WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN A GOOD SLEEP SYSTEM?

• A mattress made of primarily natural materials – synthetics, including urethane and memory foam, may emit harmful VOCs that create an unhealthy environment around the bed.
  • Look for a natural cover material that is breathable and has anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties.
  • Check the foam on the inside – is it mostly natural or synthetic? Natural is better.
• A mattress that creates airflow from top to bottom – airflow keeps you cool at night. A cool sleeping environment helps you sleep better and undisturbed.
  • Memory foam is not breathable. Look for natural materials, like natural rubber, which are breathable. If the mattress design helps create airflow through the mattress that is even better.
• A mattress with softness/firmness that you can customize to fit your personal needs.
  • Is it a one size fits all or can you choose between softness/firmness levels? Everyone sleeps differently, and what is right for you might not be right for everyone.
  • Can you adjust the softness/firmness of the mattress if you get it and don't like it?
• An adjustable foundation with head and foot adjustability to allow you to adjust into any relaxation or sleeping position you like. Ideally the foundation would have a massage feature to help break up lactic acid buildup and improve circulation while you are resting.A pillow that is as soft/firm and thick/thin as you like it to be.
  • Don't underestimate how amazing it is to relax with your head and feet elevated. It is amazingly comfortable, especially after a tough workout.
• A risk-free trial period – you always want to be able to try it out and make sure you like it.

WHY IS A GOOD SLEEP SYSTEM SO IMPORTANT? CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:

• Disruption of sleep, be it tossing and turning or actually waking up, throws off your sleep patterns and deprives you of the true benefits of sleep. Many people wake up and toss and turn because they sleep on an uncomfortable sleeping surface that cuts off circulation to their muscles during the night.
• You spend 1/3 of your entire life in bed – make an investment and sleep on something that will have a positive impact on your health and athletic performance.
• Athletes and anyone with sleep apnea will find an adjustable foundation with the ability to adjust the mattress surface to a zero gravity position is perfect for sore muscles and relaxing before or even during sleep.
• See these research articles on sleep and performance
• See article on the 3 essentials of fitness

Sleep occurs in cycles throughout the night, with each sleep cycle taking approximately 90 minutes. Our body’s biological clock controls all of this, and technically the sleep cycle is one of our many “circadian rhythms”. There are 4 identifiable stages in each sleep cycle, and each of them has a significant impact on athletic performance and improvement.