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Sleep Well
Separation and divorce can cause a lot of sleepless nights -- and your old bed may be making matters even worse. Treat yourself to a truly comfortable bed -- or sofabed, if space is at a premium -- and help yourself to a good night's sleep.
Do you need a new bed? According to the Better Sleep Council (a non-profit organization supported by the mattress industry), you should consider shopping for a new mattress if: you wake up with pain, stiffness, or soreness; you aren't sleeping as well as you were a year ago; you had your best night's sleep somewhere other than your own bed; or your mattress shows visible signs of wear and tear. Look for a bed that meets your unique needs for comfort, support, and space. (If you have a new live-in partner, shop with him/her.) "Test-drive" a new mattress by lying down on your back (remember to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes when bed-shopping), then shift to your usual sleep position. Does the mattress gently support all points of your body?
When shopping for a new mattress, the Better Sleep Council recommends these shopping tips:
Comfort. A mattress doesn't have to be as hard as a tabletop to be good for you: new mattresses use cushioning materials and surface treatments to make them feel soft while still providing the support you need.
Support. The bed should support your body at all points and keep your spine in the same position as good standing posture. When selecting a mattress, keep in mind that your body should be able to relax, with your spine supported in its natural curve.
Space. Select a mattress that gives you enough room for free, easy movement. If you're sleeping with a partner, consider a queen- or king-size mattress to ensure that both of you have enough space to feel comfortable.
Value. Choose a quality product made with new materials. Look for the best value -- not the lowest price.
What if your new place can't accommodate a full-sized bed -- or if you need an extra bed without adding an extra bedroom? Choose a sofabed or futon! The good news about modern sofabeds is that they can be both attractive and functional -- and many are comfortable enough to sleep on every night. We've searched for convertible couches and beds that combine style and comfort.
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1. "NATHAN COLLECTION" -- This queen bed, three-drawer night-table, and small dresser are made of maple and cherry -- woods that are naturally rich in color and texture. This suite is equally at home in a city loft or country house; its contemporary curves and cast-metal finials make it a lovely addition to almost any decor. Available at Harvest House; call (888) 241-9960 or visit www.HarvestHouse.on.ca for more information. |
2. "CANOPY SCROLL BED" -- This Canadian-made wrought-iron bed makes a stunning centerpiece to an elegant bedroom. Available in a variety of finishes at Menardi Iron Design in Brampton. Visit their showroom or website at www.menardiiron.com to view their selection of beds, sofas, and other wrought-iron furniture. |
3. "A FRAME" -- The beauty of a solid-pine futon frame is matched with a structural design guaranteed for five years against any defects of workmanship. The steel hinge mechanism enables the frame to open and close from the front. The light and dark "rustic" stains highlight the knots and flowing grain of this beautiful wood. Available at East West Futons. |
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6. "BEDDINGE" -- This sofa converts to a bed with the pull of one hand. The optional storage box (below, $50) will hold your bedding and other odds and ends. The removable, washable cover is available in a variety of colors -- from off-white to light-green to hot cerise. The same quality as a "regular" bed mattress, the Beddinge's spring mattress is designed to be slept on 365 days a year. Available at at IKEA; $349-$449. |
7. " BIG BEN" -- This modern sofa or sofabed is available in more than 400 different colors and fabrics: from brushed cotton to cashmere to wool. This streamlined sofa -- shown here in a cashmere-wool blend in charcoal gray -- comes with a 20-year guarantee, and is available in 102" and 120" lengths at Montauk. |
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9. "EKTORP" -- This sofabed is covered with a machine-washable, fitted cotton slipcover, which is available in a number of colors. Full/double size mattress. $899 at IKEA. Click on this image for an enlarged view. |
10. "DANBO" -- Part of IKEA's new collection this Fall, this sofabed opens easily to a comfortable foam mattress. The arms recline, and the removable black polyester-cotton cover is washable. $499 at IKEA. Click on this image for an enlarged view. |
For more information on selecting a mattress, visit the Better Sleep Council's website at www.bettersleep.org.