Teenagers are often stereotyped as lazy over-sleepers, wasting away their weekends in bed. Today at Wellington Beds we were interested to read that the opposite may be true! A brand new study released today has shown that teens are getting less adequate sleep than ever before.

New research from Columbia University’s School of Public Health has revealed that the average number of hours slept per night by teenagers has decreased dramatically over the past 20 years. While the study was conducted on US participants, it is believed to hold relevance for teenagers in all developed countries as technology’s influence on adolescent and teenage lives increases.

Getting enough regular sleep is extremely important for teenagers and adolescents. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the optimum amount of sleep for teens is between 8 and 10 hours per night (more than the average adult requires). Without this amount of sleep, teenagers may find their abilities to think, reason and problem solve are impaired. Sleep deprived teens are also more likely to suffer from mood swings, increased acne, weight gain, and substance abuse problems.

The new study analysed annual surveys of US teenager’s sleep patterns running from 1991 to 2012. Information was collated from 272,077 participants. The results showed that the amount of adolescents getting regular adequate sleep has declined dramatically over the last 20 years. The largest decrease occurred among 15 year olds. In 1991, 72% of 15 year olds reported getting 7 or more hours of sleep each night. By 2012 this figure had fallen to 63%.

The findings, which were also published in the medical journal Pediatrics, also pinpointed which groups among teens were least likely to be getting a good amount of sleep. Female students, students of lower socioeconomic status, and racial and ethnic minorities ranked the worst in terms of getting regular and adequate sleeping hours.

Although the underlying causes of increased sleep deprivation in teenagers cannot be pinpointed, experts working on the study agree that the internet and innovations in technology are likely contributors. Increasing numbers of teenagers are hooked on gadgets like smart phones, and many are self-confessed social media addicts. This 24-hour accessibility to communication and stimulation is one potential cause of teenagers sleep disruptions. Studies have shown that falling asleep is made more difficult by exposure to electronic devices shortly before bedtime.

If you’re worried about your teenager’s sleeping patterns you should discuss these concerns with a GP. Long-term sleep deprivation can adversely affect your child’s health and even their future prospects. You should also consider whether their sleeping environment is optimal - do they have the right mattress for their body type and shape? At Wellington Beds we can help you choose a mattress that’s perfectly customised for your teenager. By giving them the most comfortable bed possible you’ll increase their chances of getting a quality night’s sleep. Talk to our friendly team today.

Low quality, uncomfortable mattresses have been linked to sleep discomfort, regular pain, and even chronic neck and back problems. Sleep disruption caused by an uncomfortable bed can also impair your immune system, slow your metabolism and reduce your cognitive functioning. We think these are some pretty good reasons to invest in a quality mattress! But picking one isn’t always easy, so today we’re going to give you some tips for choosing the perfect mattress or bed.

Replacement

Your mattress should be replaced approximately every eight years. Any longer than that, and there’s a chance your mattress materials will degrade. If you’re waking up in pain or sleeping poorly this could also signal that it’s time for a replacement. Of course some brands last longer than others, so this is something you should consult your salesperson about before purchase. Its worth knowing about any guarantees that might come with the mattress too.

Try Before You Buy

We encourage you to lie down on a mattress before you buy it. Try a test ‘sleep’ for 20 minutes or so in one of your normal sleeping positions, and then lie flat on your back. Have a friend or salesperson observe you for a while and tell you if your spine remains neutral. If your spine sags or curves in any direction the mattress may be the wrong shape for your body. And remember, there’s no need to feel awkward, we’re used to people doing this in our showrooms! It’s important to make sure the mattress suits your own body and feels good.

Ditch the Sag

If your mattress sags in the middle or has an unnatural curve it’s definitely time to trade it in. Some people claim to like the feeling of a ‘groove’ they can settle into, but research shows that sags or unnatural curvature in a mattress can be damaging for your back. They can also contribute to sleep disturbances by making you more likely to roll into your partner during the night.

Two is Company

If you sleep with a partner consider buying a customised two person mattress. These can be designed with a different level of firmness on each side to suit each of your individual needs. It can be a very worthwhile investment for both people involved, as long as you don’t swap sides (or partners!).

Give it a Chance

Buying a new mattress can be like buying a pair of shoes - you might have teething problems at first. No matter how much you loved it in the store, you may have trouble adjusting once you get it home and actually try sleeping on it. Your body naturally takes a while to adjust to any new surface, so don’t despair if your bed feels a little strange in the beginning! Give your new mattress a go for at least a couple of nights before you decide to trade it in for another.

So there you have it, just a few handy tips for picking a mattress that’s perfect for you! Of course, the best advice we can give is for you to come into our showroom and talk to our friendly Wellington Beds team. We’re experts at choosing and customising the perfect mattress for each individual. We’ll create the most comfortable bed you’ve ever slept on, and have you on Cloud 9 in no time.