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The Hidden Role of Your Bed in Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

If you’ve ever noticed your mood and sleep changing as winter sets in, there’s a reason for it. Seasonal Affective Disorder and sleep are closely linked. When one is off balance, the other usually follows. So, how do seasonal rhythms influence mental health and vice versa? Light controls your body clock Your body runs on an internal timer called the circadian rhythm. It relies on sunlight to know when to wake up and when to wind down. During the winter months, the lack of natural light disrupts that rhythm. During periods of shorter daylight, your brain starts making melatonin (the hormone that makes you sleepy) earlier in the day, while producing less serotonin (the chemical that keeps you feeling balanced and motivated). That shift explains why you might feel groggy, low, or sluggish when daylight fades early. Poor Sleep and SAD Feed Off of Each Other When your sleep quality...

Kevin Spencer - Nov 25, 2025

Mattress Layers Explained: Your Guide to Comfort, Support, and Price

If you’ve been waking up sore or restless, there’s a good chance your mattress is part of the problem. Most people buy a bed based on how it feels in the showroom or what an ad promises, but the real secret to good sleep lies underneath the surface, in the layers. Understanding what’s inside your mattress helps you find the right mix of comfort and support without overspending on features you don’t need. Let’s go layer by layer to see what really makes a mattress comfortable, supportive, and durable. The Basic Anatomy of a Mattress Every modern mattress is built in layers, each with a specific job to do. From top to bottom, these layers usually include: The cover: The fabric that wraps the entire mattress, often made with breathable materials like organic cotton or natural fibers such as bamboo or wool. Comfort layers: The softer top sections that you...

Kevin Spencer - Nov 20, 2025

Sleeping with the TV On: Healthy Habit or Sleep Sabotage?

It’s a familiar scene. You’re lying in bed, exhausted but restless. So, you flick on the TV, open YouTube, or let a podcast run to quiet the racing thoughts or fill the silence. Before you know it, you’ve drifted off while a late-night talk show host or your favorite television series hums in the background. For many people, sleeping with the TV on feels like the only way to get a good night’s rest. But is it really helping? Or is it quietly sabotaging your sleep quality and long-term health? Let’s explore what the science says about TV shows, background noise, and sleep, along with healthier alternatives that can help your mind and body truly recharge. Is It a Good Idea to Sleep with the TV On? There’s been a lot of research into how the technology we use every day affects our sleep, stress levels, weight, and even our...

Kevin Spencer - Oct 30, 2025

Why Your Dreams Have Been So Weird Lately

You go to bed expecting a peaceful night, but wake up feeling shaken, replaying bizarre imagery, unusual scenes, maybe nightmares. Why do dreams sometimes get unusually vivid, strange, or unsettling? And when does it become more than just a “weird night”? Below, we’ll unpack the science behind weird dreams, the various culprits, and concrete ways to calm things down, so you can return to more restful nights. What’s Going On in Your Brain When Dreams Get Weird? To understand why your dreams sometimes feel unusually vivid, strange, or even unsettling, it helps to look at what’s happening in the brain while you sleep. Sleep isn’t one long, steady state. Instead, your body cycles through different stages several times each night. In the early stages of non-REM (NREM) sleep, your body relaxes and brain activity slows down. Stages one and two are considered light sleep, while stage three is known as...

Kevin Spencer - Oct 22, 2025

Why a Sleep Divorce Might Save Your Relationship

Sleep divorce is on the rise, with over one-third of Americans now occasionally or regularly sleeping in a separate room from their partner. The trend is growing not because couples are falling out of love, but because they are beginning to recognize how important sleep is to health, energy, and connection. A good night’s rest is the foundation of patience, intimacy, and resilience in a relationship. When partners struggle with sleep night after night, the strain can ripple into every area of their lives. Why Sleep Matters More Than You Think Adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night, yet millions regularly fall short. Feeling sleep deprived affects more than just your physical energy. A lack of rest is strongly linked to irritability, forgetfulness, poor concentration, and mood swings. Over time, disrupted sleep can trigger or worsen mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. Sleep disorders like...

Kevin Spencer - Oct 13, 2025

The Family Bed vs. King vs. Alaskan King: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to sleep, size matters more than most people realize. A standard King or California King may feel generous at first glance, but for families, co-sleepers, or pet owners, it can quickly feel cramped. That’s why oversized mattresses like the Alaskan king-size mattress and The Family Bed by Taylor & Wells are gaining attention. If you’ve ever woken up pinned to the edge of your bed by a toddler’s foot, a partner’s restless tossing, or your dog stretched out like royalty, you know exactly why bigger beds are trending. But how do you know which oversized option is right for you? This guide breaks down the key differences between the King, California King, Alaskan King, and The Family Bed by Taylor & Wells, so you can choose the mattress that truly gives your household the room it deserves. Why Bigger Beds Are Gaining Popularity Oversized mattresses are a...

Kevin Spencer - Sep 24, 2025

What Is Sleep Hypopnea? Could It Be Affecting You?

Poor sleep can affect every part of your life, from how alert you feel in the morning to how well your body protects itself from long-term health problems. Many assume their restless nights, morning headaches, or daytime fatigue are due to stress or a bad mattress. But in some cases, the cause is a sleep disorder you may not have heard much about: sleep hypopnea. What Is Sleep Hypopnea? Sleep hypopnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder. It occurs when one's breathing becomes unusually shallow during sleep. Instead of smooth, normal airflow, the upper airway becomes partially blocked, reducing the amount of air one takes in. This decrease in airflow means less oxygen reaches your blood. Over time, repeated episodes can lower your blood oxygen levels, strain your body, and prevent you from reaching restorative sleep stages. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine defines hypopnea as a partial reduction in airflow...

Kevin Spencer - Sep 17, 2025

Do Expensive Sheets Really Help You Sleep Better?

You’ve probably seen them, glossy magazine spreads or celebrity home tours where someone casually mentions they “only sleep on $2,000 Egyptian cotton sheets.” It makes you wonder: Are my regular bed sheets ruining my chance at a good night’s sleep? Here’s the truth: studies show that high-quality bedding is linked with better sleep. The right sheets, blankets, and pillows can help regulate body temperature, reduce tossing and turning, and keep you comfortable through the night. That means you’re more likely to reach restorative stages of sleep, the ones that help your body repair, reset, and recharge. But before you run out to splurge on luxury bed linens, let’s look closer. Because while bedding accessories matter, the biggest factor in long-term sleep quality will always be your mattress. Why Bedding Matters for Sleep Your bedding is the closest layer between you and your mattress, and it sets the tone for comfort....

Kevin Spencer - Sep 09, 2025