Blame it on the baby’s 3 a.m. hunger cries, the dog’s middle-of-the-night potty needs or your SO’s industrial-strength snoring — whatever the reason, the struggle for sound slumber is real. Sure, you may have learned to power through the next day like a pro by chugging mega-size mugs of coffee (or whatever caffeinated bev you favor). But with that push comes the afternoon crash, when all bets on being productive are off.
The thing is, we all need quality sleep, and for very good reason. “Good sleep quality is central to physical and mental wellness,” says Karina Jordan M.D., a sleep-medicine physician in McLean, Virginia. “Sleep supports immune function, heart health and muscle recovery, and is a crucial component of memory consolidation, focus and attention, as well as overall energy levels.”
Conversely, the effects of poor sleep can be serious. “It is associated with an increased risk of elevated blood pressure, stroke and even heart attack,” Dr. Jordan says. What’s more, she notes, since sleep regulates emotional stability and affects essential hormone production and balance, chronic deprivation can increase the risk of depression and anxiety. Sleep also influences the hormones that regulate hunger, and poor sleep has been linked to weight gain and obesity, she says.
Consider this your wake-up call.
The good news is that you don’t have to make major life overhauls for an improved snooze. “Investing in the right products can significantly contribute to improved sleep quality,” Dr. Jordan says. Setting the scene with relaxing bedtime accouterments like a supportive mattress, an extra plush pillow or breathable sheets can help immensely. So we put together this selection of dreamy finds from Saatva, a luxury handcrafted mattress and bedding company, so you can get started on your most blissful drift yet.
Comfort to the core
It’s a given: A cozy mattress lays the groundwork for the soundest sleep experience. But buying one that’s simply plush to the touch won’t do. The Saatva Classic has comfort through and through at each layer — from the pillow-top surface and sheath of memory foam beneath to the lumbar layer that supports with pocketed coils.
Cool and collected
Things can heat up real quick between the sheets (in a bad way) when they’re made from cheap material. And really, who wants to wake up in a pool of sweat? Turns out, studies show keeping temps cooler can lead to deeper sleep. A cotton-viscose blend like the Saatva Essential Sheet Set not only helps your body chill out thanks to a breathable weave, which allows for better airflow, but it’s super-silky and lightweight, too.
Restorative support
If you’re suffering from back issues, investing in a therapeutic mattress like the Saatva Rx is worthwhile. Specially designed for sleepers with chronic back and joint conditions, it’s crafted with patented lumbar tech made from pressure-relieving, gel-infused memory foam. Flexible micro coils add even more support to the center and perimeter of the mattress, minimizing the tossing and turning that can happen all through the night.
Contouring from head to toe
Whether you or your SO is a back, side, stomach or starfish-type sleeper, a memory-foam mattress like the Saatva Contour5 is a versatile option that cradles every curve to slay any style. The high density, body-hugging feel and memory foam all help with motion isolation, which keeps you from waking each other up every time you switch positions.
Perfect alignment
Without proper head and neck support, sleep can be elusive (waking with aches, anyone?). The Saatva Latex Pillow’s natural latex core feels fluffy but has targeted support. Once your head hits it, pressure points are relieved, allowing for better sleep and less back and joint pain. (Latex also doesn’t retain heat as much as memory foam, making it a better choice for hot sleepers.)
Year-round regulation
Regardless of whether you run hot or cold, your body may have its own agenda if it’s not properly regulated while you sleep: Studies show being too hot or too cold is linked to increased wakefulness and decreased REM sleep, when we dream. Having a cover that won't leave you at either extreme, like the Saatva All-Year Down Alternative Comforter, can help you remain in the deepest slumber throughout the night.
Cloudlike luxury
Laying your weary head to rest can be, well, more restful with an extra-plush pillow. The Saatva Organic Quilted Pillow has all the pomp and circumstance — extra support, breathability, hotel-like comfort — of the latex iteration we listed above. But the organic cotton knit cover is quilted with organic New Zealand wool for extra fluff.
Padding to perfection
Once you’ve invested in a high-end mattress, one way to keep it working for you as it should is with a mattress pad. The Saatva Organic Mattress Pad not only provides an extra layer of protection from stains and general wear and tear, but its plush diamond quilting makes your sleep experience even more comfortable.
Saatva Classic Mattress
Saatva Essential Sheet Set
Saatva Rx Mattress
Saatva Contour5 Mattress
Saatva Latex Pillow
Saatva All-Year Down Alternative Comforter
Saatva Organic Quilted Pillow
