How to Build a Complete Sleep System (Not Just Buy a Mattress)
Buying a new mattress is one of the best things you can do for your sleep. But it isn’t the only
thing.
A lot of people spend weeks researching mattresses, comparing firmness levels, testing
different feels, and asking all the right questions. Then they bring it home, throw the same old
pillow on top, crank the thermostat to 72, fall asleep with the TV on, and wonder why they’re still
waking up on the wrong side of the bed.
The truth is, great sleep depends on more than the mattress alone. Your mattress is the
foundation, and the right pillow, bedding, and bedroom environment help complete the sleep
system.
Build Your Sleep System From the Bottom Up
The perfect fit should support your body, keep you comfortable, and match the way you sleep,
not just sweep you off your feet in the showroom. Pair your perfect mattress with an adjustable
base to make reading before bed, watching a movie, or simply relaxing more comfortable. You’ll
enjoy added benefits like reduced snoring, elevating tired legs, and an easier way to explore
different positions in bed.
Better Sleep Starts With Better Layers
The right pillow helps keep your head and neck aligned, while breathable sheets help you stay
comfortable from the time you climb into bed until morning. Cotton generally sleeps cooler than
microfiber, making it a smart choice for hot sleepers. It’s amazing what happens when everyone
in the bed starts pulling their weight.
Set the Mood (for Sleep)
Setting the mood isn’t just good dating advice. In the bedroom, that starts with keeping the room
between 62 and 68 degrees, dimming the lights, and putting your phone away before bed helps
signal that the day is over and it’s time to sleep. If you’re answering emails until midnight and
expecting to be asleep by 12:02, don’t be surprised if your brain wants to keep the conversation
going.
Fresh air from an open window can also make the room feel more comfortable, and white noise
can help drown out the distractions that would otherwise wake you up. Ultimately, creating the
right atmosphere can make the rest of your sleep system perform even better.
Design Tips for Better Sleep
Good sleep doesn’t stop with the mattress, and good bedroom design shouldn’t stop with
the furniture. As we continue to refresh and update our showroom design, we’ve been
working with Sarah Brohm, Owner and Principal Designer of UA Design Group, to bring a
more thoughtful approach to the spaces surrounding our mattresses.
Sarah believes every bedroom should balance beauty with function, creating a space that
naturally encourages you to slow down at the end of the day. She recommends nature-
inspired colors, layered lighting that can be dimmed throughout the evening, and textured
bedding that adds comfort while adapting to changing temperatures. Even a generously
sized area rug beside the bed can make the room feel softer and more inviting. These tips
serve as a reminder that better sleep isn’t just about what’s under you, but what’s around
you as well
A Mattress Is the Beginning, Not the Finish Line
A great mattress gives you a strong foundation, but the rest of your sleep setup deserves an
equal amount of attention. If your pillow is overdue for retirement, your sheets are trapping heat,
or your bedroom isn’t helping you decompress, you’re leaving better sleep on the table. Stop by
the showroom and talk with one of our Beducators to build your ideal sleep system and Stop
Sleeping Around… Sleep on a Shovlin.®
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