As with many other health conditions, the relationship between sleep and weight management is a two-way street. Inadequate sleep can lead to weight gain, and weight gain can cause sleep problems. The most effective way to break the cycle is to understand the importance of sleep and prioritize it. Practice healthful sleep habits, obtain sufficient sleep and incorporate getting enough sleep into your health regimen, along with diet and exercise.

Take the measure of your mattress
A fundamental step to take in the prioritization of sleep is to assess the comfort of your sleep surface. A comfortable, supportive and relaxing mattress will take you a long way toward your goal of obtaining healthful sleep. With the wide array of mattresses currently available, there is plenty of variety to provide comfort and support for every body type.

While comfort is subjective and a personal choice, it’s helpful to narrow down appropriate choices in the mattress selection process. One useful measurement is your body mass index, or BMI, which is a standard body-measurement guide based on height and weight. BMI calculators for adults and children are available at the CDC website.

Mattress features to fit your BMI
When selecting a mattress, people with a BMI greater than 25 should consider mattress thickness. Mattresses are available in a range of thicknesses from 6 inches to 16 inches or more. The higher your BMI, the thicker the mattress should be. People weighing from 250 pounds to 400 pounds will be most comfortable on a mattress that is at least 10 inches tall. For those weighing more than 400 pounds, a 14-inch profile or greater is recommended.

Natural latex mattresses, memory foam mattresses, adjustable air mattresses and traditional innerspring beds and “hybrid” mattresses that combine both springs and specialty foams are all popular choices among sleepers who have a higher BMI. A firm mattress is recommended for support for sleepers with higher BMIs, but if a softer surface is preferable, simply add a topper to a firm mattress.

In addition, look for mattresses that offer durable, reinforced edge support as well as temperature-regulating features – if you’re the type of person who “sleeps hot.”

Replace every seven years
Note that mattresses will not last indefinitely. The Better Sleep Council recommends that you evaluate your mattress every 7 years for comfort and support to know when your sleep is compromised and it is time for replacement. It is not unusual for those with a higher BMI to replace their mattresses more frequently to ensure continuous comfort and support.

See the difference sleep makes
A good night’s sleep is essential for achieving a healthful weight and a healthful lifestyle. A comfortable and supportive mattress is an easy first step toward a good night’s sleep. Sufficient sleep should be a priority for everyone, especially for those desiring to get to and maintain a healthy weight. A combination of sufficient sleep, plenty of exercise and a healthful diet can make healthful weight management an achievable goal for everyone.

ALEXANDRIA, VA – January 9, 2018 – While it’s no secret Americans struggle each year to keep their New Year’s resolutions, one key toward helping them stick to their goals may be right on their pillows. Sleep.

“Adding better sleep to your list of New Year’s resolutions can make it easier to reach some of the other goals on your list, whether that’s exercise, getting fit, or even losing weight,” says Lissa Coffey, a lifestyle expert and BSC spokesperson. “It seems so simple, but getting adequate rest can positively impact every other part of your life. When you’re well rested, it’s easier to choose healthier foods and to feel energized to exercise.”

According to a new survey from the Better Sleep Council (BSC), the nonprofit consumer-education arm of the International Sleep Products Association, 45% of Americans who make 2018 resolutions don’t make much of an effort to keep them and of this 45%, about 9 million Americans won’t make any effort at all. Key findings from this survey suggest sleep may be the resolution that helps Americans stay on track with their top goals in 2018.

A majority of respondents (88%) considered making New Year’s resolutions. Based on the survey, these resolutions included:

• 53% – Exercise more/get fit
• 49% – Get/stay fit and healthy
• 46% – Lose weight
• 42% – Spend less, save more
• 37% – Enjoy life to the fullest
• 31% – Get organized
• 28% – Start a budget
• 27% – Spend more time with family and friends
• 19% – Read more
• 19% – Learn a new hobby
• 14% – Stop smoking
• 8% – Cut back on alcohol

Of those 88%, 27% picked getting more/better sleep. Additionally, those who reported that they wanted more sleep/better sleep as one their resolutions also reported other health-related goals, including exercising more (69%) and staying fit and healthy (68%), which were the top two selected New Year’s resolutions overall.

Also, Americans surveyed who wanted to prioritize sleep in 2018 planned to do so by getting to bed earlier (65%), maintaining a consistent bedtime (62%), and having new nighttime routines (53%). Almost half of those surveyed said they also plan to upgrade their sleep environment by purchasing a new mattress or other bed-related items.

To sleep more soundly – and make health a priority in the New Year – the Better Sleep Council offers these suggestions:

• Make daily sleep appointments. Develop a routine in which you go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time every day. Don’t let social media or work distract you, and when it’s bedtime, go to sleep no matter what.
• Create a great bed for great sleep. If you’re not waking up refreshed every day, it’s time to examine your mattress and decide if you need a new one.
• Keep it cool, even in the winter. A comfortable sleeping temperature is between 65 and 67 degrees, so turn on an air conditioner or lower the thermostat before bed to make the room right for you.
• Try yoga. Practice yoga before bed to de-stress after your day, relax your muscles and bring your body to a restful state before hitting the hay.

For more information on getting better sleep, visit https://bettersleep.org/better-sleep/how-to-sleep-better/.

About the BSC
The Better Sleep Council is the consumer-education arm of the International Sleep Products Association, the trade association for the mattress industry. With decades invested in improving sleep quality, the BSC educates consumers on the link between sleep and health, and the role of the sleep environment, primarily throughwww.bettersleep.org, partner support and consumer outreach.