A Comprehensive Guide to Buying a Bed

We spend around a third of our lives asleep, so choosing the right bed is a big deal. There are all sorts of considerations to think about when you come to buy a bed, so to make the process a whole lot easier, we've put together a bed buying guide to help you along the way.

The Importance of Sleep

The importance of sleep simply cannot be underestimated. We're advised to get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night, and with good reason. A good sleep routine can be beneficial to our health in the following ways:

• Mental performance – It has been proven that people who get a good night's rest perform better in work and school. People who are sleep deprived suffer from poor concentration levels and are not as alert as people who get their recommended sleep quota. Lack of sleep can also have a negative effect on memory and judgement.
   
• Physical performance – As well as improving cognitive function, sleep also helps with physical performance. Sleeping helps to restore energy levels in the body to give you the necessary verve to get through the following day.
   
• Relaxation – Modern life is lived at a fast pace, with people often working long hours and enjoying busy social lives. As a result, sleep can often be ignored. But despite this, sleeping is the best way to actually unwind and recuperate at the end of a busy day.
   
• Mood – Sleep can also play havoc with your moods and emotions. People who are tired or don't get enough sleep are much more likely to be irritable and angry. They may also find it more difficult to deal with stress and can find themselves lacking patience.
   
• Weight – Some studies have suggested that there may be a link between getting a good night's sleep and weight loss. It is believed that those who are looking to lose weight may find it more difficult to a regime if they do not get enough sleep.

Above: A good bed can be the difference between a restless night and a peaceful sleep.

Why a Good Bed is Essential

As we know, sleep is vitally important for a number of reasons. But good sleep can be difficult to get if your bed isn't up to the job. So why exactly do we need a good bed?

• To avoid back problems – When sleeping, it's important that your posture is correct. An old bed or one that doesn't offer adequate support can mean that the spine is incorrectly positioned, causing pain and discomfort both in the night and the next morning. Sleeping like this over a long period of time can lead to permanent damage.
   
• To get quality sleep – Obvious, and yet so many people seem to miss the importance of their bed in relation to their sleeping patterns. If your bed is uncomfortable, squeaky or does not properly support your back, you're probably in for a bad night. A decent, comfortable bed will eliminate these frustrations and improve your quality of sleep.
   
• For stress relief – As mentioned previously, a lack of sleep can make you feel irritable and stressed. On the flip side, a comfortable bed that helps to promote a good night's rest can help to relieve your stress levels and reduce any feelings of pent up frustration from the day.

Choosing the Right Bed

Single beds, sofa beds, bunk beds, double beds, king size beds; the list is endless! And that's before we even think about the different styles of mattress that you can buy. Buying a bed is an important purchase and a big investment. Not only are you looking for something that will last, but also something that will help you get the best sleep possible and allow you to reap the healthy benefits of good rest.

Check out these bed buying tips that focus on some of the important considerations:

• Mattress firmness – Perhaps the most vital decision to make is in choosing a mattress of the right firmness. The best mattress for one person might not be the same for another, so it can pay to try a few out before you buy. First off, the mattress has to be comfortable; you'll spend many hours laying on it as you sleep, so comfort is an important factor. It's also essential that the mattress is firm enough to offer adequate support to your back and spine. Insufficient spinal support during sleep can actually cause or worsen back problems. Read more about posture and sleeping position here.
   
• Bed size – One of the most common complaints from people who sleep together is that they have been woken by their partner. If possible, try to get a bed that is big enough to comfortably fit two people in with plenty of space each. If you are tall, it might pay to buy a king size bed to allow extra space so that you are not sleeping in an unnatural position.
   
• Consider your space – It may seem obvious, but space is an important consideration. For many people, a huge bed is an object of desire, but don't forget that your bedroom has other things in it too! You'll need space to walk in your bedroom, and remember that drawers and wardrobe doors need to be opened. While a big bed is good, a king size might be just a little too big for a small bedroom. Alternatively, you can try a double or a queen size bed to allow that little extra space in your bedroom.
   
• Bed height – Another size consideration is the actual height of the bed frame. For people who have mobility problems or struggle to get in and out of a low bed, a taller frame and mattress combination may be more beneficial to ease the burden in the evenings and mornings.
   
• Aesthetic appeal – As well as being comfortable, you'll probably want your bed to look good to. There are a huge selection of different designs available, so you can choose a bed that matches your bedroom décor and furniture.
   
• Anti-allergy – If you suffer allergic reactions, a hypo-allergenic mattress can help to reduce the chances of a reaction being triggered when in bed. This can be particularly effective during the spring and summer months when there are more allergens in the atmosphere and many people sleep with bedroom windows open.
   
• Storage – As well as a place to sleep, a bed can also be a useful place to store items in your bedroom. If you want to use the bed as a storage device, consider what you wish to store there. Some bed frames come with draws or sliding compartments, whereas others provide additional space by coming in ottoman form, with the entire top lifting up to allow items to be placed in the base.
   
• Duvet and pillows – Furnishing the bed with a good pillow will help to support your head and neck effectively, reducing strain on your spine. A decent duvet is also essential; thick enough to keep you warm but not so thick that you are too hot in the night; people sleep best when they are at a cool but comfortable temperature.

Above: Beds come in a variety of different styles, designs and sizes. It's important to take the time to consider what you need from your bed, and which one will best suit your circumstances.

If you've been thinking about replacing your bed, or you are suffering sleepless nights because of the state of your current mattress, try following our bed buying advice guide to help you make your decision. If you require any further advice when buying a new bed or mattress, we're always happy to help here at Relax Sofas and Beds.