Last week we were invited along to the Next Home and Garden store at Cribbs Causeway Bristol, the first of its type to be launched in the UK, with the promise of a sleep expert and a world of super comfy bed options. We jumped at the chance hoping to gain insight into a more restful nights sleep and headed over to the first Next Bedshop, allowing customers to browse the largest range of bed and mattresses on offer in any Next store.
In typical style we were running late and arrived slightly soggy from the rain, but thankfully we were greeted with a hot drink and got cosy on a pocket sprung mattress ready to be filled with the secrets of sleep from author Sammy Margo of The Good Sleep Guide. F and Wilf played on the floor with their cars as I listened to the do's and don'ts checklist, making a mental note that literally everything in our room was aiding and abetting total sleep fail, and consequently adding to the designer black bags I've got going on under these eyes of mine. So here is some advice from the expert:
Top Sleep Tips
• When choosing a bed ensure the mattress is right for your body shape, women should be looking for something that supports curves and does not allow gaps under the tummy when lying down.
• A good pillow is a must. Try the broken pillow test by folding it in half and placing a trainer/shoe on it, if the pillow stays folded then your head is not being supported and it's time to invest in a new one, if it springs back then you're in the clear.
• Staying cool at night is a must to help release the hormone Melatonin and encourage a better nights sleep. By switching your duvet from a winter tog to a summer tog as the seasons change, should create a more restful night. If you're a cool person generally then think about wearing bedsocks instead of a stockpile of blankets to stop you waking in the night.
• If shutters or blinds are too expensive then invest in some blackout curtains for your room, or cheaper still, an eyemask. This has been proven to make a considerable difference in the quality of your sleep.
• Try to ensure your sleeping space is calm and uncluttered, this will help with relaxation and aid sleep.
• Find a fragrance that you find relaxing and use in your bedroom. We were given Garden Mint & Elderflower to try and I must say it has made a difference, but I think when I go to stock up I will try coconut or vanilla, channelling those relaxing holiday vibes.
• Try a sleepy snack before bedtime. Foods such as: banana, oats, almonds, lettuce, camomile tea, milk and turkey, are all great at preparing your body for a good nights rest.
• Start a wind down routine 30 minutes before sleep, we all know children thrive on a good bedtime routine so it's no surprise that adults need this too.
• Most importantly ensure your child's pillow is right for their age. Children should be using a toddler pillow up to the age of four and even then the pillow they use should be quite flat to keep their neck and spine aligned.
We were given a voucher to spend and time to explore the new store, which is brimming with beautiful things for your home and I instantly fell in love with their garden accessories department. I had made up my mind to buy some of their gold and terracotta plant pots, but F had other ideas as he headed to the kids section and promptly found something to spend the voucher on. We finally decided on this cool new duvet set for F's room which I love due to the graphic pattern and colour.
The store holds such a great product range that I can't wait to pop back and fill up my basket with goodies.
We were invited to Next Home and Garden store where we were given a voucher to spend and taken for lunch. All words and thoughts are my own.
He's such a fantastic little model! It was such a great day wasn't it x
ReplyDeleteGreat advice, we found we sleep so much better after buying a new mattress.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely taking note of these tips - we're buying a long overdue new bed soon and I'm SO sick of sleeping on a lumpy mattress!
ReplyDeleteNever realised that about keeping cool....I always feel cold easily so wrap up warm as much as I can!! Thanks for the tips
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, we are well overdue a new one too. I cant cope with the whole rolling into each other thing any more xx
ReplyDeletewhat a cutie, I am in need of some nice new bedding , its the same every summer rom after the weather fleeces lol x
ReplyDeleteOh I wish we had a Next home near us, although I would spent too much money!
ReplyDeletelove the model ;) great tips! We badly need a new bed
ReplyDeleteThank you for the wonderful sleep tips, I've been having trouble sleeping lately so these should help me. I will certainly be using the broken pillow trick-what a great way to test the pillow! :-)
ReplyDeleteI need a new mattress desperately. Great tips, I have blackout blinds in my bedroom. I love Next, in fact I am looking for curtain in the Next home catalogue at the moment
ReplyDeleteThe store looks really nice. A good bed and pillow is so important for a good night's sleep. I should know!
ReplyDeleteI could spend hours in this shop!
ReplyDeleteSome great tips, especially the one about keeping cool. We actually have a fan on even in the Winter as we like it really cool to sleep x x
I love the photo of F on the sunbed! It was a great day! x
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fab day. I love Next things. I didn't know about sleepy snacks :) x
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it.... Those are amazing tips though, I had never heard of the broken pillow test! I can't sleep with a cover though, I have to be cold to sleep...glad I got that one right!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you on the sleep tips - and have explored most of them over the years due to raging insomnia coupled with chronic fatigue. We have just bought a new mattress and it's made so much difference to how both of us sleep.
ReplyDeleteLove Vicky
http://www.aroundandupsidedown.co.uk/
Some great tips. We get our beds made at The Bed Factory to order, much cheaper and really well made. But we have back conditions so support is vital. I'm loving the Costa stores in the big Next shops!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fab sun bed! Great sleep tips, a good nights sleep makes so much difference x
ReplyDeleteSleep is so important to us. We've just decorated our room and the best thing is our tempur mattress!
ReplyDeleteI could spend ages in Next Home- completely fell in love with their birdhouse wallpaper! Love the outdoor range- my garden would appreciate the blast of colour. x
ReplyDeletei need a sleep expert! haha. i have (uncharacteristically for me) actually been sleeping well this past week, but generally i don't. i wish we could afford a new mattress. we do have great pillows though and those alone make so much difference.
ReplyDeleteImmediately off to remove one of the pillows on daughter's bed...I thought two was too much but she said she liked it...I'm really worried about her spine now!!!
ReplyDeleteI do not sleep so well so I am always after some new tips.
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing these one.
Some great advice on sleeping well. I didn't realise how uncomfortable our old mattress was until we got a new one
ReplyDeleteThis broken pillow test is genius. Luckily my pillows are ok, but the husbands are pretty poor *cough may have switched one or two cough*
ReplyDeleteOh my!!! All those flowers and plants! I would want to buy them all x
ReplyDeleteOh your little man is too cute! Sounds like you learnt some excellent sleeping tips.
ReplyDeleteLaura x