Disturbance from your partner is a common reason people do not sleep well at night. Whether it is breathing in your face, accidental kicks or snoring, it is enough to consider moving bedrooms. Or alternatively, buy a bigger bed!
Bigger is better in the bedroom – it doesn’t matter if you sleep solo or share a bed; the more space, the better for a good night’s sleep.
What size bed?
A recent survey revealed that king-size beds are the most common mattress size in the UK for couples, and single people prefer a large single mattress. Of the people who responded, 43% reported sleeping on a king-size bed. This compares with 34% who answered double bed and 7% who sleep in small double beds with mattresses.
It is not uncommon for some couples to prefer a smaller bed, stating that it is cosy and more intimate. However, a smaller bed can only exacerbate sleep disturbances, as everybody’s movement is liable to disturb your partner, resulting in a poor night’s sleep.
It is recommended that a bed be 10-15cm longer than the tallest bedfellow, and anyone over 2m tall should consider a longer bed than standard.
It makes sense that a bigger bed makes you and your partner much more likely to sleep better. We would advise buying a bed as big as your space and finances allow. It is important, though, to go shopping for a bed together, be it on a high street or online.
Not all beds are the same, and everyone can choose different mattresses.
If you have the opportunity to go to test mattresses, please do. Wear loose-fitting clothes, remove any outerwear and shoes and lie on the bed for a while to get a feel. Get into your normal sleeping positions and see if the extra space is sufficient to avoid disturbing each other. When you have found a size that suits and the mattress firmness you both prefer, you can shop online for the best deals.
It is always a good idea to buy a mattress and base together. Different bases can affect how a mattress performs and can feel significantly different.
A divan base will feel very different to a slatted base.
Can you afford a bigger bed?
Still unsure about upsizing your bed? These figures may convince you. The average bed life is seven years, so every night in bed costs just 3.9p per night for each £100 spent. That isn’t even 2p per night per person per £100. No one thinks about the cost of a good night’s sleep but will happily buy a new TV, a streaming service (Netflix costs over 42p per day) or a new car.
So, you could spend £1000 on a new bed and mattress for less than your Netflix subscription price. You know it makes sense.
It’s time to prioritise your well-being. A good night’s sleep is the key to a healthy life and is very easy to achieve if you have plenty of space to move around!