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New Research Suggests Being A Bad Coworker Can Negatively Impact Your Sleep

Are you aware of how you treat your officemates at work? It might be time to check your attitude and start playing nice (if you aren’t already) for the sake of your sleep, experts advise.

A series of studies conducted by a research team at the University of Iowa revealed that bad coworkers – or people who tend to act aggressively or are quick to blame others – were more likely than well-behaved coworkers to report having trouble sleeping at night.

In two studies, more than 600 workers in both the U.S. and China were asked to report their “counterproductive work behaviors” – also known as CWB over a 10-day span. This includes things like “inappropriate behaviour, anger, aggression, gossiping, and blaming others,” according to Business Insider. They were also asked to report how they felt when they were not working and how they slept. In the third study, employees were asked to think back to how they’d acted at work in the past.

Mita Stock Images/Shutterstock

Results from all three studies found that people who reported behaving badly at the office also reported focusing on their behavior after work and in the evening, leading to trouble falling asleep or even insomnia, according to the study.

“After people engage in bad workplace behaviors, they come to realise such bad deeds threaten their positive moral self-image, which creates stress,” said Zhenyu Yuan, a management and organisations doctoral student at UI, and lead researcher of the study. “As a result, they may keep ruminating over their stress from work, and thus have trouble falling and staying asleep at night.”

According to a release from the Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa, “the researchers say that as insomnia is becoming a public health concern, the research highlights the important role of workers’ own behaviors in creating problems for their own sleep health.”

The team behind the studies recommend that managers “take effective measures” to lessen this bad behavior in the workplace.

According to the business school release, suggestions include getting detailed in employee performance reviews.“For example, in the performance review process, management should not only specify not-to-dos, but also thoroughly explain the underlying logic of the not-to-dos from a moral perspective,” researchers said.

Being a bully at work isn’t the only reason employees seem to be losing sleep. A recent survey conducted in the American workplace found that 44 percent of employees lose sleep stressing or feeling overwhelmed about work.

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How Can I Tell If I Have Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that stops and starts your breathing while you sleep, causing either a pause in your breathing or some periods of shallow breathing. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are three main types of sleep apnea.

The first and most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, which happens when your throat muscles relax, narrowing your airway and slowing or cutting off your breathing.

The second is central sleep apnea, which happens when your brain doesn’t send the right messages to the muscles in your body that control breathing.

And the third type, known as complex sleep apnea syndrome, is when someone has both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea at the same time. Sleep apnea can disrupt your sleep, because the breathing pauses may wake you up (usually for super brief periods, so you may not remember the awakenings).

According to LiveScience, 18 million Americans have sleep apnea and common signs you may have the disorder include loud snoring at night, excessive sleepiness during the day, waking up with a headache, dry mouth, or a sore throat, and “observed episodes of breathing stoppages during sleep.”

sebra/Shutterstock

There are some online tests you can take, recommended by the American Sleep Apnea Association, which can help you determine whether or not you should discuss sleep apnea with your doctor. According to the Mayo Clinic, your doctor may diagnose you with sleep apnea based on symptoms you describe to them, or they may refer you for further testing.

One common test for sleep apnea is called a nocturnal polysomnography. “During this test, you’re hooked up to equipment that monitors your heart, lung and brain activity, breathing patterns, arm and leg movements, and blood oxygen levels while you sleep,” the Mayo Clinic website explains. Or, there are home sleep test alternatives that your doctor might recommend.

The good news is that there are helpful treatments available for sleep apnea. Some people can wear a mask, known as a continuous positive airway pressure device (CPAP), while they sleep. “CPAP is a mask that fits over the nose and/or mouth, and gently blows air into the airway to help keep it open during sleep,” the National Sleep Foundation explains. Other treatment options include wearing mouthguards that can help position your tongue, or surgery to remove excess tissue in your airway.

Featured image: Justyna Kaminska/Shutterstock

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Brooklyn Bedding Unveils Generous Discount To All Military Members

Popular mattress retailer Brooklyn Bedding announced Wednesday that they now offer all military members 25 percent off retail price on all of their sleep products at any time. The offer is available to everyone with military credentials, including veterans, active duty military, National Guard and military spouses and dependents., said the company in a release.

“This initiative comes from the heart—from the Brooklyn Bedding family to those in the military community who have made and continue to make such significant sacrifices,” said John Merwin, Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Brooklyn Bedding. “We not only appreciate their service, we recognize the constant worry regarding deployments, finances, employment, relocation and separation, just to name some of the ongoing concerns. What we can offer, besides our gratitude, is a higher quality night’s sleep at a price that’s affordable. In designing the program we wanted to ensure a discount deep enough to help military families save hundreds of dollars while ensuring a hassle-free verification process.”

Image courtesy of Brooklyn Bedding

Brooklyn Bedding says they plan to use a digital identity verification system called ID.me, at checkout to confirm military credentials.

The discount is available both online and in stores, says the company. Eligible military members who shop online are instructed to click the “Troop ID” button at checkout to have their identities verified and discount applied. Those shopping in a Brooklyn Bedding store just need to present their government-issued identification or they can work with an associate to verify their identity with ID.me on a computer when they are ready to check out, said the brand.

“We set out to simplify how individuals share and prove their identity online. Once a member of the military verifies their military affiliation with ID.me, they never have to do it again across any organization where ID.me is integrated,” said Blake Hall, ID.me CEO. “We are proud to be partnering with Brooklyn Bedding to power their honor discount and deliver a seamless experience for veterans.”

Brooklyn Bedding says that, as with all purchases, any products purchased with the military discount are eligible for free shipping and a 120-night trial and 10-year warranty.

“We take a very personal approach to sleep,” said Merwin. “What we’ve learned in engaging with our military customers is that many experience higher than average sleep disturbance due to both the emotional and physical impact of service. Military families also move so frequently their belongings are subject to high wear and tear. Sleep experts will be available 24/7 to address their questions and help them choose the right sleep products for their unique needs.”

You can check out our review of the Brooklyn Bedding’s Signature #bestmattressever, here.

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Children Face A Higher Risk Of Obesity When They Don’t Get Enough Sleep

New research reinforces the theory that there may be a connection between sleep deprivation and obesity in kids and teens. For a paper recently published in the academic journal Sleep, researchers looked at data collected from 42 different studies involving 75,499 participants aged 0 to 18.

The researchers sorted the participants into two categories: short sleepers, who got less than the recommended amount of nightly sleep for their age, and regular sleepers, who got the recommended amount of nightly sleep for their age. The researchers found that kids in the short sleeping group gained more weight, regardless of their age, and were 58 percent more likely to become overweight or obese than their peers in the regular sleeper group.

Lapina/Shutterstock

“The results showed a consistent relationship across all ages indicating that the increased risk is present in both younger and older children,” researcher Dr. Michelle Miller told MedicalXpress.com. “The study also reinforces the concept that sleep deprivation is an important risk factor for obesity, detectable very early on in life.”

It’s not clear exactly why sleep deprivation and obesity are linked, but experts have a few theories. “Sleep-deprived people may be too tired to exercise, decreasing the “calories burned” side of the weight-change equation,” the Harvard Sleep website explains. “Or people who don’t get enough sleep may take in more calories than those who do, simply because they are awake longer and have more opportunities to eat; lack of sleep also disrupts the balance of key hormones that control appetite, so sleep-deprived people may be hungrier than those who get enough rest each night.”

According to the National Sleep Foundation, recommended sleep amounts are as follows. Newborns, aged 0-3 months, should sleep 14-17 hours each day. Infants, aged 4-11 month, should sleep 12-15 hours. Toddlers, aged 1-2 years, should sleep 11-14 hours. Preschoolers, aged 3-5, should sleep 10-13 hours. School-age children, aged 6-13), should sleep 9-11 hours. And teenagers, aged 14-17, should sleep 8-10 hours nightly.

Featured image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

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New Study Looks At How A Lack Of Sleep Is Linked To An Alzheimer’s-Related Protein

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and, as of 2018, it affects up to 5.7 million Americans. Causes have been linked to aging, family history, and carrying the APOE-e4 gene.

Now, a study conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism considers how sleep deprivation affects your brain and its potential connection to the disease.

Plaque Buildup In The Brain

The study sets its sights on beta-amyloid, a form of plaque that builds up in parts of the brain during waking hours. Beta-amyloid is believed to hinder the communication and processing between nerve cells.

Without this communication, nerve cells will die and, as the Alzheimer’s Association states, “The destruction and death of nerve cells… causes memory failure, personality changes, problems carrying out daily activities and other symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.”

adike/Shutterstock

Flushing The System

Recent studies have uncovered a waste clearance system in the brain called the glymphatic system, Its main purpose is to clear away protein and other waste buildups in the central nervous system.

Previous research shows that beta-amyloids are at their highest right before sleep and the lowest after waking. It is believed that the glymphatic system is primarily active during sleep when it flushes out neurotoxins and plaque-like beta-amyloids.

The Study

While many studies have looked at beta-amyloid levels in animals, this is the first to use human subjects. Observing 20 control subjects, scientists compared beta-amyloid levels after a night of sleep and after a night of sleep deprivation.

The results were quite interesting. The sleep-deprived subjects had significantly higher clusters of beta-amyloids in their central nervous systems.

decade3d – anatomy online/Shutterstock

The plaque was found primarily in the hippocampus, a structure found within the temporal lobe. It is very active in learning and memory functions and is often impacted in the brains of those with neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s.

The study suggests that one night of sleep deprivation can be damaging. A harmful buildup of beta-amyloids may not be fully flushed even if you get healthy sleep over the next few nights.

In addition, the study found that the buildup of beta-amyloid protein was even larger in subjects with a long history of poor sleep.

The Bottom Line

This study shows that lack of sleep can lead to a buildup of beta-amyloids in the central nervous system. It is known that beta-amyloids assist in the destruction of nerve cells and this destruction is linked to the onset of Alzheimer’s.

However, researchers are quick to point out that this does not prove that a lack of sleep directly affects your chances of getting Alzheimer’s. Still, this important study is a step further in understanding the causes of Alzheimer’s Disease.

How Does This Affect You?

The study shows how sleep could help clear beta-amyloid, a form of plaque that breaks down nerve cells. It says, “Our results highlight the relevance of good sleep hygiene for proper brain function and as a potential target for prevention of AD (Alzheimer’s Disease).”

What Exactly Is Sleep Hygiene?

While the results aren’t completely conclusive that good sleep prevents Alzheimer’s, it is clear that good sleep promotes brain function and overall health.

In the end, the study just reinforces one fact: you can’t underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep.

Featured Image: Billion photos/Shutterstock

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Real Simple Launches Real Sleep Mattress

REAL SIMPLE, a Meredith Corporation-owned lifestyle magazine brand, debuted their own bed-in-a-box mattress – Real Sleep – at the Spring High Point Market in North Carolina.

The Real Sleep mattress by REAL SIMPLE is a 10″ thick all-memory foam mattress in a medium firmness (they rate it at a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale). The mattress is made with exclusive FloraFlex Memory foam technology and features a top foam layer with an open cell structure to promote airflow and draw heat away from you as you sleep, according to the mattress website.

The Real Sleep mattress comes with an organic cotton cover that is said to be easy to clean. The foam is CertiPur-US Certified and the bed is formaldehyde-free and phthalates-free according to the brand’s website.

“After listening to Real Simple readers share their sleep issues with us, we searched for a solution that would make mattress shopping easy and provide a distinctively better night’s rest,” said Kristen Payne, vice president of licensing and accolades at Meredith Corp.

A queen-sized bed retails for $995 at full price and is currently only sold online but “the company is beginning retail distribution with its showing in High Point,” according to a report from Furniture Today.

The mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

Real Simple is not the only well-known brand getting into the online direct to consumer mattress game. Walmart recently launched their own line with Allswell Home and Robin from Williams-Sonoma.

The High Point Market is the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world, according to the market’s website. the Market says that more than 75,000 attendees come to showrooms – which take up 11.5 million square feet -of show space – in High Point, North Carolina, twice a year for their Spring and Fall markets.

All images from the Real Sleep by Real Simple website

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Casper’s Canadian Expansion Will Include Manufacturing, Retail, New Headquarters

Popular mattress and bedding company Casper plans to launch a “multi-province retail fleet” and establish its first Canadian headquarters in Toronto, the company said in a release Tuesday. This expansion means that the retailer will begin to manufacture their products in Canada. The brand says they hope to create 75 jobs across the country.

“We’ve seen tremendous success in Canada with three years of triple digit growth,” said Philip Krim, co-founder and CEO of Casper, in the release. “Investing further in the market and expanding our local presence will enable us to bring better sleep to even more Canadians across the country.”

Casper sleep products became available to purchase online in Canada in 2014. The company has since slowly expanded to temporary physical locations, with “snooze rooms” and a “Napmobile” tour in select cities across the country in 2016. Earlier this year, the brand partnered with Indigo Book & Music brick-and-mortar stores to showcase Casper “nap pods” in more than 30 stores, reports Retail Insider.

image courtesy of Casper – photo from Casper’s first permanent American store in NYC

“Over the past three years, Casper has built a loyal customer base in Canada and we’ve seen the demand to experience our products in-person grow exponentially,” said Nicole Tapscott, Senior Director and General Manager, Casper Canada. “Putting down permanent roots with our fleet of retail stores and a headquarters in Toronto will allow us to engage with customers on a local level, as well as tap into Canada’s impressive talent base.”

The first permanent Canadian retail shop is set to open in Toronto in May, according to Casper. In the store, visitors will have the ability to shop for Casper’s full product line, from pillows and pet beds to mattresses, “in one of four miniature homes,” says the brand. Customers can purchase in the store and leave with their item or arrange delivery.

You can read our take on the original Casper mattress, here.

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How Does A Lack Of Sleep Affect Your Mood?

Sleep deprivation undoubtedly affects your mood. When you haven’t gotten enough sleep, you may well find yourself feeling grumpy, irritable, sluggish, and generally ill-tempered. Plus, lack of sleep has been linked to anxiety and even depression.

“There’s a big relationship between psychiatric and psychological problems and sleep. So people who are depressed or have anxiety often have trouble with sleep as part of those disorders,” Dr. Lawrence Epstein, Medical Director of Sleep Health Centers and an instructor at Harvard Medical School, said in an interview with the Harvard Sleep website.

SFIO CRACHO/Shutterstock

So, what causes all this? According to one study, sleep deprivation may actually affect how our brains regulate emotion. Researchers asked 18 participants to stay up all night, and they were scanned to monitoring their brain activity. The participants took a test after the sleepless night and the same test after a night of sleep. The test was designed to elicit emotional responses.

“It turns out we lose our neutrality [when we are sleep deprived],” researcher Talma Hendler told ScienceAlert. “The ability of the brain to tell what’s important is compromised. It’s as if suddenly everything is important.” As a result, sleep deprived people may find themselves overreacting to small issues, quickly becoming sad or frustrated, or losing their temper more often.

“If you’re feeling low, you may not realize that lack of sleep is the culprit,” the National Sleep Foundation website explains. “But even small levels of sleep deprivation over time can chip away at your happiness. You might see that you’re less enthusiastic, more irritable, or even have some of the symptoms of clinical depression, such as feeling persistently sad or empty. All these alterations to your mood can affect not only your individual mental health but your relationships and family dynamics as well.”

If you are consistently getting too little sleep, and your mood is negatively affected, you should see if there’s any way to shift your schedule so you can sleep more.

If you struggle to fall asleep in the first place, try practicing great sleep hygiene by going to bed at the same time every night and avoiding screens and caffeine before bed. Those struggling with long-term insomnia, chat with your doctor about some treatment options. And when you find yourself grumpy because of a lack of sleep, try your best not to overreact when unfortunate things happen.

Featured image: SFIO CRACHO/Shutterstock

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Purple 2, 3, And 4 Mattress Review: Will You Sleep Better With Science?

The Purple Mattress is hard to miss if you spend much time online. Purple’s amusing marketing and unique design make them a very hip, talked-about mattress.

I had enjoyed my sleep on the original Purple Mattress, and I was interested in what my experience would be with the new Purple Mattresses.

I reviewed the Purple 4 and, with its extra layers of gel and individually wrapped coils, I can safely say this was one of the most comfortable sleeps I have had. Will you find the same comfort with the Purple 4? Read on for my full review:

You Might Want To Pick the Purple 4 If:

You’re A Side Sleeper– You’re looking for overall comfort as a side sleeper, this might be a good choice for you. The 4” of patented gel material offers a weightless feeling. Even our staff writer Marten, who is much larger than me, had a similar experience sleeping on his side.

You’re Looking For A Long Term Investment– The pocketed coils plus the gel layer make for a very durable, long-lasting mattress. Though the price point is high, the Purple 4 should give you many years of use.

You Are A Hot Sleeper– Because of the grid-like design of the gel layers and pocketed coil system, this mattress has great airflow and promotes temperature neutrality. You won’t be sleeping hot with the Purple 4.

You Might Not Want To Pick The Purple 4 If:

You’re Not Looking For A Large Investment– There is a sizable price jump for each extra inch of gel Purple offers a Purple 2 and Purple 3, featuring two and three inches of gel, respectively. The Queen Size Purple 4 is quite expensive with a current cost of $2800.

You Don’t Want A Unique Feel– The Purple 4 is truly unlike any mattress you’ve ever tried. While I found it to be comfortable, it could especially take some time to get adjusted to the gel grid.

You’re A Back Or Stomach Sleeper– The 4 may be too soft for back or stomach sleepers. You may not get proper support, so your hips may sink in these positions. I would suggest the Purple 3 or 2 if you are looking for more support in those areas.

Which Purple Should You Pick?

Choose the original Purple if you are under 225 pounds and on a budget.

Choose the Purple 2 if you are a back or stomach sleeper and you want the support that the pocketed coils can give.

Choose the Purple 3 if you are a combination sleeper who needs extra support.

Choose the Purple 4 if you just sleep on your side and/or a bit heavier.

Construction Overview

This mattress is 13″ tall.

4” of Purple Smart Comfort Grid. This hyper-elastic polymer is supportive until you put enough pressure onto it.

A thin, .5″ quick transition foam separates the gel grid from the coil system beneath.

7.5″ of individually wrapped coils. This is a a very durable material, giving a layer of support.

A polyfoam outer shell reinforces the edge for edge support.

The very bottom is 1″ of foundational foam.

Construction Takeaways

The coil system and the gel grid network make for much better airflow, making this a great choice for hot sleepers.

The gel grid network is designed to be supportive until enough pressure is applied. It is pressure relieving while still being supportive.

Because of the 4” of gel, you’re going to have a weightless feeling while sleeping. This is good for heavier people who might push down to the next layers and side sleepers.

The gel is also very durable and does not sag the way foam does. This gives the Purple 4 a longer life than many foam mattresses.

The difference between the Purple 4, 3, and 2 is how much gel you get (in inches). Side sleepers should consider the 4, back sleepers the 2, and combo or stomach sleepers the 3.

Firmness/Feel

The gel grid relieves pressure while still being supportive. It gives way under pressure, but is still immediately responsive.

Sleeping on my side, I felt weightless without feeling stuck. I felt little to no pressure on my shoulders, hips, and knees.

Overall, I would say the mattress is a softer than average, around a 5.5/10 This makes it a good choice for side sleepers.

Motion Isolation

The individually wrapped coils, together with the gel grid really cut down on motion transfer with the Purple 4. If you look at the video below, there was a little bit of side to side motion transfer but, overall, the isolation is a little bit above average. This is definitely a good option for couples.

Edge Support

The Purple 4 incorporates a polyfoam outer shell to reinforce the edge. This is a solid choice if you sleep with a partner or want to utilize the entire surface area of the mattress. Overall, the edge support was above average.

You can see the good edge support in the photo below.

Marten’s Take

Marten is a staff writer for us. He has a much different body type from me. He is 6’7″ and weighs about 230 lbs (I am 5’9″ and 160 lbs.). Here is what he thought about the mattress.

I am taller and heavier than Joe, but I also found the Purple 4 to be extremely comfortable. I too am a side sleeper and I felt well cushioned by tho gel grid.

I sometimes have trouble pushing through the upper layers of mattresses and down to the spring layers. I didn’t have that experience with the Purple 4. I felt weightless with little to no pressure on my shoulders, hips, and knees. I would say the Purple 4 was softer than average, at 5.5/10.

Even as a larger side sleeper like Marten found the Purple 4 to be comfortable. This confirms that this mattress could be a good match for side sleepers of many body types.

What Makes This Mattress Stand Out

It has 4” of the patented gel grid, making you feel weightless while you sleep.

The pocketed coils together with the gel grid layer give incredible support, while also relieving pressure on shoulders, hips, and knees.

The coils and gel grid allow for great airflow, so you won’t be sleeping hot.

This is a very durable mattress and a great choice for those seeking a long-term investment.

Overall

The Purple 4 is unlike any mattress I have slept on. The gel technology truly makes for a weightless, unique sleeping experience.

Sleeping on my side, I felt almost no pressure on my shoulders, hips, and knees. Back or side sleepers may find the 4 to be too soft and could look at the Purple 2 or 3. Overall, this is one of the most comfortable mattresses I have slept on.

This mattress is made in the USA and features a 100 Night, No Pressure Guarantee as well as a 10 year warranty.

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DreamCloud Vs Leesa- Which Should You Choose?

DreamCloud and Leesa are both relatively firm mattresses, and can be purchased online. Major differences between these mattresses include their prices and constructions. This post will compare the two brands to help you determine which is a better fit for your sleep style and needs.

Key Similarities

Both are relatively firm options.

Both incorporate memory foam.

Both offer free shipping.

Click Here To Get The Best Current Discount Available On Leesa

Key Differences

Leesa is all foam while DreamCloud incorporates coils.

DreamCloud is pricier. ($525-$1,070 for Leesa, about $1,000-$1,700 for DreamCloud)

DreamCloud is more of a luxury option.

DreamCloud is thicker (DreamCloud is 15 inches thick, Leesa is 10 inches)

DreamCloud offers a longer trial at 365 nights, compared to 100 nights for Leesa.

Click Here To Get The Best Current Discount Available On DreamCloud

DreamCloud Construction

DreamCloud has many relatively thin layers.

On top of the foam layers is a True Tufted

Cashmere Top, featuring hand-sewn tufts that create a Eurotop feel.

The first foam layer is .39 inches (1 centimeter) of gel-infused memory foam.

Below that is 1.77 inches (4.5 centimeters) of quilted memory foam, split into two layers of 2 centimeters and 2.5 centimeters.

A thing .39-inch (1 centimeter) layer of natural latex toward the middle contributes bounce.

Next is 1.97 inches (5 centimeters) of “Dreamplush” supporting memory foam.

Another thin layer (.59 inch-layer or 1.5 centimeters) comes next. This layer is super dense, super soft memory foam.

The thickest layer is a 7.87-inch (20 centimeters) layer of individually pocketed “BestRest” coils that come in two levels of resistance. The different coil types are placed in five comfort zones to ensure the right kind of support for the right part of your body.

The bottommost layer is 1.6 inches (5 centimeters) of high density super soft memory foam base.

Read Our Full DreamCloud Review Here

Leesa Construction

Leesa has a simpler construction than DreamCloud does.

On top is 2 inches of latex-like Avena foam, providing comfort and contour support. The foam is aerated, which allows for air to flow through it.

On the middle is 2 inches memory foam. This layer acts as a support layer under the Avena layer and provides pressure relief for side sleepers.

The base layer is 6 inches of high-density foam.

Read Our Full Leesa Review Here

Construction Differences/Notes

DreamCloud has coils, while Leesa is all foam. This could make the mattress overall more supportive for heavier sleepers.

DreamCloud has an especially complex construction, while Leesa has an especially simple layering of foams.

DreamCloud is much thicker overall.

DreamCloud’s coils may make it a little more durable.

DreamCloud has a pillow top.

Both use memory foam.

Firmness/Feel Differences

These are both pretty firm mattresses that return to shape quickly. DreamCloud’s pillow top, however, gives the mattress a different feel.

Motion Transfer Differences

Both isolate motion pretty well, but not perfectly. This is because they are both pretty firm. Leesa transfers motion a little less, though, than DreamCloud.

Pick DreamCloud If:

You want luxury– If you want to spend on luxury, DreamCloud can give you that at a price you would expect of a high-end mattress. This mattress is thick with a cashmere hand-tufted top.

You are heavier– DreamCloud is thicker and has supportive coils that make it more suitable for sleepers seeking more support for their weight.

Pick Leesa If:

You need to save money– Leesa is the budget option of the two, and costs significantly less than DreamCloud.

You are a combination sleeper– While Leesa is firm, its Avena foam top still conforms well to contours, so the mattress can work for both stomach/back and side sleepers.

See Our Top Mattress Picks Overall Here

Overall

Leesa and DreamCloud have some significant differences, but both brands can work for sleepers who prefer firm mattresses. I hope this post has helped you better understand which will work better for you. If you have specific questions, please leave them in the comments.

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Hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow Review – Easiest Pregnancy Pillow For Travel?

The Hiccapop Wedge pregnancy pillow looks like a standard rounded wedge pillow – and in many ways it is – but it also has some enhanced design features that make it even more helpful to moms-to-be. Its dual-sided design allows you to adjust your comfort level based on your trimester. It’s versatile and compact as well.

So, what else do you need to know? Read on for my full review of the Hiccapop Wedge pregnancy pillow.

Key Features

Dimensions: 15″ x 13.25″ x 4.5″ in height (at the tallest)

Filling: Ventilated foam filling

10 oz in weight

Dual-Sided Design: Memory foam on one side and a firmer foam option on the other side to accommodate all needs

Removable velboa fabric cover (faux fur/velour-type feel)

Phthalate, PVC and BPA free

Compact and portable

Versatile – can support different areas of the body, including belly, back and between the knees

Variety of colors (the pillow reviewed is Navy Blue)

One size

Pillow Construction

The Hiccapop Wedge pillow is a classic rounded wedge shape. The tallest point is 4.5″ and the filling is a solid piece of ventilated foam.

This pillow stands apart in that it has dual sided firmness. There is a more luxurious memory foam on one side and a firmer foam on the opposite side.

The whole pillow is 15″ x 13.25″ and comes with a travel case or cover that makes it simple to travel with.

Ways To Use Hiccapop Wedge

You can use the Hiccapop Wedge in a variety of ways. You can put it behind you or sit on it when you are sitting up like a traditional wedge pillow.

You can also wedge it behind your back or under your belly while sleeping for elevation to help with swelling and discomfort. It also works when you place it between the knees to help keep your spine aligned.

Below is a guide provided by Hiccapop for ways to use the pillow:

Hiccapop.com

Pros

Small, lightweight and compact

Removable soft cover that can easily be machine washed and dried (no recommended care instructions)

Inexpensive (around $20)

Great for treating specific issues in one area

Dual-sided nature helps make it feel more customizable

Works both during pregnancy and postpartum

Cons

Cannot replace the need for multiple pillows; only tackles one part of the body at a time

Doesn’t always stay in place throughout the night – fabric may allow for it to slip out of position

Cannot wash or dry the entire pillow

Only one fabric cover option – must like the faux-fur/velour feeling

My Experience

The Hiccaopop Wedge pregnancy pillow comes in a nice travel pack with a couple of documents that instruct you on how to use the wedge pillow and show you other Hiccapop products.

The pillow is very simple in design, one side of the ventilated foam core has a softer feel and the other side has a firmer feel. You can easily unzip and remove the cover for cleaning. It slips back on quickly.

I really like how easy and lightweight the pillow is – I can see it being really helpful for pregnant women who are traveling frequently and need something to help them stay comfortable at night.

The other plus about this pillow is that you can use it during the daytime as well. When I’m on the couch or in a chair I can easily place it behind my back and it helps provide an extra support – which is great when I’m experiencing back pain.

The guide suggests using the pillow in reverse (more width at the bottom) but this was what was comfortable to me!

It’s also simple to slip it between your knees when you’re laying down. It’s helped me keep my hips align and isn’t as clunky as a full traditional pillow.

I’m at the point in my pregnancy where I’m trying to avoid sleeping on my back as much as possible. I love that I could place this behind my back. It helped stop me from rolling onto my back at night and kept me feeling supportive.

That being said, there were a couple of points during the night where the wedge on my back did slip out. This is either due to the softer fabric or because I simply did not have it pushed far enough into my back to stay in place.

It cannot replace the feel of a whole body pillow, which virtually stops you from needing more than one pillow at night. This is more of an option for women who are looking to deal with one specific issue at a time. For example, during the day I use the pillow on my back when I’m sitting at my desk or on the couch and at night I either place it between my knees or behind my back for support.

There are no set care instructions for the pillow. They say the fabric is durable and I threw the cover in a delicate cold cycle with some other clothes and put it in a low tumble dry and it came out great with no issues on wear.

Related: Pregnancy Pillow Guide: What To Know Before You Buy

Overall

You can purchase the Hiccapop Wedge on Hiccapop’s website or other online retailers (we got ours on Amazon). The price will range depending on the retailer but expect to pay around $20 for a pillow – which is affordable for most budgets.

Based on other reviews I looked at, people appreciated this smaller and more compact pillow to larger full body pillows like the Leachco Snoogle or Back ‘N Belly because the wedge allows you to control the height. The other pilows were considered too tall or too firm for bump support and this could be a perfect solution or even addition.

The post Hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow Review – Easiest Pregnancy Pillow For Travel? appeared first on Mattress Clarity.

DreamCloud Vs Helix- Which Should You Choose?

DreamCloud and Helix both sell combination foam and spring mattresses online. While DreamCloud offers only one mattress model, Helix offers multiple. Depending on what type of sleeper you are, you’ll probably prefer one brand over the other. I’ll go over the similarities and differences here to help you better understand how they compare.

Key Similarities

Both incorporate both foam and springs.

You can purchase a firm option from each brand.

Both offer free shipping.

Click Here To Get The Best Current Discount On DreamCloud

Key Differences

DreamCloud is more expensive. ($600-$1,245 for Helix, about $1,000-$1,700 for DreamCloud.)

DreamCloud is thicker at 15 inches, compared to 10 inches for all Helix models.

Helix personalizes its mattresses for customers based on customer answers to a quiz.

Helix allows customers to design mattresses with different constructions on each side to accommodate couples with different sleep styles and needs.

DreamCloud offers a 365-night trial, while Helix offers only a 100-night trial.

Click Here To Get The Best Current Discount On Helix

DreamCloud Construction

DreamCloud has more layers than most mattresses, and the layers are relatively thin.

Covering the first foam layer is a True Tufted

Cashmere Top, which features hand-sewn tufts that give it a Eurotop feel.

The top foam layer is .39 inches (1 centimeter) of gel-infused memory foam.

The second foam layer is 1.77 inches (4.5 centimeters) of quilted memory foam, split into two layers of 2 centimeters and 2.5 centimeters.

Next is a thing .39-inch (1 centimeter) layer of natural latex contributes gives DreamCloud some of its bounce.

A thicker layer (1.97 inches or 5 centimeters) of “Dreamplush” supporting memory foam sits in the middle.

Below the Dreamplush foam is a .59 inch-layer (1.5 centimeters) of super dense, super soft memory foam comes before the thick layer of pocketed coils.

The base layer is 1.6 inches (5 centimeters) of high density super soft memory foam base.

Read Our Full DreamCloud Review Here

Helix Construction

Helix mattresses differ based on customer personalization, but generally include similar layers.

The first of these similar layers is an approximately 2-inch thick top layer of Helix Dynamic Foam. This is a latex-like foam that doesn’t actually contain latex, so it won’t trigger an allergic reaction.

The middle typically includes a 2.4-inch layer of pocketed coils.

Toward the bottom there is usually a 2-inch layer of comfort polyfoam and 4-inch base layer of dense polyfoam for support.

Read Our Full Helix Review Here

Construction Differences/Notes

Helix has more options for how mattresses can be constructed.

Both incorporate springs.

DreamCloud has a more complex construction.

Helix offers more variety of construction.

DreamCloud is much thicker overall.

Firmness Differences/Notes

DreamCloud is on the more firm end of the spectrum, while different Helix models offer different degrees of firmness. Watch the videos below to see a demonstration of DreamCloud’s firmness and responsiveness and learn more about Helix mattresses.

Motion Transfer Differences

DreamCloud isolates motion well enough, but being a firmer mattress, some movement does transfer. Helix mattresses vary in their isolation of motion, and how well a Helix mattress succeeds at this really depends on the specific construction. Helix may be a better option for some couples because it lets you split the mattress into two constructions to meet the needs of both sleepers.

Pick DreamCloud If:

You weigh more– DreamCloud is thicker, with more supportive coils, so it should be more supportive for heavier sleepers than options from Helix.

You want luxury– DreamCloud is about as luxurious as its price would indicate, being thick and having a hand-tufted cashmere Eurotop.

Pick Helix If:

You don’t know what you want– Helix is customizable so you have many options.

You are on a budget– Helix sells options that are less expensive than DreamCloud.

You have specific needs– Helix lets you personalize your mattress in various ways to suit your needs and desires.

See Our Top Mattress Picks Overall Here

Overall

These two brands will probably appeal to pretty different types of sleepers. I hope this post has helped you better understand which option may be better for you. Please leave any specific questions about Helix or DreamCloud in the comments.

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Why Does It Say To Not Remove Your Mattress Tag Under Penalty of Law?

If you look closely at your mattress tag, you may find it says you shouldn’t remove said tag “under penalty of law.” What’s that all about? Is it really illegal to remove a tag from your own mattress? And who came up with this idea in the first place?

As it turns out, the warning isn’t intended for whoever buys and uses the mattress. Instead, it’s directed at everyone who handles it before you purchase it—like shipping professionals, salespeople, and so on.

“The purpose of the tag is to assure consumers that they’re buying a new, never-been-used product and to let them know exactly what’s inside it,” one Mental Floss article explains.

Ivelin/Shutterstock

According to LiveScience, the whole thing started back in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Apparently, some mattress manufacturers were putting old, used bedding materials into new mattresses, creating nasty items full of bacteria.

Mental Floss says that some mattresses contained things like “horse hair, corn husks, food waste, old rags, newspaper, and whatever else a manufacturer could come by.” To put a stop to this, federal and state regulators decided that all mattresses should come with a label listing the exact contents of the mattress and all the materials used to make it.

Related: 11 Ways To Make Your Mattress Last Longer

“To make sure that manufacturers and retailers didn’t try to remove the tags and sell the mattress as new if it contained recycled materials, the tags stated that they can’t be removed under penalty of law,” LiveScience explains.

Basically, these tags were designed to protect mattress consumers. Some tags now say “do not remove under penalty of law except by the consumer,” which is much clearer. If you decide you want to remove the tag from your mattress, there’s no legal penalty for you—just bear in mind it might void your mattress warranty, depending on the manufacturer.

The post Why Does It Say To Not Remove Your Mattress Tag Under Penalty of Law? appeared first on Mattress Clarity.

What Sleep Deprivation Does To Your Skin

We already know that sleep deprivation can negatively affect your energy levels, concentration, and moods. But it can also affect your skin, too—both in ways that you can see, and ways you can’t.

Obvious signs of bad sleep are dark circles under your eyes or puffy eyes. “Sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your skin,” dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross told The Telegraph.

“During the day, your skin is in a protective state, warding off elements such as sun damage or oxidation, whereas at night, your skin goes into repair mode, regenerating new skin cells and cycling oxygen and nutrients,” says Gross. “For the most part, dark under-eye circles are the result of lifestyle habits such as smoking, overindulging in alcohol, and not sleeping enough.”

Related: How Alcohol Affects Sleep Quality

One study from 2015 evaluated the sleep quality of 60 women aged 30-49. Those in the group who were poor sleepers (meaning they got less than five hours of poor quality sleep for at least one month before the start of the study) showed more clear signs of “intrinsic aging” like uneven skin tone, fine lines on their skin, and less elasticity in their skin, all visible to the human eye.

The researchers also tested participants’ skin to see how quickly their skin barrier repaired itself, and how long it took their skin to recover from UV erythema (aka sunburn). They found that poor sleepers’ skin repaired itself more slowly, and recovered from sunburn more slowly.

“Sleep deprived women show signs of premature skin aging and a decrease in their skin’s ability to recover after sun exposure,” researcher Dr. Elma Baron concluded.

Alliance/Shutterstock

There are other ways sleep deprivation can affect your skin. Dermatologists Dr. Lily Talakoub and Dr. Naissan Wesley wrote in an article for Dermatology News: “Sleep deprivation affects wound healing, collagen growth, skin hydration, and skin texture. Inflammation is also higher in sleep-deprived patients, causing outbreaks of acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin allergies.”

According to Talakoub and Wesley, there are treatments that can help resolve some of these issues. But, they concluded, “beauty sleep is both necessary and irreplaceable” to keep your skin as healthy as possible.

The post What Sleep Deprivation Does To Your Skin appeared first on Mattress Clarity.

By 2020, Airbus Will Let You Sleep In The Cargo Hold

Sleeping on a plane can be difficult. Your seat only goes back a few inches, your neighbor is snoring, and that kid in the next row is kicking you from behind. It’s just not happening.

It looks like there could be another option that will let you sleep in peace. It just means sleeping in the cargo hold.

AirBus has partnered with Zodiac Aerospace to design and market modules that utilize the lower-deck of the Airbus A330, turning cargo space into living and working areas. They are also researching incorporating these modules in the A350 XWB airliner.

The modules will rest directly on the cargo floor and will not affect the loading machinery. This allows them to be interchangeable with normal cargo. A big crate of Twinkies may just have your spot on the plane’s return flight.

Airbus and Zodiac will offer models suited for both families and businesses and they truly are something out of a science fiction film.

Airbus

A family of four can relax in a living room while they pass over the Pacific. Those looking to get a little work done can opt for the “Conference Room” model or take a break and enjoy a “Manhattan in the Lounge” model.

Airbus

“This approach to commercial air travel is a step change towards passenger comfort,” said Geoff Pinner, Head of the Airbus Cabin and Cargo Program, in a company release. “We have already received very positive feedback from several airlines on our first mock-ups.”

For Christophe Bernardini of Zodiac Aerospace, these comfort options will help set participating airlines apart. “An improved passenger experience is today a key element of differentiation for airlines,” Bernardini said.

This may just be the sleeping solution you have been waiting for. You can expect to see these modules on airlines as early as 2020.

Featured Image: Airbus

The post By 2020, Airbus Will Let You Sleep In The Cargo Hold appeared first on Mattress Clarity.

Baffle Box Vs. Sewn-Through Comforters

There are many things you should consider when buying a comforter. The type of fill, its weight, and fill power will all affect the warmth and comfort of your new piece of bedding.

However, the way the fill is held in your comforter matters just as much.

The two main designs are sewn-through and baffle box. What do these mean for your comforter? Don’t be baffled. We’re here to break it all down for you.

What Is The Difference?

With a sewn-through comforter, the design is just what it sounds like. The two covers are sewn together, leaving square pockets that hold the fill and keep it evenly distributed.

With a baffle-box comforter, a thin strip of fabric is sewn between the two covers. This creates a three-dimensional box that evenly distributes the fill and allows it to reach its full loft.

Sewn-Through Baffle-Box

Diagram from Pacific Coast Bedding

If you want to know more about the Pacific Coast Down Comforter, click here.

Warmth

Warmth is the main factor in choosing a comforter and you will definitely get a different temperature experience with sewn-through and baffle box.

Because the two covers are sewn directly together, the fill does not extend across the whole area of sewn-through comforters. This often causes cold spots at the stitching areas.

This is not always a negative and, if you are a hotter sleeper or looking for a summer comforter, sewn-through may be a good choice.

Baffle box comforters rarely have issues with cold spots, as the boxes don’t leave room for cold spots. For those seeking something warmer, baffle boxes comforters are more consistently warm.

pen kanya/Shutterstock

Loft

When it comes to the loft, sewn-through cannot compete with baffle boxes.

That extra strip of material helps create a three-dimensional space where the fill can truly expand and reach its maximum loft. Because of this, baffle-box comforters are, for the most part, fluffier.

Durability

Baffle boxes also have the upper hand in regard to the life of a comforter. The extra strip of fabric also cuts down on the wear and tear of the comforter.

With sewn-through, the pressure is placed solely on the stitching areas as you move around. Baffle boxes help disperse that stress across multiple areas, stopping premature fraying.

iMoved Studio/Shutterstock

Overall

It would seem that baffle box comforters are, for the most part, superior to sewn-through comforters. While this is true in many ways, it really depends on what you are looking for.

Baffle boxes are more expensive to construct and you will see this reflected in the price of the comforter. If you want a fluffier, warmer investment, baffle boxes could be a nice fit for you.

If you are looking for a cooler, value comforter, there are plenty of solid sewn-through options that could give you a nice night’s rest.

Featured image: wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock

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Are Sleep Tracking Apps Causing People To Obsess Over Their Sleep?

Have you ever heard of orthosomnia? It’s a new sleep disorder coined by researchers late last year, and people who have it are constantly worried about getting a good night’s sleep.

The condition is linked to sleep trackers—apparently, people with orthosomnia regularly track their sleep, and may diagnose themselves with sleep disorders based on that data.

A case study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine in December 2017 followed three patients who struggle with orthosomnia.

“We termed this condition ‘orthosomnia,’ with ‘ortho’ meaning straight or correct, and ‘somnia’ meaning sleep because patients are preoccupied or concerned with improving or perfecting their wearable sleep data,” the researchers wrote. “We chose this term because the perfectionist quest to achieve perfect sleep is similar to the unhealthy preoccupation with healthy eating, termed orthorexia.”

Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock

One patient in the study felt that her sleep tracker, which told her she wasn’t getting enough sleep, was more accurate than the data gathered in a sleep lab, which suggested she was getting plenty of sleep.

“It’s great that so many people want to improve their sleep. However, the claims of these devices really outweigh validation of what they have shown to be doing,” researcher Kelly Glazer Baron told ScienceDaily. “They don’t do a good job of estimating sleep accurately.”

The study estimates that around 10 percent of American adults use a fitness or sleep tracking device on a regular basis and that 50 percent would consider purchasing one.

Related: How Accurate Are Sleep Trackers?

The researchers stress that wearable sleep-tracking technology isn’t super accurate, so it’s not helpful for people to self-diagnose themselves with sleep problems based on the data from their wearable devices. Plus, in a vicious cycle, being stressed about your sleep can itself contribute to poor sleep.

If you think you have a sleep problem, the researchers recommend seeking an expert opinion—and not just diagnosing yourself with an issue based on what your Fitbit or Apple Watch tells you.

“[These devices] are not able to differentiate between light and deep sleep,” Baron told ScienceDaily. “Furthermore, they might call it sleep when you’re reading in bed.”

Featured image: Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock

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