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This is what’s happening inside GH readers’ bedrooms
And the tried and tested products that will help you nod off
You may not think a “dull” Paul Weller concert, a cinema screening of Avatar, a production of Stomp and waiting outside Buckingham Palace before Princess Diana’s wedding have much in common, but they are all places where Good Housekeeping readers have fallen asleep.
Over 1,700 of you shared your sleep routines, habits and desires with us, to help us understand what’s really happening in our bedrooms. But, for every funny answer about where you’ve nodded off (yoga classes and night clubs were also common, while one reader’s confession about sleeping through a Bing Crosby concert two weeks before the singer died was perhaps the most unique), we also received all-too familiar statements like, “anywhere but my bed,” which reflects the challenges many of us face when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep.
84 per cent of Good Housekeeping readers would pick a good night’s sleep over an orgasm
Dig a little deeper, and it’s clear that there’s something of a ‘sleep gap’ – 99 per cent of you agree that a decent night’s rest is important – indeed, 84 per cent of our readers would pick a good night’s sleep over an orgasm – but only 15 per cent said they actually sleep well…
In fact, while 64 per cent of people would like eight hours of beauty sleep a night, only 15 per cent of us actually achieve that, instead generally sleeping for one to two hours less than we want. And aside from phones in bedrooms and watching TV before turning in, everyone is largely trying to maintain consistent sleep routines – even on the weekend.
Luckily, the GHI is here to help – we’ve been busy testing the latest releases in sleep tech, bedding and more, in the lead up to our first ever Sleep Awards. Think of it as your definitive guide to designing a dreamy sleep environment – from the best mattresses and pillows to REM tracking and smart eye masks.
We’ll announce all the winners this summer, but for now, we’ve pulled together the current best-in-test products to help you get the full eight hours you’re craving.
Score: 96/100
It’s no exaggeration to say that our testers loved this memory foam pillow; everyone gave it full marks, praising the way it moulded supportively to their heads and necks. It was breathable, if not as cooling as its name suggests, and its soft cover washed well in the lab. While you can’t trial this one, it does come with a five-year guarantee.
Emma Original Mattress
Score: 91/100
Emma’s memory foam mattress has held its top spot in our roundup for a number of years now. The comfortable and supportive design that was so popular with our panel of testers, has proved unbeatable.
It was quiet to sleep on, and some said it helped ease back pain. Memory foam isn’t for everyone (although not many people found this one too warm), but this comes with a 200-night trial if you’re nervous about its breathability. If you decide it is for you, it has a 10-year guarantee, too.
Score: 93/100
You don’t have to splash out on a mattress to sleep more easily. A mattress topper is a more affordable alternative that can transform bedtimes.
This one combines Simba’s unique foam tech with springs for added support, comfort and breathability. In fact, one tester said using it was like having “a whole new mattress".
Score: 96/100
Bed frames aren’t an obvious cause of poor sleep. But if the slats are too gappy, your mattress can sag, or if they creak whenever you roll over, they may wake you up. This ottoman was easy for our panel to build and supported their mattresses well.
The headboard felt secure to lean against and the in-built storage was easy to access. Plus, it’s much more affordable than many similar frames we tested, making it a savvy investment.
Score: 94/100
Overheating in bed can really impact your sleep, and while lots of factors can make you run hot at night, ensuring you’re using the right duvet for the weather is one simple switch that could make a big difference.
This duvet comes in two parts (3.5- and 7-tog layers that clip together), so you can easily increase or decrease the warmth it provides throughout the year. Testers found the duvets stayed together well and remained quiet at night. There was slight shrinkage in our lab test, but otherwise this put in a stellar performance on test.
Score: 92/100
If you struggle to nod off at night (or to wake up in the morning), a sunrise alarm clock can help – it simulates sunsets and sunrises to help you wind down and wake up gently.
This one has 20 different light levels to choose from and a range of soothing sleep sounds. Plus, there’s a midnight function that lights the way (without disturbing a partner) if you need to go to the toilet at night. An ideal buy for personalising your sleep routine.
Score: 98/100
If you need a quiet air purifier to cleanse your bedroom while you slumber, look no further than this top scorer from Dyson. Created to purify large spaces, it should suit most master bedrooms, and it aced our dust and deodorant tests at the GHI.
It has a breeze mode, which mimics being outside if you need cooling down slightly and it’s on wheels if you want to move it around the house during the day. It’s an investment, but it’s packed with clever features to improve your sleep set-up (and overall home environment).
Scoring 88/100
The Loop Ear Plugs have taken the internet by storm and for good reason – they’re affordable, reusable, and are made from soft silicone so they sit comfortably in the ear. That means you can wear them at night to block out noise and they won’t stop you drifting off or fall out while you're asleep.
You can read all about why our senior health and wellness writer swears by them here.
Hannah is our homes editor, specialising in reviewing the latest kitchen appliances, cleaning products, mattresses and bedding, and crafting equipment. Hannah has written about hundreds of products, from air fryers to smoothie makers to pillows, and is committed to finding the most reliable and best value for money buys.
Hannah is also interested in sustainability in the home and has completed a course with the University of the Arts London in sustainable textiles, so she can help cut through the noise on what’s green and what’s not. Hannah has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously worked as a freelance lifestyle and women’s sports journalist, working for Stylist, Sky Sports and more.
Hannah has also previously worked in a florist and can normally be found caring for her house plants or sewing something new for her home or wardrobe.
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