Cheers to a good night sleep

If you’re getting the recommended average of 8 hours sleep per night, then you’re spending a third of your life asleep and maybe a little more than that in bed. (If you’re sleeping much less than that, it’s nothing to brag about. More on this later.) It makes perfect sense to take care of the environment where you spend a significant part of your life.

Do you pay attention to your mattress? Do you know that it can affect your quality of sleep, energy levels, posture and joint health?

1. Get a good quality mattress. I can’t emphasise this enough. Don’t scrimp when it comes to getting a mattress. When I sleep on a bad mattress, I can tell the difference. Back ache, not being refreshed, grouchy. Now imagine doing that to yourself every day for years.

2. Don’t form the habit of sitting on the edge of your mattress. It makes it sag and causes uneven distribution of pressure.

3. Flip and rotate your mattress regularly, say every three months. Even distribution of pressure provides optimal support and makes your mattress last longer.

4. Change your mattress every eight years.

5. Keep your mattress fresh. Don’t eat ogbono or curry in bed. Vacuum your mattress every now and again. Open the windows; let fresh air touch its brain.

6. Don’t use your mattress as a toy e.g. jumping on it. Yes you. I know you’re an adult but still.