Americans Lose Sleep Over Mattress Shopping, New Study Shows

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study from the Better Sleep Council shows that hesitation to shop for new mattresses may be impacting what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared a sleep loss epidemic in America.

The recent Better Sleep Council qualitative study compiled firsthand accounts of sleep loss and identified consumers' core challenges while shopping for a new mattress. According to Mary Helen Uusimaki, vice president of marketing and communications for the BSC, consumers are confused about how to determine when a mattress needs to be replaced and are often overwhelmed by the initial shopping experience. Common frustrations include: 

• When to buy
• How much to spend
• Awkwardness testing mattresses in public
• Not knowing what to look for
• Limitless options

Reluctance or confusion about replacing a mattress that no longer fully supports the body can negatively impact sleep quality and further contribute to the "insufficient sleep" epidemic. Sleep experts agree that finding a sleep set that suits your individual needs is one of the most important factors in getting a good night's sleep. A landmark Oklahoma State University study showed that a new quality mattress provides sleepers with 71 percent improvement in sleep comfort and 62 percent improvement in sleep quality.

"Sleep is critical to your quality of life, and it starts with a comfortable and supportive mattress set," said Terry Cralle, RN, health and wellness spokesperson for the BSC. "May is Better Sleep Month, and it's the perfect time to get on top of a new mattress and get to the bottom of your sleep challenges. Although mattress shopping can seem daunting, a new bed can help naturally improve your sleep, as well as your mental, emotional and physical well-being."

According to Uusimaki, the BSC is dedicated to helping consumers recognize the importance of a comfortable and supportive mattress in the pursuit of a good night's rest.

"By educating consumers about what to look for and what questions to ask when shopping for a new mattress, we can help them feel less overwhelmed – and put them on the path to better sleep," Uusimaki said.

The BSC is educating consumers during Better Sleep Month by encouraging them to Get on Top of a new mattress at their local retailer to feel the difference a new sleep set can make to their health. The campaign features a sweepstakes with $1,500 in prizes to help shoppers kick-start their investments in a new mattress.

About the BSC
The Better Sleep Council is the consumer education arm of the International Sleep Products Association, the trade association for the mattress industry. With decades invested in improving sleep quality, the BSC educates consumers on the link between sleep and health, and the role of the sleep environment, primarily through www.bettersleep.org, partner support and consumer outreach.

SOURCE Better Sleep Council