Understanding Sleep Needs at Every Age
1. Infants and Young Children: The Foundation of Healthy Sleep
Key Needs: Young children need consistent routines, safety, and uninterrupted sleep to support growth and development. Children generally require more hours of sleep than adults.
Mattress Connection: A firm, hypoallergenic mattress provides the support and cleanliness crucial for young sleepers.
5-Senses Tip – TOUCH: Opt for firm, supportive bedding for infants and toddlers to ensure spinal alignment and safe sleep, while hypoallergenic materials minimize allergens and ensure comfort.
2. Teenagers: Navigating the Night Owl Phase
Sleep Shift: Teenagers often experience a natural delay in their body clock, making it harder to fall asleep early and wake up early. This change is linked to the adolescent phase of circadian rhythm shifts.
Mattress Connection: A comfortable, pressure-relieving mattress can support teens by providing deep, restorative sleep despite these late-night tendencies.
5-Senses Tip – SIGHT: Encourage teens to limit screen exposure an hour before bed to prevent blue light interference with their body clock. Try dimming lights to support melatonin production and prepare the body for sleep.
3. Adults: Balancing Life and Rest
Sleep Needs: Most adults need 7-8 hours of quality sleep to stay focused and energized. For adults, daily demands and varying schedules can often disrupt sleep routines.
Mattress Connection: For adults, a medium-firm mattress that supports spinal alignment can help reduce back pain and relieve pressure, especially for side sleepers.
5-Senses Tip – TOUCH: Adults benefit from a mattress that provides the right balance of firmness and comfort to support the body’s curves, which helps prevent aches and pains after a night’s rest.
4. Sleep During Pregnancy: Unique Challenges and Comfort Needs
Key Needs: Pregnancy often brings changes in sleep positions, back pain, and an increased need for comfort due to body changes.
Mattress Connection: Pocket coil or latex-core mattresses provide extra cushioning, support, and pressure relief, helping pregnant sleepers find comfort, especially when side-sleeping.
5-Senses Tip – SMELL: A light lavender scent or calming essential oil blend can help create a more relaxing sleep environment, especially helpful for pregnant customers needing to wind down and find calm before sleep.
5. Older Adults: Adjusting to Light and Fragmented Sleep
Sleep Changes with Age: As we age, sleep becomes lighter and often more fragmented, with earlier bedtimes and wake-up times.
Mattress Connection: Older adults can benefit from a mattress that minimizes motion transfer, provides ample support, and has cooling properties to prevent overheating.
5-Senses Tip – TEMPERATURE/TOUCH: Temperature-regulating mattresses and breathable bedding can help manage body temperature, supporting uninterrupted rest and comfort for older adults who may experience night sweats or temperature fluctuations.
