Breakfast in bed? Mom may just want the bed

Between a full-time job, running the kids to and from practice, and staying in touch with family and friends, today's mom makes the most of every moment she's awake. The problem might be that mom is not making the most of every moment she's asleep.

The result? Mom is exhausted. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 75 million American women -- many of whom are moms -- simply are not getting enough sleep. Or, if they are getting to bed at a decent hour, moms are waking up not feeling rested due to stress, insomnia, pain or other issues that disturb sleep during the night.

Mom's exhaustion hasn't gone unnoticed. According to a recent Harris Interactive survey, more than 92 percent of Americans think that instead of another kitchen appliance, what mom really needs this Mother's Day is a good night's sleep.

Helping mom get a good night's sleep may be as easy as replacing her uncomfortable mattress with an adjustable mattress such as the Sleep Number bed by Select Comfort. Unlike traditional innerspring mattresses, the Sleep Number bed uses uniquely designed air chambers that let mom adjust the firmness on her side of the bed.

"Quality of sleep is just as important as quantity of sleep. And mom probably skimps on both, which means she wakes up tired," said Pete Bils, senior director of sleep innovation and clinical research for Select Comfort. "With all that mom does during the day, she truly needs about eight hours of high-quality sleep to maintain her focus, energy and mood. The Sleep Number bed helps her achieve a good night's sleep so she's able to function well all day long."

Studies show that pressure points have a negative impact on sleep quality. Traditional innerspring mattresses push up on the body, which results in an uneven distribution of weight and areas of pressure. When mom adjusts her bed to her personalized setting, uncomfortable pressure points are greatly reduced or eliminated -- allowing for a deeper, restorative sleep.

Bils also suggests that beyond replacing an uncomfortable mattress, mom may need a bedroom makeover to truly turn her end-of-the-day escape into a sleep-inducing sanctuary. Adjusting the conditions of mom's bedroom, which can include everything from noise, temperature and light, to even pillows and blankets, can help ensure she gets the much needed rest she deserves.

According to Bils, it's important to consider and remember these tips when it comes to mom's sleep environment:

* Minimize light. Darkness acts as a signal to the body to prepare for sleep. Keep blinds closed, and if that isn't enough, consider room-darkening shades or drapes.

* Keep noise levels constant. Abrupt changes in noise levels can disrupt sleep. For light sleepers or for those who live in high-traffic areas, consider using a white-noise generator to muffle noise.

* Control the temperature. The ideal room temperature for sleeping is 65 degrees with 65 percent humidity. Thermostats should be programmed to automatically adjust to this temperature.

* Maintain a "screen-free zone" in the bedroom. Watching television or working on the computer stimulates the brain. If mom does either right before bed, she may find it more difficult to fall asleep.

* Choose bedding that fits her needs (and the needs of her sleep partner). Skip the one-size-fits-all approach. Comfort can be personalized for mom. Pillows and bedding accessories that fit preferred sleeping positions and other individual preferences are available at Select Comfort.

For additional information about sleep and the sleep environment, visit www.sleepnumber.com.

Information courtesy Select Comfort