WHY DO YOU NEED A NEW BED?
1. Not sleeping all that well
2. My mattress feels like a lumpy hammock
3. I feel worse when I get up than when I went to bed.
4. Three hours of sleep just isn’t cutting it.
5. Either the bed goes or I do.

A FEW SHOPPING SUGGESTIONS How to choose the right bed for YOU? .
1. Be ready to shop at least three stores. Less than that and you don’t get a good look at the available styles. More than that and most people get confused and frustrated.
2. If you sleep with a partner, you should go shopping together. Also look at Queen or King size beds to insure enough room for comfort.
3. Try different comfort levels, even if you think you know what you want. Many people find they really prefer a firmer or softer comfort than what they originally expected.
4. Don’t rush. After some early eliminations, expect to spend 10-15 minutes on each bed to get a real feel for it’s comfort level. Remember, you spend more time in your bed than on any other piece of furniture.
5. To some extent, you get what you pay for. A cheap bed may seem the best value, but it will be more expensive when you must replace it every few years. A premium quality cost a little more up front, but you save in the long run.
6. You can overpay. There comes a point when what you are paying for offers no real return on your investment. Be wary of fancy sounding materials that actually don’t add quality or comfort.
7. Check your newspaper for pricing. But watch out for the company that has a sale every week. They are not really sales. And remember, a little common sense goes a long way when listening to outrageous price reductions.
8. More is not necessarily better. Most companies tout high coil counts to reflect quality because that is all the salesperson knows. Wire gauge, coil design, and insulating layers are also great determining factors in the quality of the bed.
9. No Flip vs. Flip It. Most mattresses are made with only one sleeping surface. This means you never “flip” the mattress, you only need to turn it from head-to-foot. There are still a few manufacturers that make a conventional 2 sleeping surface mattress. The extra cost and effort may make a big difference in the life of the mattress. Most dealers offer a longer warranty on 2 sided mattresses.
10. Have back problems? FIRM doesn’t have to mean HARD. A Firm support comes from the spring unit, comfort comes from the layers of cushion on top of the springs. You can have good support AND comfort.
11. Purchase the bed SET. The purchase of the foundation is a small portion of the set price and has several benefits. An old or worn foundations may cause the mattress to break down prematurely and may void your warranty.
12. Know the companies policies. Some may offer a comfort guarantee, but be sure what the terms are. If you will follow they simple suggestions, your shopping won’t be the nightmare that you expect, and you will soon be on your way to happier dreams.

BETTER SLEEP COUNCIL SLEEP TIPS
1. Maintain a regular bed and wake time schedule, including weekends.
2. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine, such as soaking in a hot bath or hot tub and then reading a book or listening to soothing music.
3. Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable and cool.
4. Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillow.
5. Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex. It is best to take work materials, computers and televisions out of the sleeping environment.
6. Finish eating at least two to three hours before your regular bedtime.
7. Exercise regularly. It is ideal to complete your workout at least a few hours before bedtime.
8. Avoid alcohol, nicotine (e.g., cigarettes, tobacco products), and caffeine (e.g., coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate) close to bedtime. These can lead to poor sleep, keep you awake or disrupt sleep later in the night.

For more Sleep Tips, go to www.bettersleep.org.