Here you will find advice and recommendations to keep you from tossing and turning. These are questions our Snooze Sleep Consultants are asked on a day-to-day basis.

 

My partner snores loudly, frequently disturbing my sleep. What can I do to prevent this?

Commonly, snoring is caused by poor sleep posture, excess weight or physical abnormalities of the throat. These narrow the airway and restrict breathing, resulting in snoring.

If your partner is a mild snorer, suggest that they try:

• sleeping on their side;
• adding an extra pillow to elevate the head or trying a contoured pillow; or
• weight reduction.

 

Your sleep is important to your general health and wellbeing – if these suggestions don’t make a difference, make a trip to your doctor.


 

What is sleep debt and can I repay it?

Sleep debt is the difference between the amount of sleep your body requires and the amount you actually get.

It builds up over long periods of time and research shows that short-term effects include a foggy brain, impaired vision and driving, and trouble retaining information. Long-term effects include obesity and heart disease.

Sleep debt can be repaid though it won't happen overnight. Allowing yourself an extra hour or two per night over a period of time will enable your body to settle itself back into a natural sleep pattern. You’ll know you’ve repaid your sleep debt when you no longer feel tired during the day.

 

Is it possible to sleep too much?

People who sleep more than nine hours per night report similar sleep-related problems to people who sleep less that seven hours per night

Common problems experienced include: 

• Difficulty falling asleep;
• Disturbed sleep;
• Awaking too early;
• Not feeling rested upon awakening; and
• Feeling tired during the day.

 
Research shows the ideal amount of sleep for adults is between seven and eight hours.


I’m in the market for a new bed – how do I know which bed is right for me?


Searching for the perfect bed may seem a little daunting at first, but at Snooze we make it our mission to help you sleep well. One of the most important things to remember is that every one is an individual, and every body is different.


With that in mind, we have some helpful tips to share which will make your selection process easier. 
 

• Cut out the guesswork with Snooze’s exclusive Body Diagnostics™ system from Kingsdown – it takes just two minutes to complete a personalised Body Diagnostics™ profile. Two computers take 18 measurements of your body and calculate 17,000 formulations, to then match you to your ideal sleep surface.
• It takes two – if you sleep with a partner, shop together and make sure you road test the bed properly by lying on top of it. Having your partner toss and turn decreases your chances of a good night’s sleep by 20% so make sure you’re both comfortable, and look for qualities that reduce partner disturbance.
• Listen to your body – your shoulders, hips and lower back feel pressure first. Your perfect bed should provide support and pressure relief for a more restful night’s sleep.
• Take time to look and decide if a bed is right for you. Lie in the position you would normally sleep in to determine whether the bed provides the support your body needs.
• Ask questions – Snooze’s highly trained staff are there to answer any questions you may have about the bed that’s right for you.
  

When should I replace my pillow and what should I look for in a new pillow?


Snooze experts believe that choosing the right pillow is just as important as having the right bed. The right pillow increases your chances of a restful night’s sleep by minimizing pressure on your head and body resulting in less movement throughout the night

If your pillow is more than eight years old, or is discoloured, losing its filling or deteriorating then it’s time to buy a new one.

Things to take into account when looking for a new pillow include:

• Specific health concerns;
• Preferred sleeping position,
• Allergies;
• Size of your frame;
• Whether you suffer from neck pain; and
• If you sleep hot or cold. 

 

How can I ensure my children develop good sleeping habits?


Establishing a bedtime routine early on is key to unlocking a great night’s sleep for your kids. Routine activity makes them feel safe and secure as they know what to expect. Snooze’s Sleep Consultants recommend the following dos and don’ts:

DO:

• Choose a regular bedtime and stick to it, make it clear to your child that bedtime is coming and begin to wind-down activity;
• Allow your kids to take ownership of getting ready for bed by choosing their pyjamas and which story they would like to read;
• Make sure everything is completed in the same order each night – warm bath, brushing teeth, pyjamas on, into bed, reading story, lights out and so on;
• Establish a feeling of comfort and security by tucking your child in and saying goodnight;
•  Ask older children to choose a regular bedtime that allows for enough sleep
• depending on their developmental stage.

DON’T:

• Include television or computers in the bedtime routine;
• Allow the bedtime routine to be interrupted or changed frequently;
• Stay with your child until they fall asleep, or lie in the bed with them; and
• Don’t stress if there is a disruption – as long as interruptions aren’t frequent, there won’t be too many knock-on effects.

When should I move my toddler to a bed, and how can I make this an easy transition?


There is no set time that you should move your toddler to a bed, but the change will generally fall somewhere between 1.5 years and 3.5 years.

• Put your child’s bed in the same place their cot was;
• Your child may find it soothing to sleep with old cot blankets so slowly switch over linen;
• Build anticipation around having a ‘big-kid’s bed’ by sharing the shopping experience;
• Encourage your child to show their new bed to visiting friends and family.

 

If you think the change has been made too early and your child is distressed, don't give up right away. Be positive and encourage your child to try out the bed. If they are still distraught after a few days, bring the cot back for a period of time.