Researchers have spent countless hours pondering on the mysteries of genius, and what separates highly successful individuals from the pack. Turns out they might have stumbled on the answer sooner... had they gone easy on the midnight oil and taken a nap!
According to a report in the BBC, sleeping on a problem actually helps solve it, as dreamy naps increase our creative powers. Major breakthroughs have been made during sleep – and dream discoveries include hit songs, classic stories, Nobel prize-winning discoveries, world-class golf swings and even mathematical theories!
So deep sleep is good for the brain... but is that the whole story? After all if lots of sleep was all that was required, lazy people would have ruled the world.
Indeed, there are records of many successful individuals who have performed brilliantly on just a few hours of sleep. Sir Winston Churchill reportedly slept for less than 4 hours every day. Same with Maggie Thatcher who often was at her desk by 5.30am.
Experts therefore believe that it’s actually the quality of sleep that matters, not the quantity. And therein lies the paradox and million dollar question - what’s the formula for quality sleep?
It seems the answer is this: a comfortable bed.
You know, one with a firm mattress that doesn’t sag at one end, or a bedstead that tilts, or a pillow made out of Swedish timber….
So how do you go about choosing just the right kind of bed?
Well, a little research will help you select what is best for your specific requirements. All you need to do is figure out the right material (flax, memory foam, cashmere, silk, or lambswool?); the right surface (Select Comfort, Tempur-Pedic, Kingsdown, or Latex?); and not to forget, the right price and quality.
At Active You we’re fond of two main bed manufacturers. One is Tempur which is a bed company dedicated to easing back pain. Made from a NASA space technology material and used by the English rugby team, Tempur is a high end bed solution that truly delivers.
Tempur aren’t cheap but we’ve never heard of one complaint and they sum up the maxim that you get what you pay for.
Our other favourite is Feather & Black, an innovative, stylish and luxury bed manufacturer with 30 shops nationwide. Originally called The Iron Bed company, Feather & Black do some fantastic clearance sales on their website with discounts of up to 80% on some lines. It’s sleeping in style…and comfort.
We’ve managed to bag a competition from Feather & Black so if you’re reading this blog, simply click here and you could soon be the proud owner of a free luxury bed. As we’d like to say at Active You, sleep smart... and get smart!
