National Bed Month is a significant annual campaign that has been promoting the health benefits of replacing an old and tired bed with a brand-new one for over 30 years now. This initiative, founded by the National Sleep Council and the National Bed Federation, aims to raise awareness about the importance of quality sleep and the role of a good bed in achieving it.

The National Bed Federation (NBF) is the recognised trade association representing UK manufacturers and suppliers of beds. Established in 1912, the NBF plays a crucial role in setting standards, driving ethics, transparency, and responsibility within the UK bed industry, all key values we treasure at Magna Beds.

Throughout March, various events and promotions are organised to help people get the best sleep possible, by emphasising healthy sleep habits. The campaign encourages bed retailers to engage with customers and consumers by promoting the importance of a good, comfortable bed for a great night's sleep.

The theme for National Bed Month 2024 is "Wake Up on the Right Side, with the Right Bed," highlighting the importance of selecting a bed that suits your needs. The campaign also aims to educate consumers on the benefits of replacing old mattresses to enhance sleep and health.

As we all know, poor-quality beds and old mattresses can lead to poor-quality sleep and even health issues, highlighting the importance of choosing a bed and mattress that suits your individual needs.

Take a Bed MOT

National Bed Month is a time to focus on the importance of quality sleep and the impact of our beds on our health. The National Bed Federation is encouraging people, especially those with back problems, to consider giving their bed an "MOT", which involves a thorough examination of how your bed is treating you, including the overall quality of the bed, signs of sagging, waking up during the night, waking up in pain etc.

If you find yourself answering these questions negatively, it might be time for a brand-new mattress. Industry experts are urging the 9 million people in England with back problems to take a bed MOT to ensure their beds provide the necessary support needed for a good night's sleep.

How to do a Digital Detox?

In today's digital-led world, it has never been more important to make sure that your technology devices are not affecting the quality of your sleep. We all know how easy it is to doom scroll for hours on end on an evening or have notifications disrupt our sleep. The blue light emitted from our smartphones, laptops, and tablets can disrupt our body's natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to poor sleep quality and even insomnia.

To combat this, it is crucial to establish healthy boundaries with our devices and incorporate digital detox practices into our daily routines. One effective strategy is to establish a screen curfew, powering down all electronic devices at least one hour before bedtime. This allows your brain to wind down and produce the melatonin necessary for quality sleep. Additionally, consider removing devices from your bedroom altogether, creating a technology-free bedroom for the very best chance of getting a perfect night’s sleep. If using devices close to bedtime is unavoidable, enable night mode or blue light filters to reduce the impact of blue light exposure.

Furthermore, engaging in relaxing activities such as reading a physical book, practising gentle yoga or meditation, or taking a warm bath can help transition your mind and body into a state of calm before bedtime.

What Are The Benefits of A Sleep Diary?

Maintaining a sleep diary can offer a multitude of benefits for individuals seeking to improve their sleep quality and overall well-being. Firstly, keeping a detailed record of your sleep patterns, including when you fall asleep, when you wake up, the duration of sleep, and any disturbances during the night, can provide valuable insights into your sleep habits.

By tracking this information, you will be able to identify trends and patterns that may be affecting your sleep negatively, such as irregular bedtimes or excessive screen time before bed. A sleep diary can also help pinpoint potential triggers that disrupt your sleep, such as caffeine consumption, stress levels, or environmental factors like noise or light.

Sleep Foundation, an accredited source of information for everything sleep, has a downloadable sleep diary template, which allows you to get started checking the quality of your sleep, without the hassle of having to make your template.

This sleep diary template includes bedtime routine details like device use, time spent trying to fall asleep, wake times, sleep duration, disturbances, self-rating of sleep quality and even sleep meditation.

Is It Time For A New Bed?

As National Bed Month is this month, it's the perfect time to consider the benefits of investing in a new bed. If you find yourself experiencing signs of an old or damaged bed, such as sagging, creaking, or discomfort, it may be time to seriously consider a replacement. One of the most significant advantages of getting a new bed is the potential for improved sleep quality.

When you combine this with the replacement of your old mattress too, you can start to see results. A worn-out mattress can lead to poor sleep posture, resulting in aches and pains that disrupt your rest.

With the latest advances in mattress technology, you can now choose from a variety of options tailored to your specific needs, from figure-hugging memory foam for contouring support or hybrid mattresses for a balance of comfort and responsiveness, you have little reason to continue with your old and tired mattress.

In addition to the health benefits, a new bed or bed frame can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your bedroom. A fresh, stylish bed frame combined with a supportive mattress can transform your sleeping space into a cosy sanctuary where you can unwind and relax after a long day.

Ultimately, if you're noticing signs of wear and tear on your current bed or experiencing discomfort during sleep, it's wise to consider investing in a new bed. Your sleep quality and overall health are worth prioritising, and a new bed can make a significant difference in how you feel every morning. Embrace National Bed Month as an opportunity to treat yourself to the gift of better sleep with a comfortable and supportive new bed.