Simmons Company Issues Summer Travel Advisory:

Furniture World Magazine

With summer right around the comer, Americans will soon be packing their bags and boarding planes in search of a little "R&R.- This summer, Simmons Company is issuing a summer sleep travel advisory, reminding consumers to pack some sleep along with their swimsuits, sunscreen and sunglasses because quality sleep could be their ticket to a quality vacation. In a recent survey commissioned by Simmons Company, a majority of respondents (67.4%) reported they get seven or fewer hours of shuteye on vacation - taking the "rest" out of "rest and relaxation." It's likely that lack of sleep is the culprit for the nearly 50 percent (47%) of people polled who claim to return from vacations more tired than before they left. According to Dr. Maas, sleep expert and author of the New York Times Best Seller, Power Sleep, we need eight hours of uninterrupted sleep to feel fully rested and alert. "Sleep deprivation makes us stupid, so sacrificing sleep, even on vacations, can lower our productivity and performance. Whether we're at home or on vacation, it's important we practice a smart sleep routine to ensure we come home from our trips truly rested," said Dr. Maas. Simmons Company and Dr. Maas suggest these tips when traveling: Avoid caffeine after 2 p.m. and alcohol within three hours of bedtime Practice a smart eating routine - eat a healthy breakfast, substantial lunch and light dinner; try to avoid eating heavy meals within five hours of bedtime Keep your hotel room at 65 degrees and avoid rooms located in a high traffic area (near the elevator, facing a busy street/highway, etc.). Make sure your hotel room windows are equipped with blinds/drapes that keep the room dark, blocking out street/building lights and sunlight. It's okay to take a "power nap" during the day as long as they are no longer than 15-20 minutes; otherwise you'll go into delta (deep) sleep and feel groggy when you awaken, and you'll have difficulty getting to sleep that night. "Vacations are meant to be relaxing and rejuvenating and can be jeopardized if you don't get quality sleep - before, during and after vacation," said Don Hofmann, Simmons Company vice president of advertising. "We're suggesting vacation-goers pack some quality sleep hours this summer to make the most of their time off, and one way to ensure that is by sleeping on a quality mattress. And, May is Better Sleep Month so what better time to make sure our sleep routines are in check." For those consumers venturing over multiple time zones to get to their vacation destination how they prepare for the journey (by air or by road) could be the answer to their quest for rest. Some pre-vacation preparation tips include: If traveling across more than three time zones, start living by that time several days before you leave. Sleeping on a quality mattress every night could help consumers get their beauty rest; look for pocketed coil™ springs if you're bothered by partner movement or a BackCare mattress that maintains your spine in its natural alignment. Avoid flights so early that you have to lose sleep in order to get to the airport on time. Pack a bag of "comfortable carry-ons" for long-haul flights (eyeshade, slipper socks, nasal decongestant, water). Drink plenty of water on the plane. Avoid seats located near the restrooms or kitchen area. Dr. Maas and Simmons Company are coming to the rescue for weary Americans by offering " Wake- Up Call: A Guide to a Good Night's Sleep, " a free brochure that is available by calling a toll-free number, 1-877-4U2-REST. Included in the guide are sleep tips for trips to help consumers make the most of their journeys. Maker of Beautyrest®, BackCare® and the Connoisseur Collection®, Atlanta-based Simmons Company employs more than 2,500 people and operates 19 plants throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Simmons is committed to helping consumers attain a higher quality of sleep and supports that mission through its Better Sleep Through Science philosophy, which includes developing superior mattresses and promoting a sound and smart sleep routine. For more information, consumers can visit the company's web site at www.simmons.com.