In a recent article, we explored how a NASA invention for astronauts turned into memory foam mattresses that improve our sleep every night (see From NASA to Your Bedroom: The Evolution of Memory Foam Mattresses). But what about the astronauts themselves? Up on the International Space Station (ISS), crew members aren’t dozing on king-size beds; they’re cocooned in sleeping bags attached to the wall as they hurtle around Earth at 17,500 mph. In fact, an astronaut on the ISS experiences 16 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours, making a “normal” night’s sleep a bit of a cosmic challenge. It sounds wild, yet many astronauts insist that sleeping in space can be extremely comfortable – perhaps even more comfortable than on Earth – once you get used to it. How Astronauts Go to Bed Astronauts don’t use traditional mattresses in space. Instead, each crew member sleeps solo in a small, closet-like...

You’ve probably wished someone a good night and sweet dreams more times than you can count. But what exactly are sweet dreams? Are they just pleasant thoughts, or do they have a deeper meaning? Let’s explore the science behind sweet dreams and how they can influence your emotions, creativity, and even your waking life. Understanding Dreams Dreams are the imaginative experiences that our minds generate while we sleep. They’re thought to help the brain process information from the day. Dreams are most vivid during the REM stage of sleep, when your brain activity is almost as high as when you’re awake. While dreaming can also happen during other sleep stages, these dreams are less vivid and harder to remember. On average, you experience 4 to 6 dreams each night, although most slip away from memory quickly. Some people may have as many as 7 dreams in one night, with each...

Your mattress will eventually cave in, sag, lose support, and start feeling uncomfortable. At this point, you might be tempted to throw in a mattress topper to bring back that cozy, cushy feel. After all, it’s easier and cheaper than replacing the whole bed. But toppers can only do so much. They can’t fix the deeper issues if your mattress is old and sagging. I can’t tell you how often I hear people say, “I added a topper, but my back still hurts,” or “I’m still tossing and turning.” Toppers can’t do the heavy lifting a good mattress can. A new mattress is a real game-changer. It provides the support, comfort, and longevity that a topper can’t offer. Let’s find out why investing in a new mattress is a smarter, healthier choice—one that’ll make a difference every night. Why a Mattress Topper Isn’t a Long-Term Solution Mattress toppers sound like...

You know the feeling. Every year, Black Friday arrives, and we're all tempted to splurge on the latest gadgets, shiny new appliances, and deals we think we can't pass up. But when was the last time any of these purchases improved your well-being? Sure, scoring a good deal is fun, but if you’re waking up tired and achy, maybe it’s time to think bigger. The excitement of a new gadget wears off fast, but the impact of a poor night’s sleep sticks with you all year long. Your energy, mood, and health all depend on quality sleep – something you can’t get if your mattress is old or uncomfortable. If you’re tired of waking up sore or want to finally experience truly restful nights, it might be time to consider what will make the biggest difference. This holiday shopping season, let’s skip the gadgets and go for the real deal:...

Your bedroom deserves little touch-ups as seasons change. After all, what works for summer might not work for winter. But how do you upgrade your space for better sleep? One great way to improve your sleep is by giving your space a seasonal bedroom refresh. By changing up your bedding, pillows, and even curtains to reflect the current season, you create a cozy, comfortable environment that can help you sleep better. A refresh also allows you to reevaluate your current setup and determine if it's time to upgrade your mattress. We always recommend investing in a new mattress if you’re not getting the support you need, as it can significantly improve your sleep quality. With the right mattress, your seasonal refresh will be complete, providing you with the perfect environment for a restful night’s sleep. 1. Declutter and Start Fresh First things first—declutter. When your bedroom is clutter-free, it instantly...

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about your bedroom? If you’re like most people, it’s likely your bed and sleeping. And expectedly so because that’s what bedrooms are for. But imagine if your bedroom could do more than provide a place to sleep. What if it became a space that calms your mind and helps you truly relax? It’s not as complicated as it sounds. You can do many simple things to transform your bedroom into something beautiful. We’ll share these in this post to help you create a space that looks and feels like your favorite holiday destination. Focus on Calming Décor Your bedroom is your personal space—and a critical one, for that matter. You’ll spend about a third of your life there, so it’s a good idea to ensure it reflects your style, personality, and experiences. A good way to pull this off...

Your bedding can make or break your sleeping experience. That’s why it’s always in your best interest to know how to dress your family bed for every season. The right bed linens can help regulate your body temperature, improve comfort, and add a touch of style to your bedroom. Here are seasonal bedding tips for summer, winter, spring, and fall! Summer Bedding Tips First, let’s explore the fabrics, color scheme, and duvet considerations for summer. Breathable fabrics In summer, breathability is key to comfortable sleep, so consider using lightweight and natural fiber materials, such as cotton. Cotton is durable and soft and encourages air circulation to keep you cool while sleeping.  Linen is another fantastic material known for its natural cooling and moisture-wicking properties. For that luxurious, soft feel, go for bedding sheets with a high thread count (about 400). You may also consider natural fiber pillowcases to help keep...

When it comes to decking out our huge family bed, the pillow talk gets real. It's a toss-up: do we go for fewer, king-sized pillows that promise a grand, uncluttered look, or do we embrace the cozy vibe of numerous smaller pillows, each a testament to our personal style and comfort needs? It's not just about aesthetics; it's about how we want our sleep sanctuary to feel. As we dive into this friendly debate, let's unravel the pros and cons of both choices. Whether you're a fan of plush landscapes of pillows or prefer a streamlined, majestic setup, we're here to share insights, much like a heart-to-heart between friends over coffee, but this time, it's about our bedrooms. The Case for Larger Pillows Let's talk about opting for larger pillows on those family beds that we adore. Imagine this: You're transforming your bedroom into a serene retreat, and what's the...