Research cannot pin point the perfect number of hours that we need to sleep. Different age groups require different amounts of sleep and each individual has different ideal sleep requirements. So, while you may need a good 8 hours, the amount of sleep your partner needs to function at their best

So, how do we know when we are getting enough? Jim Horne from Loughborough University's Sleep Research Centre advises that: "The amount of sleep we require is what we need not to be sleepy in the daytime." It is therefore important to pay attention to your own individual needs by examining how you feel on different amounts of sleep. However, there does appear to be a minimum amount of sleep that most adults need to be healthy and productive, which is at least six hours every night. Children need significantly longer blocks of sleep time the younger they are.

The following table gives you a general guide on appropriate sleep times:

Most of us don’t give our mattress much thought, even though we spend about a ¼ of our lives sleeping on it! But, if you have had your mattress for 10 years, you’ve probably slept on it for about 30000 hours. At Bedshed, we recommend you change your mattress every 5 years.

You’ll also know you need a new mattress if you are noticing dips or lumps of if you wake up feeling stiff. If your night’s sleep leaves you with a backache you also know it is time to act!

Many customers also report that their preferences change as they get older. As your body ages you may appreciate a bed with softer padding to protect bones and pressure points. But this doesn’t mean that your bed should be soft or sagging. The underlying structure must support your body effectively.

Visit a Bedshed store and our Bedshed sales staff can assist you in finding a mattress that suits your current needs and budget.

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Are you bored of seeing the same bedroom interior? Here are some tips on how to turn your bedroom into a sanctuary from the stresses of daily life.

1. Let the natural light in! Allowing natural light to flow into your bedroom during the day will kill staleness and refresh your room on a daily basis.
2. Can’t afford a total bedroom makeover? Consider updating your linen or introducing a new colour through cushions and throws to enliven your mood and reflect the spirit of the new season.
3. Think about what makes you happy and provides you the greatest sense of luxury, tranquillity and peace. Is it silks, scented candles, lots of pillows, certain colours or feather doona’s, photos of friends and family or music CD’s? Whatever it is, introduce one or some of these elements to indulge your senses.
4. If your bedroom has adequate space for a seating area, select a comfy chair or chaise lounge that will entice you to curl up, relax, and read a good book.
5. Material quality will also affect how you feel. Consider the thread count of your linen. Thread count is the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. The higher the thread count, the smoother and softer the sheets will be.
6. If you have hard floors, consider a rug to create warmth and comfort.
7. If you have a small bedroom, a cleverly positioned mirror can make the room appear larger.
8. Declutter! Clutter can remind us of all that we have to get done in our daily lives. Re-organise clutter into the working zones of your home.
9. Consider repainting your bedroom. A new, fresh colour can give you a complete bedroom makeover and assist you in unwinding. Soft blues and greens are considered cool and calming colours. Earth and neutral tones like taupe and brown do the trick as well.
10. Avoid having computers or televisions in your bedroom. They can distract you and keep you awake.
11. Keep your bedroom tidy. A tidy room helps makes you feel calm and relaxed!

As the weather warms up and Summer is approaching, we find more customers telling us they find they “sleep hot” and can we help with a solution. The answer to this is yes!

Bedshed has a fantastic range of gel mattresses, pillows and other accessories to help you keep cool for the perfect night’s sleep.

What are the benefits of gel?

Gel technology is designed to provide you a cooler night’s sleep by lowering the skins temperature. The gel technology creates maximum airflow close to the sleeping surface which results in less heat build up and therefore a more temperature neutral sleep.

Not only does gel keep you cooler, it also offers other benefits including providing maximum pressure relief for the body and total conformity to ensure a restful, uninterrupted sleep.

How does gel actually work?

Gel mattresses were originally used in hospitals and medical applications where serious comfort and pressure relief was imperative. The amazing benefits of gel have over time been incorporated into mainstream products.

A gel mattress works by not only lowering the skins temperature, but as pressure is applied from your body the gel distributes the body’s weight which provides pressure relief for the body.

Have you ever woken up with pins and needles in your arms and legs? This can be caused by a reduced blood flow and results in you tossing and turning as your body is trying to maintain circulation. What this means is a disrupted sleep for you! Gel is designed to respond so blood flow is not reduced. This means your body doesn’t need to toss and turn as much resulting in a deeper, uninterrupted sleep.  

What to know more?

Check out your local Bedshed store who can show you our range of gel mattresses to help you get the best night’s sleep. Bedshed also has gel pillows and other accessories to complete your cooler, more comfortable sleep.