5 Things You Need to Get Better Sleep

We have explored and given many sleep tips over the years, including limiting alcohol and caffeine, sticking to a sleep schedule, and unwinding before bed for a restful night. However, for those of you who are searching for the real solutions to better sleep, the list doesn’t include sound machines, sleep aids, or silk eye masks — it focuses on the very basics. 

Here is our checklist of things that help you get better sleep each night:

• Top-quality mattress
• Proper foundation or adjustable base
• Relaxing sleep environment 
• Cooling technology
• Quality pillow

Here at Texas Mattress Makers, we like to say we are in the “business of better sleep,” because we know that the foundation of getting quality sleep starts with having the right tools, such as a quality mattress. Our experts are here to dive into our five must-have items for how to get better sleep.

At Texas Mattress Makers, we craft each mattress in our Downtown Houston factory using premium materials and time-tested techniques passed down over 45 years of experience. We have been voted Houston’s best mattress store for four years in a row because we deliver effective sleep solutions to Houstonians who crave quality sleep without the gimmicks.

1. Invest in a top-quality mattress

What is the best thing to help you sleep better? The answer starts with your mattress. Your mattress is the most critical component of your sleep setup, directly impacting your comfort, spinal alignment, and overall sleep quality.

How do you fix poor sleep? Step one is investing in a quality mattress. If you struggle with sleep problems, your current mattress is likely the culprit — or at least the first thing you should investigate.  

How to choose a quality mattress

A good mattress should provide proper support for your body weight and sleeping position while offering enough comfort to help your muscles relax. A worn-out, unsupportive, or uncomfortable mattress can lead to tossing and turning, back pain, and disrupted sleep cycles — and bad sleep can lead to a laundry list of health problems.

When shopping for a new mattress, consider factors like your preferred sleeping position, your unique body type, and any other concerns you may have. Our experts will match you with a mattress that contains components meant to address your specific needs. We only use top-rated materials to create our mattresses, which can guarantee luxurious comfort and unmatched support for any sleeper. In fact, our mattresses have been tested and proven to outperform competitors in terms of quality.

Don’t let an old mattress ruin your chances of better sleep. A quality mattress is an investment in your health and well-being. If you need additional help choosing a mattress, visit a showroom in person, contact an expert for advice, or read our buying guide for more detailed information.

2. Choose the proper foundation

Many people overlook the importance of what goes under their mattress, but the foundation or base plays a crucial role in getting better sleep. A proper foundation extends your mattress’s lifespan, provides essential support, and can even enhance your comfort. How? We’ll tell you.

Mattress foundations offer consistent, even support across the entire mattress surface, preventing sagging and ensuring that your body is properly supported all night long. Because mattresses are a soft surface, they require stability from a foundation or base to ensure that you’re comfortable and not sinking.

Do I need a mattress foundation?

In our expert opinion, yes. The relationship between your mattress and foundation is symbiotic — each component enhances the performance of the other. A quality mattress on a poor foundation won’t perform to its potential, while even the best foundation can’t compensate for a worn-out mattress. This is why we recommend evaluating both components together when looking to improve your sleep setup.

How can I improve my sleep? Consider an adjustable base!

If you’re searching for the ultimate sleep experience upgrade, we highly recommend our amazing adjustable bed frames. While adjustable foundations are not necessary to get quality sleep each night (like a foundation), they truly elevate (pun intended) your sleep to the next level.

Adjustable mattress bases allow you to elevate your head or feet, which can help with various issues, including acid reflux, snoring, circulation problems, mobility issues, and general comfort. Many of our customers find that the ability to adjust their sleeping position throughout the night significantly improves their sleep quality. It’s an investment that you won’t regret.

Expert Tip: If you choose one of our compatible adjustable bases, the Remedy III or Contempo IV, you can take your sleep system to the next level with the Rizer Kit accessory. Unlike other accessories, the Rizer Kit blends seamlessly with your base. When the tilt isn’t in use, your bed rests completely flat without any bulky appearance. It’s a simple way to unlock more therapeutic benefits from your adjustable foundation.

3. Create a relaxing sleep environment

How much sleep do I need? Like really? The average adult needs 7–9 hours of sleep per night, but the quality of that sleep depends largely on having the right sleep environment and equipment. Your bedroom environment has a significant impact on your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. 

Here are some tips for creating and maintaining a relaxing sleep space:

• Temperature control is crucial for quality sleep. Most sleep experts recommend keeping your bedroom between 65-68 degrees Fahrenheit. A room that’s too warm can cause restlessness and disturbed sleep, while a room that’s too cold can prevent you from falling asleep comfortably. If you sleep hot, the next section of this article is intended for you.
• Lighting also plays a vital role in healthy sleeping habits. Your bedroom should be as dark as possible during sleep hours. Even small amounts of light can interfere with your body’s ability to produce melatonin, the sleep hormone. You can purchase blackout curtains and eye masks to keep out excess light and limit electronics like cell phones and television that emit blue light.
• Noise control is another factor to consider. While complete silence isn’t necessary for everyone, consistent, disruptive noises can make it difficult for you to fall or stay asleep. Some people benefit from white noise machines or earplugs, while others prefer the natural quiet of a well-insulated room. Find what works for you!
• Your bedding choices matter. Using breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo sheets and comforters can help regulate body temperature throughout the night, as well as feel comfortable and soft on your skin to eliminate discomfort. No one will get a good night’s sleep using the scratchy pink blanket that your mom just won’t throw out.

4. Incorporate cooling technology

Living in Texas means we are subjected to some hot, sweaty summer nights; however, as we’ve discussed above, sleeping warm can impact your ability to get a good night’s sleep. This is because our body temperature naturally drops as we prepare for sleep, and maintaining an optimal temperature throughout the night is essential for uninterrupted rest. If you sleep hot, a cooling mattress is the best solution.

Our Ice Blue cooling technology outperforms even the best cooling mattress toppers due to its ability to keep you cool all night long — not just for a few hours. While these toppers made of gel or foam only provide short-term relief, our cooling technology is sewn directly into the mattress topper to disperse body heat before it reaches the mattress.

At Texas Mattress Makers, we understand that knowing how to get better sleep often depends on staying cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is why we offer Ice Blue cooling technology, designed to work in Houston’s warm climate while providing the support and comfort you need for restorative sleep. 

You can add our cooling technology to any Texas Mattress Makers mattress or enjoy the built-in cooling properties of our Hybrid Plus Mattress. 

5. Pick the right pillow

Much like foundations, sleepers tend to ignore the importance of using quality pillows. While a quality pillow supports your head and neck to keep your spine properly aligned, a bad pillow can cause headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and lower your sleep quality overall. Here are some tips for finding the best pillow:

• Consider your sleep position: Your pillow needs can change based on the way your body is positioned as you sleep.
  • Side sleepers typically need firmer, higher pillows to fill the space between their shoulder and neck. 
  • Back sleepers usually benefit from medium-height pillows that support the natural curve of the neck without pushing the head too far forward. 
  • Stomach sleepers often need thin, soft pillows or may even sleep better without a pillow to avoid straining the neck.
• Consider the pillow’s materials: You want a pillow that will contour to your head while still providing adequate support. Our pillows are made with different types of memory foam for customizable comfort. We also offer a cooling pillow with breathable materials for those who sleep hot.
• Consider the pillow’s comfort level: While comfort level is a preference, a pillow that is too soft or too firm can impact your comfort, and in turn, your sleep quality. Finding a pillow that works for your unique needs can maintain proper spinal alignment and promote restful sleep.

Better Sleep Is Guaranteed with Texas Mattress Makers

To us, better sleep isn’t a luxury — it’s essential for your physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. By focusing on these five fundamental elements, you’re taking important steps toward consistent, quality sleep that will help you wake up refreshed and ready to face each day.

Taking the time to compare mattresses and see which one suits you best will make a world of difference in how well you sleep. If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed by the number of choices, our experts are here to make these crucial decisions much simpler.

Visit any of our mattress stores in Houston to experience the difference that locally-crafted, quality sleep products can make in your nightly rest. When you purchase a mattress from us, you won’t just get better sleep, you’ll experience the best sleep of your life. 

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• What to Expect When You’re Breaking in a Mattress
• Experts Answer: How Long Should a Mattress Last?
• Best Pressure Relieving Mattresses for Back, Hip, and Shoulder Pain
• Why Mattress Body Impressions are Crucial for Quality Sleep
• Experts Answer: Why is My New Bed Hurting My Back?