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...

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....

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...