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THE BENEFITS OF USING A WEIGHTED BLANKET.

Are you struggling to sleep, cant get comfortable?. Is it another restless night tossing and turning? The day events running through your mind or perhaps planning for the day ahead. Trying to achieve a great night’s sleep can be hard in this fast moving society we live in.

A therapeutic blanket also known as a weighted blanket has helped many people improve their sleep

The use of weighted blankets have grown in the last few years as people search to improve their night’s sleep and enjoy the health benefits. Research has shown that using a weighted blanket can provide similar benefits to deep pressure therapy. The use of a weighted blanket has many positive results

Deep pressure stimulation through the use of a weighted blanket can help boost your levels of serotonin and melatonin which promotes sleep and helps regulates your sleep cycles.

Weighted Blankets have been used to reduce or manage the symptoms of

.Sleep disorders
.Nervous disorders
.Anxiety
.Restless leg syndrome.
.General stress

Weighted blankets or gravity blankets as they are also known look like a normal a blanket. They are throw sized, filled with materials such as gravel or plastic pellets. The pressure which comes from a weighted blanket is much like a hug and provides a sense of security and warmth helping one to relax.

Although growing in popularity, weighted blankets have been used by occupational therapists for longer than most realize. The idea behind deep pressure touch is that it helps stimulate the release of serotonin and dopamine. Both of which, tend to make people more relaxed.

Blankets are available in different weights, but be mindful as too much weight or heat can interfere with your sleep.

Why not visit our website today and learn more www.thesleepshop.ie

Because Sleep matters

Mattress don’t last forever. It might look OK, but could be well past its sale by date. Research has shown sleeping on an uncomfortable, unsupportive mattress can rob you of up to one hours sleep a night.

Now that you have decided its time to change your mattress, so what's next? Before rushing out to buy, firstly put some thought in to your needs, after all you well spend 1/3 of your life lying on it.

Firstly you need make a list of what you didn’t like about your old mattress. Was it too soft, too firm not offering enough support or even too hot. Here are a few things to consider before going shopping.

1. Research.
Research on line to get a better understanding of the different types of mattresses on offer and price points

2. Shop together.
If the mattress is for two make sure to shop together.
3. Time
Set aside enough time to this properly. Don’t shop if in a hurry or when feeling tired as all mattresses will feel comfortable.
4. Test Drive
Make sure to wear comfortable clothes. Try each one in the position you would sleep in and don’t be afraid to re try. This is an important purchase take your time and don’t feel rushed by the sales assistant.
5. Price.
It’s best to shop for value and not for the lowest price. The dearest mattress is not always the best or most suitable but there are many reasons why it costs more. It’s a personal choice.
6. Gimmicks
Watch out for gimmicks when buying your mattress and watch out for how loosely the word orthopedic and medically approved are used. If this is on a label ask more and find out which organizations have approved these?
6. Comfort
Comfort is subjective to the individual. Don’t be led by ratings saying soft medium and firm. There's no industry rating standard. So remember try, try and try again.
7. Warranty
Always ask about the warranty and what’s covered.
8. Bad Back
A firm mattress isn't always best for a bad back it must be supportive. Again remember there isn’t a one mattress that’s fits all. Every back issue is different and please don’t fall into the trap of a sales assistant telling you an orthopedic mattress is best.
9. Specialists
Research your store before shopping. Specialist shops tend to have the best and most up to date selection. Staff tend to be more knowledgeable and well trained. They are selling one product as opposed to many in a general furniture store.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at david@thesleepshop.ie

Because Sleep Matters

Pocket Sprung Vs Bonnell Spring.

At the Sleep Shop we believe the foundation to a great night’s sleep is the correct mattress and pillow. Shopping for a new mattress has become more complicated, with more and more brands offering gimmicks and higher spring counts to entice people to purchase. More springs does not necessarily mean better value or support?
In today’s Sleep blog we will explain the difference between pocket springs and bonnel springs and which is better and why.

Have you been suffering from poor sleep? Do you find yourself tossing and turning at night or waking up still feeling tired? Take a good look at your mattress. it might be time for a new one. 

If sleeping comfortably or waking up with pain in your body becomes a growing concern, it is time to replace your mattress. There could be various issues with the mattress that you can find below and should help you to think whether you need to replace your mattress or not.

The Life of a Mattress

The lifespan of a mattress is the duration your mattress can retain its original support and comfort. Mattress tends to lose its original support and comfort over time. Some of the factors that may be the reason are, the material it is made from, quality of the material, quality of making, how it has been used, and for how long it has been used. Most mattresses have a lifespan of between 7- 8 years.

So if you've owned your mattress for a few years here are 5 signs to look out for!

1: Sagging

If you wake up with pain in your joints, muscles, or your back, check your mattress for areas in it that are sagging or have developed impressions of your body. Sagging usually happens if the innerspring coil breaks or loses its resilience. Sagging also happens when the memory foam or fiber in it gets compressed by your body weight. Ideally, your mattress should stay flat and not lose its firmness as long as possible. Sagging is the first noticeable issue that may appear in your mattress. The sag in your mattress may result in you in experiencing a “Hammock effect”.

2: Annoying Sounds

When it comes to squeaking sound or screeching metal sound, you realize this is a major sign for mattress replacement. The squeaking and screeching sound coming from your mattress maybe because of normal wear and tear of the coils. That might also result from one or more broken and loose springs. If your mattress is having issues with coils or springs, it won’t be able to support your body. After all, your mattress should provide good support to your body while you are asleep so as to give you good quality sleep.

3: Smell

Nothing tells “it’s time to replace your mattress” as a smell does. Various reasons can cause unpleasant smell in mattress, it may be because you are sharing your bed with a small child who has not been potty trained yet, or you are sharing it with a pet animal, or from spillage from your late-night snacks that you have been having in your bed. These could also result in leaving stains in your mattress. 

Sometimes, in a humid climate, the mattress may start developing fungi, or mold. Washing, scrubbing, or having a mattress protector may be able to minimize these to some extent but if you are still feeling uncomfortable with the stench, you should replace your mattress.

4: Pain

If you are facing a serious problem of restless sleep, it easily results in chronic pain in your joints, muscles, and spine. If you are waking up with a stiff body on a regular basis, then you may have to replace your mattress. As mattresses start aging, they lost their ability to be comfortable by not being able to provide proper support to your body. Due to mattress developing sagged areas, or mattress losing its firmness, or issue with innerspring you may be experiencing discomfort as these result in creating pressure points for your body.

You should replace your current mattress with the new one as a good mattress should not only help you in alleviating the pain but also get rid of the pain caused by pressure points.

5: Allergies

If you are experiencing allergies in your bed, and it doesn’t come from seasonal changes in weather, it may be because of your mattress. The allergens develop in mattress due to the presence of dust mites. Mattresses that are made of cotton tend to develop dust mites easily. The mattresses made from memory foam, latex, and waterbeds are better off when it comes to having to dust mites. On average, a mattress can develop dust mites in the range of 100,000 to 10,000,000. You should be able to reduce dust mites by adding a dust-resistant mattress cover, by washing pillow covers and bed sheets more often. These steps can only alleviate dust mites but not get rid of them, you should go for a new mattress if you want to get rid of dust mites. It is advisable to change your pillows once every six months if you are facing severe allergic problems during the night and wake up with severe allergic symptoms.

Are you struggling to sleep? Is it another restless night tossing and turning? The day events running through your mind or perhaps planning for the day ahead.

Trying to achieve a great night’s sleep can be hard in this fast-moving sociality we live in.

A therapeutic blanket also known as a weighted blanket has helped many people improve their sleep.

The use of weighted blankets has grown in the last few years as people search to improve their night’s sleep and enjoy the health benefits. Research has shown that using a weighted blanket can provide similar benefits to deep pressure therapy. The use of a weighted blanket has many positive results.

Deep pressure stimulation through the use of a weighted blanket can help boost your levels of serotonin and melatonin which promotes sleep and helps regulates your sleep cycle. 

Weighted Blankets have been used to reduce or manage the symptoms of:

• Sleep disorders
• Nervous disorders
• Mood disorders like depression and anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress
• Restless leg syndrome.
• Arthritis
• General stress

Weighted blankets or gravity blankets as they are also known look like a normal a blanket. They are throw sized, filled with materials such as gravel to plastic pellets. The pressure which from a weighted blanket is much like a hug and provides a sense of security and warmth helping one to relax.

Although growing in popularity, weighted blankets have been used by occupational therapists for longer than most realize. The idea behind deep pressure touch is that it helps stimulate the release of serotonin and dopamine. Both of these tend to make people more relaxed.

Blankets are available in different weights, but be mindful as too much weight or heat can interfere with your sleep.

At The Sleep Shop we believe to live well you must sleep well first.

Achieving a great night’s sleep is a combination of good sleep hygiene and the use of the correct mattress, pillow and blankets.

Because Sleep matters

Choosing the right mattress is a tough but important decision, especially when you consider the fact that the average person spends about 26 years sleeping! 

There are a few things you should take into consideration to ensure that you make the right decision!

Mattress firmness is probably the most critical thing you need to consider when buying a new mattress.

This is a critical element in determining if you have a great night sleep or end up twisting and turning all night long. 😩

What exactly is mattress firmness?

Put simply mattress firmness is whether the bed is soft or hard. It's subjective and different sleepers will have a different feel.

To makes things easier we have developed a simple firmness scale which clearly shows you the difference between each mattress and who it is suitable for!

Are you having trouble sleeping and if so one of the things to consider is improving your bedroom. To maximise your night’s sleep you need to have the right setting.
Many of us are unaware that our surroundings can and will affect the way we sleep.

Here are some useful tips to help you turn your bedroom in to a tranquil, relaxing environment.

1. De Clutter your room. A tidy room means a tidy mind.
2. Room temperature is very important. It shouldn’t be too hot or too cold. Ideal temperature is 16-18 degrees(60-65f)
3. Avoid using bright or stimulating colours when decorating. Softer colours will make you feel calm.
4. Keeping your room dark and cool will help improve your night’s sleep. Black out blinds will prevent any natural daylight form disrupting your sleep.
5. Say no to technology in the bedroom. Blue light is one of the biggest sleep disruptors. Keep mobile phones, tablets, laptops and other such devices out of the bedroom.
6. Your bedroom should be for sleep and sleep only. Avoid treating it like an extension of your office.
7. Plants are a great idea for improving the air within your bedroom. Such plants like the English Ivy or the Mother in laws tongue are easy to keep with huge benefits.
8. We believe the foundation to a great night’s sleep is the correct mattress and pillow. How old is yours and is it offering enough support and comfort?

Mention this blog and receive 10% off your order. T/C apply