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The Independent
a day ago
- Health
- The Independent
Best cooling mattress toppers, tried and tested in a heatwave
Overheating in bed is uncomfortable, but it can also impact your sleep, and that's been obvious during the recent heatwave. If you've been tossing and turning all night, the right mattress topper can help to promote a cool and dry sleeping environment. At the same time, they can upgrade your mattress by adding an extra layer of comfort. We asked Mattress Online 's sleep scientist, Hannah Shore, to weigh in on all things cooling and sleep, particularly when it comes to mattress toppers. Some mattress toppers will hold onto heat and moisture, Shore explains, and some are designed to feel cool to the touch, like the feel of a pillow after turning it over. 'It doesn't last throughout the entire night, but if you put your hand on [the cover], it will probably stay cooler for longer than a normal fabric'. This means that there are plenty of mattress toppers that can keep you cool – you just need to know what you're looking for. The right material for your topper varies. Most mattress toppers are made from some kind of polyurethane foam, marketed as 'memory foam', and this is notorious for trapping heat. Some cooling toppers counteract this with conductive materials like copper thread or gels. The best toppers are covered with wool or bamboo rayon, as these can stop foam from overheating. But whatever you do, don't expect a cooling topper to completely transform your bed, especially an old mattress. They won't be able to replace the support missing from your mattress; they 'tend to be too thin to physically move the body into the correct position', Shore says. However, a good topper can provide some relief, especially if you sleep on a budget memory foam mattress. How we tested The IndyBest team slept on these mattress toppers for weeks throughout spring and into summer. We tested them during the mini heatwave in May and during the heatwave in June. We assessed how comfortable we were and noted the level of firmness and pressure relief provided. We examined how we felt whilst sleeping on them, and most importantly, whether or not they kept us cool. If we felt that any topper was contributing to tester overheating, it didn't make the final cut. Value for money and ease of storage were also factors in our final decision. Keep reading for our honest thoughts. The best cooling mattress toppers for 2025 are:
Scotsman
31-05-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Three ways bedtime stories benefit your child, according to sleep scientist
This timeless bedtime tradition is also backed by science 😴 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... As well as being a great way for parents and children to connect, bedtime stories can really help them One sleep scientist says they can greatly improve sleep quality Nighttime reading can also play a part in helping them process the day and regulate their mood Another of its benefits is a key skill kids will need at school Tucking your child in for a bedtime story can benefit them in all kinds of different ways - many of which last long after the last page has turned. May was National Share-a-Story Month, an annual, UK-wide celebration of storytelling, literacy, and the power of sharing a good story with your child. But just because the month is drawing to a close, that doesn't mean that the storybook has to. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sleep expert Hannah Shore, head of sleep science at online bedding retailer Mattress Online, says bedtime stories can play a big role in supporting children's sleep and wellbeing. But they also have all kinds of other impacts, she said, making them a beneficial part of any family's nighttime routine. Here are a few of the key ways she says they can help your child - at bedtime and beyond: Bedtime stories can do much more than just improve a child's sleep | (Image: National World/Adobe Stock) Three benefits of bedtime stories 1. Better sleep Making a habit of reading a story to your child before bed can help subconsciously give them a cue that it's time to go to sleep, Ms Shore said. 'A bedtime story is the go-to wind-down routine for lots of parents. Tried, tested and passed down through generations,' she continued. 'Having a good wind-down routine before bed allows the body and brain to relax and calm down. This calm time tells the body it should start to get ready for sleep, slowing down that heart rate, bringing that core body temperature down and relaxing the mind - all signals to help prompt the body to start producing sleep hormones, such as melatonin.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad On top of that, there were studies that backed this up. Establishing a calming bedtime routine as early as three months old can improve sleep outcomes later in life, a Sleep Research Society article found. These routines are associated with fewer night-time awakenings, fewer sleep problems, and longer overall sleep durations. In recent years, many were turning to screens at bedtime. But she said this could actually work against the body's natural sleep signals - with blue light from phones and tablets actually suppressing melatonin production, making it harder for children to fall and stay asleep. Children generally need more sleep than adults for healthy growth, the NHS advises, although the exact amount varies by age. This ranges from 11 to 14 hours per day for toddlers, to 9 to 12 hours for six to twelve-year-olds. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 2. Emotional regulations Part of what makes bedtime stories such an effective tool for sleep is their role in promoting relaxation and mental wellbeing, the sleep scientist continued. Stories could help children process their day and regulate their emotions - especially as a consistent part of their daily wind-down ritual. One US study even found that 'language-based' bedtime routines like storytelling could lead to a decline in behavioural problems, including anxiety, aggression and social withdrawal. 'In a world of distractions and screen time, the simple ritual of a bedtime story can be incredibly powerful,' Ms Shore continued. 'Not only does it support healthier sleep, but it also strengthens the bond between parent and child, creating a sense of safety and calm that's essential for emotional wellbeing.' 3. Boosting literacy Finally, reading stories regularly has been shown to significantly boost language skills in young children. This includes expanding their vocabulary, improving pronunciation, and even nurturing creativity. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Children exposed to consistent bedtime storytelling often demonstrate greater fluency, self-confidence, and academic readiness, another study found. In the UK, children enter Reception as young as four years old. Education experts say having a solid foundation in basic reading and writing skills can help ease their transition significantly. If you have an education story to share, we'd love to hear from you. You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
Scotsman
31-05-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Three ways bedtime stories benefit your child, according to sleep scientist
This timeless bedtime tradition is also backed by science 😴 Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... As well as being a great way for parents and children to connect, bedtime stories can really help them One sleep scientist says they can greatly improve sleep quality Nighttime reading can also play a part in helping them process the day and regulate their mood Another of its benefits is a key skill kids will need at school Tucking your child in for a bedtime story can benefit them in all kinds of different ways - many of which last long after the last page has turned. May was National Share-a-Story Month, an annual, UK-wide celebration of storytelling, literacy, and the power of sharing a good story with your child. But just because the month is drawing to a close, that doesn't mean that the storybook has to. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sleep expert Hannah Shore, head of sleep science at online bedding retailer Mattress Online, says bedtime stories can play a big role in supporting children's sleep and wellbeing. But they also have all kinds of other impacts, she said, making them a beneficial part of any family's nighttime routine. Here are a few of the key ways she says they can help your child - at bedtime and beyond: Bedtime stories can do much more than just improve a child's sleep | (Image: National World/Adobe Stock) Three benefits of bedtime stories 1. Better sleep Making a habit of reading a story to your child before bed can help subconsciously give them a cue that it's time to go to sleep, Ms Shore said. 'A bedtime story is the go-to wind-down routine for lots of parents. Tried, tested and passed down through generations,' she continued. 'Having a good wind-down routine before bed allows the body and brain to relax and calm down. This calm time tells the body it should start to get ready for sleep, slowing down that heart rate, bringing that core body temperature down and relaxing the mind - all signals to help prompt the body to start producing sleep hormones, such as melatonin.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad On top of that, there were studies that backed this up. Establishing a calming bedtime routine as early as three months old can improve sleep outcomes later in life, a Sleep Research Society article found. These routines are associated with fewer night-time awakenings, fewer sleep problems, and longer overall sleep durations. In recent years, many were turning to screens at bedtime. But she said this could actually work against the body's natural sleep signals - with blue light from phones and tablets actually suppressing melatonin production, making it harder for children to fall and stay asleep. Children generally need more sleep than adults for healthy growth, the NHS advises, although the exact amount varies by age. This ranges from 11 to 14 hours per day for toddlers, to 9 to 12 hours for six to twelve-year-olds. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 2. Emotional regulations Part of what makes bedtime stories such an effective tool for sleep is their role in promoting relaxation and mental wellbeing, the sleep scientist continued. Stories could help children process their day and regulate their emotions - especially as a consistent part of their daily wind-down ritual. One US study even found that 'language-based' bedtime routines like storytelling could lead to a decline in behavioural problems, including anxiety, aggression and social withdrawal. 'In a world of distractions and screen time, the simple ritual of a bedtime story can be incredibly powerful,' Ms Shore continued. 'Not only does it support healthier sleep, but it also strengthens the bond between parent and child, creating a sense of safety and calm that's essential for emotional wellbeing.' 3. Boosting literacy Finally, reading stories regularly has been shown to significantly boost language skills in young children. This includes expanding their vocabulary, improving pronunciation, and even nurturing creativity. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Children exposed to consistent bedtime storytelling often demonstrate greater fluency, self-confidence, and academic readiness, another study found. In the UK, children enter Reception as young as four years old. Education experts say having a solid foundation in basic reading and writing skills can help ease their transition significantly.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Upgrade your mattress topper during Memorial Day mattress sales to get up to 30% off
Fox News and its syndication partners may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom. Don't overlook the magic a mattress topper can bring to your sleeping situation. A mattress topper can enhance sleep comfort and protect your mattress. If your mattress feels too firm, a topper can add cushioning and make it feel softer and more comfortable, according to MattressOnline. Firm mattress toppers can turn an old, sagging mattress into something that feels brand new and radically more supportive. For those struggling with back pain, mattress toppers can be a game-changer. They excel at relieving pressure points and improving spinal alignment. By distributing weight more evenly, they reduce pressure points and alleviate areas like hips, shoulders and back. With their cushioning and body-conforming properties, toppers can help maintain the spine in a neutral position, offering significant relief for back pain and arthritis sufferers. With the Memorial Day sales in full swing at several mattress stores, now is the perfect time to invest in a topper. Here are 12 top-notch toppers that you should definitely consider: Original price: $498.66 If you like soft beds, but your partner likes to sleep firm, this Helix Dual Comfort Mattress Topper with GlacioTex is the perfect solution. The topper features a soft and firm side so it delivers the best of both worlds, creating bedroom harmony. The softer side features a soft, contouring Copper Gel Memory Foam for additional pressure relief and cloud-like comfort. The firmer side features a firm high-density quick response foam for added spinal alignment and less sink into the surface of your mattress. Original price: $498.66 Read On The Fox News App Birch's Plush Organic Mattress Topper adds an extra layer of plush comfort and pressure relief to the surface of any mattress. This topper is made with organic cotton and latex and is free from polyurethane-based foams. Use this topper to maximize airflow for a cool night's sleep. Original price: $299 The Leesa mattress topper will add comfort and support to your existing mattress and can help with pressure relief, and can potentially improve spinal alignment, depending on your individual needs and sleep preferences. This topper features a removable and washable cover for easy cleaning. It is crafted from foam that's breathable and suitable for a variety of body types and sleeping positions. Original price: $252.84 Brooklyn Beddings four pound Memory Foam Topper is made of high-density memory foam and offers multiple cover and profile options. It is a great topper for relieving pressure on key areas like the shoulders and hips, particularly for side sleepers. Saatva's graphite memory foam mattress topper has a three-inch layer of memory foam infused with cooling graphite. The temperature-regulating graphite and organic cotton cover make it a great topper for hot sleepers seeking relief. The graphite helps dissipate body heat, while the organic cotton cover is breathable and moisture-wicking. Saatva's micro-coil mattress topper is designed to relieve pressure points and offer the responsive feel of an innerspring. It is a hybrid topper of micro-coils and gel-infused comfort foam for a plush three-inch height. Use it with a new mattress to make it more comfortable or extend the life of an older mattress. Amazon Just Slashed Prices On Apple Watches – Get One Now While The Deal Lasts Original price: $349 Nolah Sleep's AirFoam Luxe Mattress Topper uses AirFoam technology to deliver a higher-density topper for enhanced support and durability. The five pounds of foam cradles your curves for ultimate comfort and pressure relief. You can choose between two height options and two premium covers. Original price: $299 This Nolah Mattress Topper has a higher density than the AirFoam for advanced pressure point relief and unmatched motion isolation. Below the AirFoam, there is an additional support foam layer for extra structure and durability. The cover is made using organic cotton to keep this topper clean and cool. Original price: $270 This latex mattress topper from Silk & Snow comes with an organic cotton cover for easy cleaning. It offers a firmer, more supportive feel than memory foam, is naturally breathable and is designed to distribute body weight evenly for lasting comfort. You can purchase this topper in two firmness levels: medium and firm. Le Creuset Is Celebrating 100 Years With A New Color Drop And Deals Original price: $149 Brooklinen's Down Alternative Mattress Topper will breathe new life into an aging mattress. The luxe soft microgel mattress topper's tufted construction helps evenly distribute the fill. The topper's cotton shell helps keep things cool, and it is designed to easily fit mattresses up to 18 inches thick. The Casper Comfy Mattress Topper is a two-layer mattress topper designed to enhance comfort and coolness. It combines a responsive, soft top layer with a supportive memory foam layer. The topper also features AirScape perforated foam for improved airflow and heat dissipation. For more deals, visit Sleepyhead mattress toppers are perfect for college dorm room beds. They are thick, soft, and comfortable and will improve your student's sleep quality. This topper is copper and gel-infused for cooling and relieving pressure so you get a more restful article source: Upgrade your mattress topper during Memorial Day mattress sales to get up to 30% off
Fox News
19-05-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Upgrade your mattress topper during Memorial Day mattress sales to get up to 30% off
Don't overlook the magic a mattress topper can bring to your sleeping situation. A mattress topper can enhance sleep comfort and protect your mattress. If your mattress feels too firm, a topper can add cushioning and make it feel softer and more comfortable, according to MattressOnline. Firm mattress toppers can turn an old, sagging mattress into something that feels brand new and radically more supportive. For those struggling with back pain, mattress toppers can be a game-changer. They excel at relieving pressure points and improving spinal alignment. By distributing weight more evenly, they reduce pressure points and alleviate areas like hips, shoulders and back. With their cushioning and body-conforming properties, toppers can help maintain the spine in a neutral position, offering significant relief for back pain and arthritis sufferers. With the Memorial Day sales in full swing at several mattress stores, now is the perfect time to invest in a topper. Here are 12 top-notch toppers that you should definitely consider: Original price: $498.66 If you like soft beds, but your partner likes to sleep firm, this Helix Dual Comfort Mattress Topper with GlacioTex is the perfect solution. The topper features a soft and firm side so it delivers the best of both worlds, creating bedroom harmony. The softer side features a soft, contouring Copper Gel Memory Foam for additional pressure relief and cloud-like comfort. The firmer side features a firm high-density quick response foam for added spinal alignment and less sink into the surface of your mattress. Original price: $498.66 Birch's Plush Organic Mattress Topper adds an extra layer of plush comfort and pressure relief to the surface of any mattress. This topper is made with organic cotton and latex and is free from polyurethane-based foams. Use this topper to maximize airflow for a cool night's sleep. Original price: $299 The Leesa mattress topper will add comfort and support to your existing mattress and can help with pressure relief, and can potentially improve spinal alignment, depending on your individual needs and sleep preferences. This topper features a removable and washable cover for easy cleaning. It is crafted from foam that's breathable and suitable for a variety of body types and sleeping positions. Original price: $252.84 Brooklyn Beddings four pound Memory Foam Topper is made of high-density memory foam and offers multiple cover and profile options. It is a great topper for relieving pressure on key areas like the shoulders and hips, particularly for side sleepers. Saatva's graphite memory foam mattress topper has a three-inch layer of memory foam infused with cooling graphite. The temperature-regulating graphite and organic cotton cover make it a great topper for hot sleepers seeking relief. The graphite helps dissipate body heat, while the organic cotton cover is breathable and moisture-wicking. Saatva's micro-coil mattress topper is designed to relieve pressure points and offer the responsive feel of an innerspring. It is a hybrid topper of micro-coils and gel-infused comfort foam for a plush three-inch height. Use it with a new mattress to make it more comfortable or extend the life of an older mattress. Original price: $349 Nolah Sleep's AirFoam Luxe Mattress Topper uses AirFoam technology to deliver a higher-density topper for enhanced support and durability. The five pounds of foam cradles your curves for ultimate comfort and pressure relief. You can choose between two height options and two premium covers. Original price: $299 This Nolah Mattress Topper has a higher density than the AirFoam for advanced pressure point relief and unmatched motion isolation. Below the AirFoam, there is an additional support foam layer for extra structure and durability. The cover is made using organic cotton to keep this topper clean and cool. Original price: $270 This latex mattress topper from Silk & Snow comes with an organic cotton cover for easy cleaning. It offers a firmer, more supportive feel than memory foam, is naturally breathable and is designed to distribute body weight evenly for lasting comfort. You can purchase this topper in two firmness levels: medium and firm. Original price: $149 Brooklinen's Down Alternative Mattress Topper will breathe new life into an aging mattress. The luxe soft microgel mattress topper's tufted construction helps evenly distribute the fill. The topper's cotton shell helps keep things cool, and it is designed to easily fit mattresses up to 18 inches thick. The Casper Comfy Mattress Topper is a two-layer mattress topper designed to enhance comfort and coolness. It combines a responsive, soft top layer with a supportive memory foam layer. The topper also features AirScape perforated foam for improved airflow and heat dissipation. For more deals, visit Sleepyhead mattress toppers are perfect for college dorm room beds. They are thick, soft, and comfortable and will improve your student's sleep quality. This topper is copper and gel-infused for cooling and relieving pressure so you get a more restful sleep.
