“And on a soft bed, delicate, you’d let loose your longing.” If you share a bed with a partner, this Sappho quote may have lit a spark for you. If it didn’t, it might be time to consider why. It’s almost Valentine’s Day, so what better time to talk about love, your mattress, and better intimacy?
Love, Your Mattress, and Better Intimacy
We spend up to one-third of our lives asleep, so having the right mattress on your bed is more important than many people realize. A bad mattress can lead to headaches, back tension, and, yes, issues with intimacy.
You need good sleep to be at your best. Bad sleep can affect your energy levels, your happiness, and your overall health. If you aren’t feeling physically well, it’s difficult to get excited about sharing intimacy with a partner. Sleep research actually demonstrates a very clear connection between a lack of sleep and a lack of intimacy. A lack of sleep not only puts you in a bad mood, but it also affects the hormone levels in your body, which can cause changes in physical arousal. More sleep means you’re more likely to be in the mood for intimacy. In one study, women who got as little as one extra hour of sleep were over 10 percent more likely to have sex with their partner the next day!
Sleep research shows us that comfortable co-sleeping is key to keeping intimacy alive in a relationship. Difficulty in sharing a bed can lead to conflicting sleeping patterns, which can make it hard for couples to feel rested and happy. In fact, when one or both members of a couple report difficulty sleeping, they are also much more likely to report relationship stress and emotional issues.
Falling in Love with Your Mattress
If you’re seeking better intimacy, look no further than your mattress. Purchasing a mattress with your partner can be challenging! A couple can have very different needs when it comes to mattress firmness and support. As a result, one person in a couple might be sleeping comfortably while the other suffers. Or worse, both partners might be miserable.
In order to avoid mattress issues putting a damper on intimacy, sleep experts recommend choosing a mattress together that will help meet your combined needs. Here are some criteria to consider:
Bigger Is Better
Have you ever shared a twin mattress with someone? If so, odds are you aren’t eager to do that again. Sleep experts recommend larger mattresses for couples, especially if one person tends to toss and turn. More space on the mattress allows both people to stretch out and get comfortable without disturbing each other.
No Squeaking Bedsprings
A poorly-made mattress can be noisy and uncomfortable, and traditional mattresses aren’t always going to be comfortable for both people in the bed. Couples with different sleep needs might want to consider a memory foam mattress. Memory foam can mold itself to each person and give them the support they need, and also help cushion the other sleeper from movement. Mattress toppers can also help.
Try It Before You Buy It
Ultimately, you and your partner are going to be happiest on a mattress you can purchase with confidence. Have a conversation before the purchase and discuss what you need to sleep comfortably. Are you back or side sleepers? Do you like a firmer or softer mattress? Once you’ve reached a consensus, test some mattresses together. Be sure to ask a sleep expert for their advice, too. They’ll be able to share their expertise and help you find a mattress that will get you both a good night’s sleep.
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If better intimacy is your goal, a new mattress could help you and your partner achieve it. Why wait? Celebrate this Valentine’s Day with a new mattress. It’s not the most traditional gift, but it might be the best one you give each other all year.
If a new mattress would help you achieve better intimacy this year, stop by the Beautyrest Sleep Gallery. We provide an extensive selection of top-quality mattresses, including Beautyrest®, Serta iComfort®, Tempur-Pedic®, and Scandinavian Sleep Systems. A family-owned and -operated business that supports local charities, Beautyrest Sleep Gallery offers free local delivery and setup as well as a Best Price Guarantee. Please visit us in store or explore our mattress selection online.