What Is a Bed?

A piece of furniture for reclining and sleeping, consisting of a flat rectangular frame and a mattress resting on springs or another type of foundation. The term bed may also refer to the frame and foundation itself, or to a set of rails that hold the mattress (also called a bedstead). The latter are commonly made from wood but can be made from other materials such as metal. Beds can be sold with or without a headboard and footboard. They can also have safety rails added to them for use by children or the elderly.

The flat surface upon which something lies, especially a garden bed or a fish tank. A bed is usually somewhat raised, and the surface is often weedless or covered with gravel. Beds are sometimes sanded or coated with an antiseptic to prevent infection and help plants grow faster.

Bedding, also referred to as linens, is the clothing, blankets, pillows, and other textiles that are used with a bed. It is the primary means of keeping a bed clean and comfortable, and is generally washed on a regular basis. Bedding is available in a variety of styles, colors, fabrics, and thread counts, and can be purchased in a wide range of prices. Some people swear that making their bed every morning is good for their health, while others argue that it makes no difference beyond tidiness.

a shaped portion of timber that holds a cask clear of the deck of a ship. Also ber (Fering-Oomrang and Heligoland dialects baad, Solring dialect bd), Dutch bed, and German bett.

The flat bottom of a boat or ship, or the level surface on which goods are loaded. On a truck, the term refers to the long flat section at the back that is used for carrying cargo.

A wooden board extending the full length of a bed. A sleigh bed has a curved front, as if it were a sleigh pulled by horses.

A place where one sleeps, usually at home or a hotel: My parents have a nice big bed in their new house.

When a person lies down to sleep, their body weight is distributed evenly across the bed, and this distributes the pressure on the bones and muscles of the spine. If you sleep on an unsupportive or uncomfortable bed for a long period of time, it can cause poor spinal alignment and aggravate existing conditions like arthritis.

The slats that make up the bed of a mattress are placed closely together to support the weight of the person lying down, and they must be sufficiently firm to provide a good night’s sleep. For most mattresses, the slats should be no more than 2.75 inches apart. Some beds also have a box spring or platform base. These are not a part of the mattress, but they do add to the comfort of the bed by helping to keep it upright and stable. In some cases, these are attached to the bed with hooks, a system known as pin-and-hook fasteners.