Types of Beds
A bed is a place to sleep or rest. Beds can be a single piece of furniture or a collection of pieces assembled to form a room or suite, such as a bedroom set.
A mattress is a surface that supports the body while you are sleeping, and helps with proper alignment of your spine. There are a variety of different types of mattresses available, such as innerspring, memory foam, latex and others. Choosing the best mattress for your needs depends on your weight, preferred sleeping position and sleep style.
Sleep is important for physical and psychological well-being. During sleep, the parasympathetic (rest and digest) activity dominates the autonomic nervous system, which balances daily stress activation levels and recharges our physiological and psychological resources. A good night’s sleep is characterized by falling asleep easily, sleeping deeply through the night and awakening refreshed in the morning.
Many things can impact your ability to get a good night’s sleep, including diet, exercise, environment, and mental health. Having the right mattress and other sleep accessories can help improve your quality of sleep, so you can feel your best throughout the day.
The most common type of bed is a wooden frame or box spring with slats that the mattress sits on. Some beds may also have a headboard, footboard and side rails. A headboard or footboard is usually made of solid wood, while a bed rail can be metal or wood. Decorative elements such as carved or wrought iron designs can be added to the head or foot of the bed. Some beds have a dust ruffle, valance sheet or bed skirt that covers the frame of the mattress and provides a neat appearance.
Binge eating disorder (BED) is an eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by feelings of shame or guilt. People with BED can be of any age or weight, but two-thirds of those diagnosed are clinically obese. People who have BED often report co-occurring mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety.
Polyurethane foam (including memory foam) is a great material for a mattress because it’s comfortable, supportive, and affordable. But it’s also highly flammable, which is why most foam mattresses are treated with fire retardants such as PBDEs. These chemicals are toxic and linked to a variety of diseases, including reproductive and neurological problems.
Before buying a new mattress, it’s a good idea to spend time testing it out. Most experts recommend lying down in your normal sleeping position for at least 15 minutes. If possible, have someone sit or lie on the mattress with you to see how they feel about it. And if you decide to buy online, look for companies that offer long sleep trials, so you can be sure the mattress is right for you. And if you have pets, be sure the bed is pet-proofed to prevent fleas and other pests from settling in.