How bedtime can be bliss

At home, I have a 4ft 6ins antique metal bed, purchased years ago from a place called Seventh Heaven, which I share with a husband with no spatial awareness and sharp elbows.

So it's bliss to crash out on a 6ft bed - actually two three-footers zipped together – with comfortable mattress and laundry-ironed White Company cotton sheets. Luxury!

And yet, at home, many of us skimp on furnishing the private sanctuaries where we rest and relax. And despite the fact that we spend nearly a third of our year under the sheets – on average 106 days a year in bed – the majority of us wait far too long before replacing a mattress, robbing ourselves of sweet dreams.

According to The National Sleep Council's research, only one in ten people claim to always sleep well, while one in five suffer frequent sleepless nights. Two-thirds sleep more poorly now than a few years ago.

Annie Deakin, editor of online interiors shopping site mydeco (mydeco.com), says mattresses should be changed once every seven years.

“Frankly, if you can't remember the last time you had a good night's sleep, it could well be your rickety old bed – and not your stressful lifestyle – that's to blame,” she says.

“Always opt for the largest bed you can fit into your room. You'll never regret it as it you’ll have enough room to spread out and be comfortable, particularly important if you’re sharing a bed.”

Chrissie Rucker, founder of The White Company agrees, adding that it’s also essential to consider how the bed fits your decor.

“A bed’s style dominates a room, so think carefully about the style you prefer. But don’t feel limited by your home’s style. Vintage beds can work brilliantly in a contemporary setting, while sleek modern beds, dressed up, can also fit into the most traditional scheme.”

David Killip, sleep expert at bedding specialists Killip’s carpets and beds based in Shipley, says investing in a decent, good-quality mattress is a must for sleeping well.

He said: “A restful night is vital for good health, so give choosing a mattress the attention it deserves. Allow yourself the time to visit a bed showroom where you can lay on and try out the beds and mattresses.”

Dave says a mattress must be supportive, but that doesn’t mean it has to be hard. Comfort and good support are far more relevant to give correct posture and restful sleep then a hard or very firm mattress.

“A mattress that’s correct allows your hips to sink in, giving effective support to your lower back. It’s not enough for your lower back to just touch the mattress surface,” he says. “Don't be frightened of feeling comfortable, even though the feeling may be unfamiliar to you if previously you've wrongly taken the ‘hard bed is good for you’, approach.”

A bed should be at least six inches (10cm) longer than the person lying on it. If possible, avoid mattresses that increase body heat. The body’s temperature needs to cool to 28 degrees during deep sleep, otherwise sleep quality may be affected. Foam, latex and memory foam offer superb support, but tend to be warmer.

Dave says beds with natural fillings such as cotton, wool or breathable upholstery are much better.

“As a bed should last you at least ten years, it’s wise to choose a classic design that can easily be updated with bed linen and accessories,” says Chrissie Rucker.

Divans have a solid base, either sprung for maximum comfort or with a platform top. This works in tandem with a mattress and should not be bought on its own. “A high-quality divan will have more give and feel more luxurious than a mattress on a slatted base, and can accommodate hidden storage drawers or a pull-out bed,” she says.

A bedstead consists of a frame, usually wooden or metal, with a slatted base. “As the base is raised off the floor it makes for easy cleaning. It can give a lighter, airier feel to a bedroom, but you won’t be able to update the bed by simply changing the headboard or valance,” adds Rucker.

A headboard can transform a standard divan bed into a statement piece of furniture.

“For a five-star feel opt for a grand, oversized design or get a headboard made bespoke or in an interesting shape or material. Fabric-covered, padded headboards are wonderfully comfortable to sit up against and look fantastic,” she says.