Consumer Poll Says That Old Mattresses Stress Relationships

Furniture World Magazine

But according to a recent Better Sleep Council (BSC) survey, the secret to a better, healthier relationship may be hiding under the sheets. In the BSC’s latest consumer poll, one out of every two respondents identified an old mattress as the culprit in an unsatisfactory night’s sleep and a leading contributor to increased irritability and stress in their romantic relationships. According to BSC findings, an overwhelming 78 percent of respondents agreed that a new mattress could be the key to a better relationship with their significant others. Among leading relationship benefits, people noted that a new mattress could: Leave them more rested at night and more cordial to their partners throughout the day (52 percent), Reduce tossing and turning by their significant others, leading to fewer disturbances and annoyances during the night (40 percent), Encourage them to spend more time in bed with their partners (27 percent), Improve their sex lives (26 percent). “More than improving relationships, the mattress truly plays an integral role in the total health package,” says Nancy Shark, executive director of the Better Sleep Council. “Consumers who invest more in their sleep systems are investing in better sleep and their overall health and well-being.” In fact, scientific research from Oklahoma State University shows that a new mattress leads to significant, sustained improvements in sleep quality and comfort for people who previously slept on mattresses more than five years old. The latest consumer poll from the BSC also found that adults with newer beds (less than five years old) were more than twice as likely to praise their sleep surfaces as “excellent,” compared to those with older mattresses (five years or more). What’s more, the American Chiropractic Association advises consumers that comfortable mattresses and pillows can help limit back and neck pain. “As you age, your personal needs for comfort and support may change,” says Shark. “That’s why it’s important to evaluate your mattress every five to seven years to ensure the best sleep possible. If your mattress is not providing you with the good night’s sleep you deserve each and every night, it’s time to consider buying a new one.” New BSC Consumer Resources Make Mattress Shopping E.A.S.E.ier Wondering when and how to shop for a new mattress shouldn’t leave you tossing and turning. To determine whether your mattress is ready for retirement, and to learn the correct way to shop for a new one, the BSC offers the E.A.S.E. method. Here are a few tips to get consumers started (to view the complete mattress buying guide, along with entertaining video clips demonstrating the dos and don’ts of mattress shopping, visit www.bettersleep.org): Evaluate your current bed to determine if it’s time for a new one. Ask yourself a few simple questions, such as: Do you wake up with aches and pains? Are you getting a better night’s rest somewhere other than your own bed? Arm yourself with the knowledge needed to make the best purchase. With the variety of options and new technology available, it’s important to educate yourself about the current choices in bedding to determine the best fit for your personal needs. Shop to find the right mattress to suit your individual needs, and be sure to “test drive” your new mattress when shopping in the store. Now available online at www.bettersleep.org, BSC offers short videos to guide consumers through each step of the mattress-shopping process. Ensure that you get the most out of your mattress with quality care. Make sure your new mattress and foundation are properly installed in your home, and be sure to use a good quality, washable mattress pad to protect your bedding system. For simple solutions to help improve the quality of your sleep and for comprehensive mattress shopping tips, go to www.bettersleep.org to download the BSC’s new Better Sleep Guide: Better Mattress. Better You. About the Better Sleep Council: Established in 1979, the Better Sleep Council (BSC) is the consumer education division of the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA). The BSC is devoted to educating the public about the importance of sleep to good health and quality of life and about the value of the sleep system and sleep environment in pursuit of a good night's sleep. For more information, visit www.bettersleep.org. Survey findings are taken from a survey of 1,000 people, conducted by the polling company™, inc. from July 20 -23, 2007. The margin of error is +/- 3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.