How to Get Cozy in Bed

The key to getting a good night's sleep is making sure that the bed that you sleep in is cozy and comfortable. You want your bed to be a warm and welcoming place that invites you to crawl into it and welcomes you home when the day comes to an end.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Replace your mattress if it is more than 10 years old. The average mattress lasts for around 10 years. After that it starts to break down and no amount of attention can make it comfortable again.
2. Pick the right size mattress to make you cozy. A mattress that is too small leads to feeling crowded; if it is too large you can feel lost inside the bed with too much space. Lay down on the bed and extend both arms out to your side. Where your fingertips extend to is the ideal size for you. If you have a partner in bed, you should both be able to extend your arms.
3. Put a comfortable mattress pad on top of the mattress. For extra comfort, consider putting a foam pad on the mattress underneath the fitted mattress pad. Be sure to put a mattress pad with deep enough sides to hook firmly over the mattress so it doesn't pop off and create uncomfortable bunches under your sheets.
4. Choose the right sheets for the season. In the winter flannel or silk sheets are best. Flannel sheets do not get cold like cotton sheets do, and silk does a great job of reflecting body heat for a cozy, warm winter bed. In the summer, stick to cotton or cotton blends for the coolest sheets.
5. Add a warm blanket or comforter in the winter months. Down is a wonderful winter blanket because it is warm, but is lightweight, so you do not feel weighted down when you crawl under it.
6. Figure out what type of pillows are the most comfortable for you. Some people sleep best with firm pillows, while others feel the most cozy with feather pillows that conform to the shape of their head and neck. There are also memory foam pillows. Try out some different ones and choose the ones you like best. Consider adding a few extra pillows to make the bed cozy.

Tips & Warnings

• Take a stuffed animal to bed so you can crawl up with it and feel cozy.
• If you have pets, you might want to invite them to get cozy in bed with you. This is not a good idea though if you have allergies or if you have to worry about fleas and ticks.
• Bedding needs to be washed on a regular basis. Cleaning your bed can lead to better sleep because it cuts down on the number of allergens, dust and dust mites. It is also a good idea to vacuum your mattress with the change of every season. Vacuum one side, then flip it over and vacuum the other side.