Bed, sweat & fears...

Now we all know the importance of good nutrition and exercise but what about rest? Sleep has been found to be extremely important to well being. Historically, it was thought to be a passive state, however it is now known to be a dynamic process and that our brains are active during sleep. It affects our physical and mental health, and is essential for the normal functioning of all the systems of our body, including the immune system. The effect of sleep on the immune system affects one’s ability to fight disease and endure sickness. So how do we get a good night’s sleep and how do we choose the right bed? Bed design has moved way past box divans and sprung mattresses, but is it all just aesthetic design or is there function to modern creations?

Well the Lomme ‘Egg’ bed above combines light & massage therapy with a “special system which blocks harmful electromagnetic waves and radiation”. All very Space Age, and indeed will cost about as much as you’d spend getting into space (OK, about half Mr Branson). But what are the principles of sleep that matter, and can we apply them to a more earthly budget?

Firstly, you will notice that like this ‘People’ bed and wall panelling system from Pianca above, the majority are suspended from the floor on legs. This, traditionalists are very much against as it is seen as garishly modern or a dust trap. Well, the science here is pretty straightforward, and it is all about the human element. A component of dust is dead skin cells, but it isn’t the main ingredient nor is it the reason why there should be room below the bed frame. Yes it is there for air circulation, which will aid in dust removal, but it is principally to allow humidity to be drawn through the bed. Did you know that the average person losses around a pint of water per night? Some is due to respiration but mostly through perspiration (or more correctly transpiration). But in order to circulate, it needs to pass through the mattress first:

Now the Top Point 400 from Hülsta is a great example of how mattress technology should work. It has a combination of ‘memory foam’ and pocket sprung micro springs that allow for “moisture dispersion with vertical air channels and segmented surface”. Another unpleasant truth is that if this air flow isn’t maintained, then mould could build up inside the mattress. The coloured spring covers also signify multiple zones for body and spine support. But here is where we should really point out that a good mattress isn’t the only support you should have. In fact, even an ‘all-singing-all-dancing’ mattress won’t give your precious back the support it needs. For this, a good slatted base that allows circulation & provides support is required.

Hülsta impress again with their Level Flex base frame, with an attention to detail that is staggering. Each slat is made up of a composite of woods that are designed to remain stable, and then these are adjustable in the back and shoulder area to allow for maximum support where it is needed. The sharp eyed of you will note that this is a single frame, and the even keener will know that they only offer singles. Well, despite romantic notions to the contrary, people actually do not fall asleep in each others arms. In fact the widely employed ‘spooning’ involves one of you developing a dead arm, leading to the inevitable ‘roll away & sleep’. And when the ‘spooning’ affection moves onto something else- pick a side; your back will thank you for it! Happy hunting and Seamour says sweet dreams…

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