What’s in Your Bed? Don’t Judge a Bed by Its Covers

I am a fantastic sleeper. My husband says he could conduct a marching band through our bedroom, and I would not awaken.

I dream vividly and can sleep soundly for 8-10 hours if the sun would just let me.

Most of us spend a prodigious amount of time in our bed. If I sleep for 8 hours a day, that means I will sleep for 229,961 hours in my lifetime or basically one-third of my entire life.

If you add when I’m awake relaxing with my hubby or reading the news, it can add more hours every day on this vital piece of furniture. 

If the average American lies around for an additional four hours, research shows they can spend 36 years in bed throughout their lifetime – that’s nearly half of their life! 

This got me to thinking… should I be considering what I am sleeping on?

It’s not about “hitting the hay” anymore.

My grandfather was born in the late 1880s, and when we were finished singing around the piano or watching black and white television, he would utter, “It’s time to hit the hay.”

That’s because he actually remembered when beds were made stuffed with hay.

Modern times ushered more nefarious materials into our bedrooms. Our beauty-sleepers can hold flame retardants, formaldehyde, and benzene.

Traditionally-made mattresses emit small amounts of gaseous chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) because they contains polyurethane. Our body heat increases these nocturnal emissions.

Some of the VOCs can be linked to health issues such as cancer, infertility, and developmental brain disorders. If your mattress is off-gassing harmful chemicals, you’re breathing in those toxins for hours every night.

Think you’re not sleeping alone on an old mattress?

Besides collecting skin flakes, sweat, and oil while we’re counting sheep, our mattresses hold thousands of microscopic dust mites. Those buggers love the hot and humid environment of a mattress. Dust mite droppings and, if dead, their decaying body parts contribute to dust mite allergies.

A mattress that’s only 7 years old can harbor these tiny creatures along with mold, fungus and bedbugs. Did you know that in 10 years, the weight of a mattress can double due to dust mites?

If it’s time to buy a new mattress – don’t sleep on it – take action!

Consider investing in a certified organic mattress since you spend so much of your life there.

Luckily folks are waking up to the fact that their bed choice is important. Organic and natural mattresses are becoming more available and affordable.

I personally know the folks at Naturepedic, whose mission is to eliminate toxic chemicals from sleep products and replace them with natural and organic materials. They deliver high-quality products with plenty of verifiable certifications. Their organic products meet the organic and non-toxic standards of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which is part of the USDA recognized standard for organic consumer goods.

What GOTS means is that even though the cotton or wool is organically grown, the textiles must be harvested and treated with environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing all the way to labeling, which provides a credible assurance to the consumer.

Your bedroom is your safe haven and bedst-company.

Now that you’ve decided on an organic mattress, let’s think about style and function. You may be wondering what is the largest bed size? King, Queen single or double, it all depends on the space you have to work with. 

Four-poster bed frames are lavish and luxurious and make you feel like a princess hung with tapestries. 

Low beds have been favored in Asia and especially Japan for centuries. They are closer to the earth and make the room seem more spacious. These types of beds, known as tatami, are fashionable in modern design.

Their chic modern appearance fits perfectly into any sleek and stylish bedroom.

I actually have a sleigh bed frame that holds my organic mattress. It is hewn out of wood and possesses a rustic, antique metal design. It is sturdy and warm. I cherish its design.

Whatever every design or frame suits your boudoir, choose an organic mattress. This type of bed is perfect for adding heaps of personality to your bedroom. Your health and your wellbeing deserve it.

Sleep well and dream of a world you wish – sweet dreams.

Hey friends, thanks for reading. I included links within this post. I make a little money for some of these referrals, and the FTC wants you to know that. If you know me personally or have been a longtime reader, I hope you also know that I only recommend companies that I believe in. Live well, friend.