which could cause serious health problems.

When it comes to mattresses, there have been so many technological advancements and innovations in the last decade, so testing out different brands and styles of mattresses is the best way to find "the one." And because a mattress is an important investment, it's a good idea to seek expert advice. Fortunately, the "mattress professionals" at Sleepy's take the guesswork out of buying a mattress. They work with customers to find the best mattress for their needs, and will meet competitor prices on major brands. Sleepy's showrooms display a variety of mattresses in all sizes and price ranges for customers to try, and there are five locations on the East End alone including East Hampton, Bridgehampton, Hampton Bays and two in Southampton. Sleepy's also will be exhibiting at the Hamptons Home & Garden Show, so if you have questions, stop by their booth May 2-4 to talk to a mattress professional.