If you're like 70% of other Americans then you are unfortunately not getting enough or adequate sleep. Of course there are the obvious reasons why someone would have a hard time catching their zzz's, but there are ways to at least try to guarantee a good night's sleep.

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  • Your first order of business should be investing in the right mattress. They are no doubt costly, but well worth it!
  • If dishing out the dough isn't in your budget right now, buy a nice feather bed (preferably down) to place on top of your old mattress to offer contour and softness
  • If you are a hot sleeper, a feather bed might not be the right choice for you. Opt for a wool filled mattress pad which absorbs moisture and helps regulate bed temperature. Egg crates and other foam mattress pads are known to trap heat and lose their shape easily so while they are cheaper, they aren't as efficient
  • I personally feel that the more full the bed, the more cozy it is which is why I strongly recommend buying a feather-down duvet. They are sold in all kinds of weights so go thick if you tend to get cold, and thin if you get hot in your sleep. If you like your bed really, REALLY full, try double stuffing your duvet cover with two inserts!
  • I am also a firm believer in down pillows - but remember, you should replace them at least every three years. Ten percent of the weight of just a 2 year old pillow is due to dust mites, mold, fungus, droppings and bacteria. EWW! If you have back or neck problems, you might want to try a tempurpedic pillow, but the same replacement rules apply
  • A rule of thumb with anything made out of feathers - every time you make your bed, shake out your comforter and your pillows to redistribute the feathers evenly
  • Invest in good linens. Surrounding yourself with soft materials and fluffy pillows will no doubt help you fall asleep easier. Thread count does matter. Aim for at least a 200 count per inch and always buy 100% cotton sheets as they are easier to iron. A good tip if you don't want to iron your sheets is to put them on your bed slightly damp or if you want to indulge, send them to get laundered!
  • Always keep a throw on or close by your bed. Since it's summer, on hot nights you don't necessarily need all your sheets and blankets, just a light cover will do the trick

Taking a an extra 3 minutes in the morning to make your bed as if you were expecting company will surely make it all the more exciting to get into it come bed time. I hope these tips help, and don't blame me if you can't get out of bed in the morning!

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