NO PLACE LIKE HOME -- karen wight

It’s January, it’s winter, and even though Southern California doesn’t

rank high on the list of places to hibernate, now is the time to think

about the quality of your “long winter’s nap.”

Let’s start with your bed. Our bodies naturally seek comfort. We will

unconsciously move our bodies to find a position to relieve stress on our

pressure points, such as the hips, shoulders, elbows, knees, heels and

ankles. A sleep position that alters blood flow to these pressure points

causes the tossing and turning we do in our sleep.

According to the Better Sleep Council, you can turn your body 40 to 60

times a night seeking a more comfortable position. This can cause you to

wake up achy and feeling tired.

The old adage of “the firmer the mattress, the better the sleep” has been

proven wrong many times over. A mattress needs to conform to your body to

provide the service you expect. Your body wants the support but also

needs cushioning to give your skeletal structure the rest it deserves

after a long day of activity.

It’s time to evaluate your mattress. This is a more complicated matter

than you might think: inner springs, foam, air pumps, pillow-tops,

natural fiber, microprocessed -- the choices and combinations are

amazingly endless.

And let’s talk about prices. Mattresses range from bargain basement to

upward of $10,000.

The amount of support and cushion you need is strictly a personal

preference. And perhaps you have a spouse to consider. This decision is

important. Plan time to visit at least two stores and spend some time

with your choices. Lie down on the beds and stay awhile. This is an

important time and monetary commitment. Consider all the factors,

including allergies, adjustable controls, mattress size and budget.

Once you have chosen your mattress, pay attention to the depth of the

mattress from top to bottom. If you choose one of the luxury products,

check your linens to make sure they can accommodate the new “pillow-top”

dimensions.

Many mattresses on the market now are deeper than the standard

measurements linen companies use for manufactured sheets and fitted

sheets. The old depth standard was 7 1/2” to 10” for a mattress, but the

newer styles can easily double that amount. Of course, not to worry,

linen companies are quickly accommodating the upscale market and you can

find the new standards at almost any linen store.

Now that we have solved your sleep problems, look around your bedroom and

give it a quick review. If you have your computer equipment in the room

with you, out it goes. The bedroom is a sanctuary, not an office.

Bedrooms are your oasis of peace in a hectic world. Whether you have all

the bells and whistles, such as a sitting area, mini-fridge, fireplace,

Jacuzzi tub or just the basics, your bedroom needs to be a place to check

your stress at the door.

For a longer night’s sleep, check your window treatments and make sure

they are doing their job of blocking out those rays of light. If you need

to replace them or upgrade them, consider adding or ordering the privacy

liner or “blackout” lining. This helps keep your room darker longer. This

blackout feature is a great option for kids’ rooms, especially for those

who are still in the nap phase.

Give your boudoir a boost. A great mattress, a relaxing atmosphere and

functional window coverings are a great prescription for a good night’s

sleep.

On the lighter side ... Royal-Pedic, a luxury mattress company that has

been lauding the benefits of its handcrafted mattresses and the

importance of total sleeping comfort since 1946, publishes a list of some

past and present Royal-Pedic clientele in a sales brochure.

Because Royal-Pedic was one of the first luxury mattress companies, it

makes sense that the company has accumulated an impressive list of

customers, including former presidents, professional athletes and various

entertainers. The list was very eclectic and I found it a bit humorous,

so I will leave you with my edited version:

U.S. Presidents: Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B.

Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan.

Entertainers and & Athletes: Paula Abdul, Aretha Franklin, Bruce Jenner,

Henry Mancini, Wolfgang Puck and Frank Sinatra.

Actors & Actresses: Fred Astaire, Candice Bergen, Tom Cruise, Doris Day,

Susan Dey, Monty Hall, Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe, Bob Sagget, Tom Selleck,

Arnold Swartzenegger and Barbara Walters.

Sleep on that.