Welcome to Part 6 of the Better Bedroom Series. We’ve covered mattresses, décor and bedroom colors and today we’re going to dive into lighting. If you are just joining us and want to check out our series from the beginning you can do that here.

Our bodies react to the light around us, even when we are sleeping. Has the sun coming through your bedroom window ever woken you up before your alarm? If so, you have experienced the effect sunlight can have on our sleep. The reality is that our bodies are conditioned to go to sleep and wake up with the sunlight which is why it’s important to make sure your bedroom is as dark as possible.

The best way to keep external light from ruining your good night’s sleep is to make sure you are using the best window coverings. If your bedroom window is positioned to receive the morning sun or you have street lamps that shine right into your room, you might want to try black-out curtains or heavy drapes. Otherwise blinds that you can close should keep out enough light to allow your body to achieve a good quality sleep.

While candles can create a sense of calm or help you achieve that romantic feeling, it’s imperative that you keep the open flame away from your bedding. You should never leave candles unattended or allow them to burn while you sleep. The best use of candles is in the early evening when you are unwinding in your bedroom that way you can make sure they are properly extinguished before you prepare for sleep.

If you like the glow that candles create, you can achieve a similar feel by using low wattage bulbs in your bedroom lamps. You can also select a lampshade that will create a golden hue. Some people have dimming switches in the bedroom which is also a great way to control the light intensity.

It may seem like a small thing but even the light from your alarm clock can disrupt your sleep cycle. By turning your alarm clock toward the wall or by placing it on a surface away from the bed, you can lessen the amount of light you are exposed to while sleeping. You should also never sleep with the TV on. If you must fall asleep to the sound from the TV, use a timer to shut it off. This will keep the bright light from the screen from disturbing you throughout the night.

The challenge to you over the weekend is to make a change to the current lighting in your room. Even if you’re not participating in the entire Better Bedroom makeover, we’d love to hear if you noticed any lighting issues in your bedroom that have been affecting your quality of sleep. Share your thoughts in the comments below. See back here on Tuesday!

Today’s section of the Better Bedroom Series is going to focus on décor. This is the part of the bedroom makeover where you really get to spotlight your personality and creativity. Last week we talked about choosing your bedroom color, and if you decided on a neutral wall color, the décor you select is really going to be what sets the mood for the room.

The old adage “less is more” is an important thing to remember during the décor selection process. Maintaining a clutter free bedroom and keeping accessories to a minimum will help create a calming environment. You’ll also want to make sure your floor area is clean and that closets and dressers are not overflowing. By keeping things organized, you’ll be able to maintain a harmonious environment in your bedroom.

Since this is the place where you will come to unwind at the end of the day, you want to make sure that you feel connected to your bedroom. The décor you choose can help to make your room meaningful. By framing a favorite photograph or showcasing sentimental items, you will give your room a personal touch. Plus these items will also spark positive memories every time you see them.

The best part about bedroom décor is that you can always mix it up to keep your bedroom fresh and fun. Rearrange your art work or replace the picture in the frames every few months to keep up with your changing moods and styles. If you are looking to change the color scheme in your bedroom, you can always replace your throw pillows or rugs with something new. Remember that your bedroom is a reflection of you. You are ever changing and your bedroom should be too.

As of today, we are halfway through our Better Bedroom Series in honor of Better Sleep Month. Our goal with this whole project is to help you create a relaxing and soothing bedroom and hopefully your Better Bedroom can help you achieve the best night’s sleep possible.

Don’t forget that as part of Better Sleep Month we are also collecting your sleep tips to share on our Twitter stream. We’ve already featured some really cool ideas from our readers. Have you sent us your tip yet?

We wouldn’t be here without our moms…and TV wouldn’t be the same without them either. Providing good advice, as well as big laughs, the TV mom has been the anchor of the small-screen family for generations. In honor of Mother’s Day, I’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Most Memorable TV Moms.

1. Marion Cunningham (Marion Ross) – Happy Days
Mrs. Cunningham was the mom every kid wanted to have. Her house was always tidy, she was always dressed for company and her sound advice (coupled with a good meal) could solve any crisis.

2. Kitty Foreman (Debra Jo Rupp) – That 70’s Show
Kitty Foreman was a working mom who was constantly trying to keep an eye on her son, Eric, and his gang of friends. She always added some humor into whatever situation Eric got into and kept her husband, Red, in line with her witty comebacks.

3. Jill Taylor (Patricia Richardson) – Home Improvement
A mom to three boys, Jill Taylor already had her hands full at home but when you add in keeping an eye on her accident-prone husband, Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor, hilarity ensues.

4. Clair Huxtable (Phylicia Rashad) – The Cosby Show
One of the busiest, and classiest, women on the list is Clair Huxtable who managed to hold down a career as a successful attorney, raise five children and still teach her kids, and husband Cliff, a life lesson in every episode.

5. Peggy Bundy (Katey Sagal) – Married with Children
Peggy Bundy’s refusal to cook, clean or even get a job broke the mold when it comes to TV moms. In fact, she was found watching TV on the couch more often than she was found in the kitchen. Her humor (paired with big hair and high heels) is what makes her a TV mom that’s unforgettable.

6. June Cleaver (Barbara Billingsley) – Leave it to Beaver
In terms of TV moms, June Cleaver sets the standard for them all. When she isn’t attempting to keep Beaver out of trouble, she’s busy in the kitchen packing lunches or baking cookies.

7. Marge Simpson (Julie Kavner) – The Simpsons
Despite being one of the few cartoons wives to make the list, Marge Simpson has earned her spot as a top TV mom. Anyone who has to deal with the antics of Homer, the trouble making of Bart and the constant over achievement of Lisa and still manages to keep her cool is worthy of the title.

8. Lois Griffin (Alex Borstein) – Family Guy
Lois Griffin gives Marge Simpson a run for her money in terms of getting her family out of awkward situations. Not only does she deal with a zany husband, Peter, but she also has a diabolical baby genius, Stewie, to keep an eye on. Add to the mix a talking dog and her other two children and you can see that the Griffin household is not an easy one to manage.

9. Lucy Ricardo (Lucille Ball) – I Love Lucy
No TV mom kept us laughing more than Lucy Ricardo. Her variety of side jobs always landed her in one sticky situation after another yet she always emerged smelling like a rose. Her combination of naïveté and ambition is something that’s never been duplicated.

10. Thelma Harper (Vicki Lawrence) – Mama’s Family
Thelma Harper, despite her propensity to start arguments and give attitude, loved and looked out for her family. Though she wasn’t a role model for the title of “Greatest Mom”, Mama’s wisecracks and over the top antics always kept the audience laughing.

If you are anything like me, reading through this list brought back a flood of memories. Though we covered some of the most influential TV moms, I’m sure there are some other favorites out there. Who did I miss?

Welcome to Part 4 of the Better Bedroom Blog Series. On Tuesday we took on the challenge of finding a mattress. Did you happen to find your dream mattress? If so, we’d love to hear about it.

Now that you’ve taken care of that big shopping task, it’s time to put you interior design skills to use. Remember that inspiration notebook that we talked about in Part 2? It’s time to pull it out and turn those ideas into reality. Today we’re going to focus on two areas: colors and textures.

Let’s start with color. The walls of your bedroom are a blank canvas for self-expression. You can choose to cover them all with your favorite color or you can create an accent wall. Remember that when it comes to wall colors neutral tones and light pastels will help you to wind down and relax. Vibrant colors have a tendency to keep you alert, and therefore awake, for longer.

When selecting a color, you’ll also want to take into account the amount of physical space in your room. Lighter colors can create the illusion of a larger space while darker colors can make a room appear more intimate. If you aren’t ready to commit to one specific wall color or aren’t able to paint the walls of your room, you can still utilize your décor to incorporate color throughout the room. Artwork, pillows and bedding are great ways to add a splash of color without being too overpowering.

As far as using textures in your room, the material you choose has the ability to create the look and feel of a place that you want to escape to each night. Texture is all around you, from head to toe. Even a strategically placed rug can have a positive effect on your sleep space because it’s one of the first things you feel when you step out of bed in the morning. Curtains are another area where texture can be utilized to create a more luxurious feel in the space. (We’ll talk more about curtains and lighting next week.)

You have heard us talk about the importance of a comfortable and supportive bed so it goes without saying that your bedding should enhance that feeling. When shopping for sheets, test different thread counts and fabric compositions to determine what is the most soothing to you. Make sure that when it comes to bedding, you don’t over look functionality though. Your sheets and comforters serve a purpose. While the colors and textures can create a mood for your Better Bedroom, you won’t be getting the best sleep if you are too warm or too cold at night.

Next week we’ll move on to bedroom décor and lighting. In the mean time, how is your Better Bedroom makeover going? Did you learn anything new this week that surprised you?

You’ve evaluated, you’ve jotted down ideas, now you’re ready to start redecorating, right? Well not quite. Part three of the Better Bedroom Makeover requires a little bit of everybody’s favorite thing do – budgeting. In order to make the most out of your bedroom makeover you must prioritize your spending. And since your bed is the heart of your bedroom, it should be your first priority.

As we talked about in Part One of this series, your mattress is key to making sure you are getting the best quality of sleep, but it is also a big investment. If during the evaluation process you determined that you need to replace your mattress, then the next step is to invest in the best quality and comfort that you can afford.

At Mattress Firm, we offer a wide selection of mattresses at a variety of price points. Plus our trained sleep experts are available to assist you in making a purchase that will offer you the proper support for your sleeping style while providing the comfort level you are looking for. No matter where you decide to shop for your mattress, we want to provide you with some important things to keep in mind.

Mattress Size – Purchasing a bed that is too small is a common mistake. Couples should select a queen or king sized mattress in order for each person to have an adequate amount of sleeping space. Anything smaller than a queen size results in each person having less space than a crib mattress.

Getting the set – Most people tend to notice the wear and tear on the actual mattress since it’s the part of the bed that supports you night after night; however, the box spring’s sole responsibility is to support you along with the mattress. When you are ready to replace your mattress it’s a good idea to purchase the set so that you can make sure you are getting the proper support structure for the mattress.

Accessories count – Just like the right mattress will keep your spine in proper alignment, the right pillow will support your head and keep your neck aligned with the rest of your spine. Once you have selected the best mattress for you, be sure to try out a variety of pillows while lying on that bed. This will help you determine exactly which pillow works with your bed to create the best support.

Try it out – Think about how much time you spend in bed. You want to make sure you are getting something that will be comfortable which means you will have to lie down. Plan to spend a good amount of time on each bed in order to really get a sense of how it’s going to feel. You can use this mattress buying guide that was created by the Better Sleep Council for more mattress buying tips.

The mattress is the heart of your bedroom, so don’t feel like you have to rush. You want to be sure that you have found the perfect mattress before making a purchase. If you still have questions about selecting the proper mattress, leave us a comment and we’ll be more than happy to help you out. See you back here on Thursday where we’ll start working on the interior of your Better Bedroom.

On Tuesday we gave you some questions to help assess the state of your current bedroom. (If you didn’t get a chance to read that entry you can check it out here.) Now that you have a good idea of what is working, and what you want to change in your bedroom, it’s time to start planning your makeover.

As with any big project, it’s important to focus your attention. Maybe there were one or two things that stood out during your evaluation. Concentrating on those areas first will make a noticeable difference to your sleeping environment and will keep you from feeling discouraged.

Everyone’s idea of the ideal bedroom is different so now is a good time to start exploring what inspires you. The best way to get inspired is to take note of everything around you so here is a weekend homework assignment: keep a Better Bedroom Journal. Find a small notebook and use it to organize your thoughts. Here are some examples of what you can include:
– A list of words that describe the feeling you want your bedroom to have
– Pictures from magazines or catalogs that inspire you
– Color samples or fabric swatches that create the feeling you are looking for
– Think of the last place you had an amazing night’s sleep and note how that room is different from your bedroom at home
– A rough sketch of your ideal bedroom

These are some ideas to get your going. Remember you can find inspiration all around you, so as you are out and about this weekend, keep your eyes open and your notebook handy. Come across something extra inspirational this weekend? We’d love to hear about it in the comments.

If you read yesterday’s entry than you know that today kicks off Better Sleep Month, and if you didn’t get a chance to read it than check it out here.

At Mattress Firm we know that what you’re sleeping on plays an important role in the quality of sleep you are getting each night, but how much attention have you given to the area where you are sleeping? Sometimes we are quick to decorate, and redecorate, the public areas in our home like the living room and dining room, but the truth is that our bedroom is the area where we rejuvenate our minds and bodies.

This is why we’re bringing you the Better Bedroom Blog Series in honor of Better Sleep Month. With a little guidance from the Better Sleep Council, we’ve assembled a whole series to help you turn your bedroom into the ultimate sleep haven. We’ll be sharing these entries every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the month of May, and at the end of the month we hope to see some fabulous pictures of your Better Bedroom!

The first step in creating a better bedroom is the most important. You must evaluate your current bedroom to determine what is working and what needs to change in order to create your ideal sleep sanctuary. Using your senses as a guide, we have some questions you can ask yourself to help properly assess your bedroom.

Sight – Even though our eyes are closed when we’re sleeping, light plays a role in our body’s sleeping and waking cues. So ask yourself:
- When sleeping, is your room as dark as possible?
- Is there light coming through the blinds or curtains in the early morning hours?
- Is your alarm clock brightly illuminated and facing you throughout the night?

Smell – Smell can sometimes trigger certain moods or memories. For some people certain scents, like lavender, can be used to promote sleep. Other people might need to ask themselves the following questions to determine what smells might be impacting their sleep.
- Are there certain scents that make you feel especially calm and relaxed?
- Do you occasionally “air out” your bedroom and allow in fresh air?
- Does your detergent have a negative or positive impact on sleep?

Taste – Your bedroom is where you start each day and where you return to each night. You want it to feel intimate and personal but it should also be simple and uncluttered. Think about the answers to these questions:
- Is your bedroom well organized?
- Is their clutter, excess décor or clothing that could be removed?
- Is your bedroom the first and last place you want to see every day?

Touch – Yes, we are going to talk about your mattress. It is the most critical part of any bedroom after all. It is recommended that you replace your mattress every 8 years, but if you are still on the fence about replacing your mattress, ask yourself these questions:
- If you sleep with a partner, does each person have adequate sleeping space?
- Do you wake up regularly with aches and pains?
- Have you had a better night’s sleep somewhere other than your own bed (such as a hotel)?
- Does your mattress show visible signs of wear and tear (such as dips in the bed)?

Take some time to think over these questions and really evaluate your bedroom as it is. We’d love to hear about what you uncovered during your evaluation. Check back on Thursday for Step 2 of the Better Bedroom Makeover.

Don’t forget that we are celebrating Better Sleep Month by featuring sleep tip and tricks from you! So leave us a comment with your best way to get a good night’s sleep and maybe you’ll see your idea posted.

If there is one thing we are passionate about here at Mattress Firm it’s sharing with our guests the importance of a good night’s sleep. Every year when May rolls around, the excitement in our office builds. May is Better Sleep Month which means a whole month dedicated to nothing but making sure that people know how to get the best sleep possible.

We’ve been hard at work compiling a list of interesting sleep facts and tips to getting a better night’s sleep. Plus we’re launching a month long blog series on how to makeover your bedroom so it becomes a soothing sanctuary for sleep. But there is still one thing we need and that is your help! We want to feature your advice on how to sleep better. Whether it’s the trick you always use when you can’t fall asleep or the one thing that you can’t get a good night’s sleep without, we want you to share it.

All month we’ll be featuring your tips here on the blog and on our Twitter stream. So what are you waiting for? Leave us a comment with your best tips and tricks now. Don’t forget to leave your name so we can be sure to give you credit. And check back tomorrow for the first part of the Better Bedroom Blog Series!

While the Mattress Firm Foundation is dedicated to helping raise awareness of pancreatic cancer, we often work with organizations to support a specific need within the local community. Our Austin locations have teamed up with the Capital Area Food Band of Texas to host an ongoing food drive that will benefit both the local residents and Mattress Firm guests.

Want to know how you can help fight hunger in the Austin area and save money while doing it? All you need to do is collect your cans…canned goods that is. For the next two months you can save up to $25 off your purchase when you donate your canned goods at any Mattress Firm location in Austin. Each can of food (up to the 5th can) will be worth $5 off your purchase. All donations will go directly to the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas.

This past weekend, I got to be part of something really cool! Mattress Firm celebrated its fifth year as a platinum sponsor of the BP MS150. With a team of 89 cyclists, Mattress Firm Team Dream joined over 14,000 other riders on the 28th annual ride put on by the Lone Star Chapter of the National MS Society. The two day, 180 mile trek from Houston to Austin helps raise awareness and funds for MS research.

This was my first time volunteering for the event and I’ll admit that I had no idea what to expect when I showed up in La Grange, TX on Saturday morning. If you’ve never experienced the BP MS 150, as a rider or volunteer, you don’t know what you’re missing! This is definitely one to add to the bucket list. Despite getting up while it was still dark out – twice, and moving mattresses and tables, I couldn’t have been more excited. What’s really cool about the MS150 is that the event not only has a huge fan following, but everyone that participates does so for the same reason – to fight MS.

All weekend I was surrounded by the most amazing riders and upbeat volunteers. As a large sponsor of the event, Mattress Firm provides a large tent in La Grange for our cyclists as well as a tent in Austin at the finish line. At the overnight campsite in La Grange, our partner, Aztec, had erected a huge tent for us and Sealy delivered over 100 twin mattresses for our riders and volunteers to sleep on. I can’t forget the food either! Aztec also had Lupe Tortilla cook dinner for the entire team, family members, and volunteers.

The good time didn’t stop there! As riders came in, they would stop and check out the mattresses lined up inside our tent. After many stopped to take a look and let us know of their jealousy, we decided to take matters into our own hands. We took a twin mattress and with a black sharpie marker, wrote ‘If you’re not sleeping on a mattress, you’re on the wrong team!’ Needless to say, our crafty marketing skills definitely won the crowds over! Probably one out of every three people that walked by our tent had to stop and take a picture of our handy work. We definitely got people’s attention!

After spending the night in La Grange, our dedicated riders woke up bright and early on Sunday to complete the last leg of the ride. The final destination was downtown Austin where an amazing celebration was waiting to welcome all the riders to the finish line. The truth is that I could talk for hours about how great it was to volunteer at this event or about how many amazing people I met. Instead I’ll leave you with this: the BP MS 150 is always looking for volunteers and riders for next year. Think about it.