In This Article:
Quick Answers
Who really benefits? People with acid reflux, snoring, sleep apnea, or back issues. Raising your head 6-8 inches makes a real difference for reflux. We hear this from customers all the time.
What should I look for? Quiet motors (you'd be surprised how loud some are), wireless remote, and battery backup so you can lower it during power outages. Those are the must-haves.
Will my mattress work on one? Memory foam and latex flex well. Most hybrids work if they're designed for adjustable bases. Traditional innerspring usually doesn't flex right - the edges are too rigid.
Refreshing Your Bedroom for the New Year
January brings the urge to start fresh. Your bedroom is where you spend a third of your life, so it makes sense to focus some of that renewal energy there. But a bedroom makeover doesn't have to mean expensive renovations. Strategic changes to your sleep setup and environment can make a significant difference without major construction.
Start With What Matters Most: Your Bed
Before you think about paint colors or new furniture, assess what you're actually sleeping on.
Your Mattress
If you can't remember when you bought your mattress, it's probably time for a new one. Most mattresses last 7-10 years, but that varies based on quality and how much you weigh. Signs it's time to replace:
- Visible sagging or indentations
- Waking up stiff or sore
- Better sleep in hotels or at friends' houses
- Springs you can feel through the surface
A new mattress will do more for your sleep than any other single change you can make.
Your Pillows
Fold your pillow in half. Does it spring back? If not, it's dead. Pillows should be replaced every 1-2 years, but most people keep them much longer. Old pillows lose their support and accumulate dust mites and allergens.
Your Bedding
Fresh sheets and a quality duvet can make your bedroom feel completely new without changing anything structural. Invest in natural fibers like cotton or bamboo that breathe well and feel good against your skin.
Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
Temperature Control
The ideal sleep temperature is 15-19°C (60-67°F). That's cooler than most people keep their bedrooms. Consider:
- A programmable thermostat that drops the temperature at bedtime
- Breathable bedding that doesn't trap heat
- A fan for air circulation (and white noise)
Light Management
Your bedroom should be dark when you sleep. Blackout curtains block street lights and early morning sun. They also provide an extra layer of window insulation, which matters in Ontario winters.
Consider removing or covering electronics with standby lights. Even small LED indicators can disrupt sleep for sensitive sleepers.
Sound
If you're in a noisy area or have a partner who snores, white noise can help. A simple fan works, or you can use a dedicated white noise machine. Some people find apps work well, though having your phone in the bedroom can be its own problem.
Declutter Your Sleep Space
A cluttered bedroom creates subconscious stress. You may not actively notice it, but your brain does. For January:
- Clear your nightstand. Keep only what you need: a lamp, maybe a book, your phone charger. Everything else goes elsewhere.
- Get laundry out of sight. Piles of clothes waiting to be folded don't belong in your sleep space.
- Remove work materials. No laptops, paperwork, or anything that reminds you of tasks and stress.
- Store seasonal items. If you have summer clothes taking up space, box them and store them elsewhere.
Consider an Adjustable Bed Base
An adjustable bed base lets you elevate your head or feet for different positions. This helps with:
- Acid reflux and heartburn
- Snoring and sleep apnea
- Back pain and circulation issues
- Reading and watching TV in bed
Most adjustable bases work with your existing mattress, so you don't necessarily need to buy both at once.
The January Advantage
January is actually a great time to make bedroom changes:
- Post-holiday sales. Many retailers discount mattresses and bedding in January.
- Motivation is high. The new year energy makes it easier to tackle projects.
- Delivery is easier. Once the holiday rush clears, scheduling is more flexible.
- You spend more time indoors. Cold, dark January evenings mean you're in your bedroom more, so you notice the improvements.
Start Small if Needed
You don't have to do everything at once. A reasonable order of priority:
- Mattress (if yours is past its useful life)
- Pillows (almost everyone needs new ones)
- Sheets and bedding (the most visible change)
- Light control (blackout curtains or shades)
- Decluttering (costs nothing but time)
Getting Help
If you're not sure where to start or what would make the biggest difference for your sleep, come talk to us. We've been helping Brantford families improve their bedrooms since 1987. We can look at your situation and suggest what might help most, whether that's a new mattress, better pillows, or something else entirely.
No pressure, just practical advice from people who've seen what works.
Mattress Miracle is at 441½ West Street, Brantford. Same-day delivery available in Brant County.