AS the nights grow longer and the temperature drops, staying warm at night is crucial for a restful sleep.
Alison Jones, sleep expert at mattress brand Sealy UK, shares her top tips for creating the perfect winter sleep environment to ensure you drift off comfortably and enjoy a restful asleep during the colder nights.
And it all starts with choosing the right duvet.
She said: “When it comes to duvets, selecting the correct tog rating can make all the difference.
“The tog rating measures the duvet’s ability to retain warmth – the higher the tog, the warmer and cosier the duvet – ideal for the colder months.
“For winter, a duvet with a tog rating between 10.5 and 13.5 will help keep you snug and comfortable.
“Ultimately, it’s about finding the right balance to suit your personal warmth preferences and the specific conditions of your bedroom.”
If you’re someone who gets hot and cold during the night, then layering is a must.
Alison said: “Layering is key to adjusting your warmth levels throughout the night.
“Combining throws, blankets, and sheets allows you to easily adjust your bedding to suit your needs.
“Plus, layered bedding adds a touch of style to your room, transforming it into a cosy retreat you’ll love coming home to.”
Next consider an electric blanket.
Alison explained: “Electric blankets can be a game-changer in keeping your bed toasty, but safety comes first.
“Modern electric blankets are equipped with safety features like auto-shut-off timers and overheat protection – so make sure to look out for these features when purchasing, to ensure both comfort and peace of mind, night-after-night.
“Make sure to follow maintenance guidelines to keep them in top condition and use them to preheat your bed.
“For a seamless bedtime routine, turn on your electric blanket 15-20 minutes before getting into bed, then switch it off once you’re under the covers to lock in the warmth.
“With over 10 per cent of Brits waking up due to feeling too cold in the night*, an electric blanket to warm your bed just before hitting the hay could help you avoid those chilly, restless nights,” she added.
And before you hop into bed, make sure the room temperature is just right.
The expert said: “The ideal bedroom temperature for a restful night’s sleep is between 16-18°C. This range supports your body’s natural cooling process as evening transitions into nighttime.
“Maintaining this optimal temperature allows your body to regulate its heat comfortably, ensuring restful sleep.
“If the room is too warm, it can interfere with this cooling process, making you feel overheated and restless as you try to drift off.
The ideal bedroom temperature for a restful night’s sleep is between 16-18°C
“On the other hand, if it’s too cold, your body may struggle to stay warm, leading to tossing and turning in the night – with the result being disrupted sleep.
“If your room tends to be draughty, using thermal curtains or a door sweep can help insulate and retain warmth, ensuring a cosy, consistent environment for restful sleep.”
Finally, you won’t ever sleep well if you’re not comfortable on your mattress.
“While duvets and blankets play a big part in staying warm, the foundation of a restful sleep, whatever the season, is your mattress,” Alison said.
“A high-quality mattress, like a Sealy Posturepedic, not only offers superior support for your body, but also helps to regulate your temperature during the night.
Find your ultimate sleep solution at Sealy and create your perfect cosy retreat in time for winter.
How Does Beauty Sleep Work?
WE’VE all heard of beauty sleep, but what’s actually going on while we catch good quality Zs that’s actually making us more beautiful?
- Enhanced Blood Flow
During sleep, blood flow to the skin increases. It delivers essential nutrients and oxygen that help repair damage from UV exposure and pollution. The result? A healthy glow - Cell Regeneration
Skin cells regenerate more quickly while we sleep. The rate of cell turnover is higher during the night, allowing the skin to shed dead cells and replace them with new, healthy ones. This improves skin texture and tone - Reduced Cortisol Levels
Cortisol, a stress hormone, can break down collagen and contribute to the formation of wrinkles. Good quality sleep helps regulate cortisol levels, thereby reducing its negative impact on the skin - Hydration Station
The skin loses more water during the day compared to night because sleep helps the skin retain moisture. Well-hydrated skin appears plumper and less prone to wrinkles - Growth Hormones
During deep sleep, the body releases growth hormones, which play a key role in tissue growth and repair. These hormones help the skin recover from the damage it has sustained and support the formation of new cells
