By Editorial team
Find out the simple changes to make to get the best sleep of your life
We’re all on a quest to get better quality shut-eye. Before you upgrade your bedding or mattress, John Lewis’s sleep experts recommend asking; what kind of sleeper are you? Are you hot or cold, a heavy or light sleeper, or an allergy sufferer? Your personal circadian rhythm (the internal biological clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles) will also fall into one of four sleep chronotypes; bear, lion, wolf, or dolphin. Bears follow the sun’s pattern, lions are early risers, wolves prefer late nights, and dolphins are inconsistent. Understanding your sleep personality is the secret to getting reliable, peaceful sleep that sees you waking up refreshed every day
If you’re a cold sleeper
A low room temperature of 16-18°C is recommended for optimum sleep, but being too chilly can make it hard to nod off and some people feel the cold more than others. Add warm bedding, and look at mattresses or bedding that contain wool, silk or cashmere as natural fibres regulate temperature and keep you snug at night. Cold sleepers often prefer a higher tog duvet so choose a rating of 10.5 or higher, or try one of our 3-in-1 duvets which have two sections that can be used alone or together, perfect for the changing seasons.
If you’re a hot sleeper
Kicking off the covers at 1am due to over-heating? Avoid foam or memory foam products which aren't always as breathable; instead try bedding made with temperature-regulating technology to wick moisture away from your skin to provide a cooler night’s sleep. Start with a mattress from John Lewis Natural Collection, a lower tog duvet, and look for cooling duvets and pillows in linen, cotton, wool, feather down or silk, all of which will work in response to your body’s natural way to regulate temperature.
If you’re an allergy sufferer
Synthetic bedding or anti-allergy options can help you sleep without getting bunged-up, and they have the same luxurious feel as natural options. Nearly all John Lewis bedding, duvets and pillows are machine washable, and washing them every couple of months will also help minimise the risk of allergy symptoms recurring.
If you have kids
Sleep is crucial for a child’s development and, of course, when they sleep well, so can you. Arielle Azencot, John Lewis Children’s Bedding Buyer, says ‘We recommend a soft tension mattress for kids. Natural materials help with breathability and pocket springs offer the best support for a growing body.’ When it comes to bedding, always follow the age group recommendations. ‘Quilts, duvets and pillows are not suitable for children under 12 months due to risks of overheating and suffocation, so use a blanket or a sleeping bag instead.’
If you have aches and pains
Sports injuries, age-related aches and pregnancy all demand a little extra support. We have a huge range of specialist bedding that offers optimal support to maintain good spinal alignment. If possible, visit a store to try different options to make sure you’re getting the right support from your mattress, pillow and toppers.
If you need sleep tech to help
There are some serious tech saviours when it comes to better rest. Lumie’s Bodyclock is a Class 1 graded medical device that gently wakes you with a gradual glow, helping encourage a more regular sleep and wake pattern. While the latest wearables such as Oura and WHOOP continuously monitor you to reveal how much sleep you’re actually getting and how much you need.
If you need to unwind pre-sleep
Your evening rituals have a big impact on the quality of your shut-eye. Whether it’s a nightly soak in the bath or de-stressing with warming Therabody SmartGoggles, it’s time to invest in good habits that help you unwind for good quality sleep
Speak to a sleep specialist
Book a free one-to-one online or in-store appointment with a John Lewis sleep expert for personalised and impartial advice on the best sleep products for you, from bedding to lighting. Appointments last 45 minutes and there's no obligation to buy anything.
