Latest news with #MattressNextDay
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Tourists told to never unpack luggage in their bedroom after holiday
Unpacking a suitcase on the bed is likely to be most people's first port of call when it comes to getting their house in order following a holiday but Brits have been warned against it British tourists have been issued a stern warning to avoid unpacking their luggage in their bedroom upon returning from a holiday, due to the potential of introducing unwanted guests. Many travellers are eager to restore order to their homes after a getaway and often consider emptying their suitcase on the bed as the most convenient method to sort their items. However, MattressNextDay has cautioned Brits against this common practice to prevent inadvertently importing stowaways. Mattress expert and CEO Martin Seeley emphasised the danger of bringing bed bugs into one's bed by unpacking in the bedroom. "Unpack on a hard floor and not in your bedroom," he advised. "When you get home, unpack your luggage in another location apart from your bedroom. Even better if it's on hard flooring, as you won't be able to spot bed bugs on a carpet. "Inspect your suitcase closely and use a flashlight or torch to look into the seams, folds and pockets of your suitcase." He further recommended that people should vacuum clean their suitcase before storing it away. The risk he highlighted was that bed bugs could reside within the luggage and subsequently transfer to the bed, curtains, or other plush furnishings. Tourists might unknowingly invite pests into their luggage if they're not careful upon arriving at their lodgings. Travel expert Martin warned: "Never put your suitcase on the hotel bed. "It is common that when you initially arrive at your hotel, you might put your suitcase straight onto the bed without checking for bugs and begin unpacking. "However, by doing this, you're putting your luggage and clothes right onto the place where bed bugs are commonly found and giving them a free ticket home." He advises holiday-goers to place their suitcases near the room's entrance or on the provided luggage rack. The NHS cautions that bedbugs can lurk in numerous hiding spots such as within clothing, behind framed pictures, and beneath peeling wallpaper. To spot these unwelcome visitors, there are several tell-tale signs to watch out for.
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Daily Mail
A travel expert's five tried-and-tested hacks to beat jet lag
With half-term fast approaching, plenty of us will be preparing to jet off for some early summer sunshine. But as blissful as a holiday is, there's one element of travelling we don't relish: the jet lag. Jet lag is the extreme fatigue you experience while travelling across time zones, and a recent study has shown it can impact your sleep quality for at least a week. It's particularly bad after travelling eastward (on return to the UK, you effectively have to stay up for additional hours), which is bad news given the boom in tourism to eastern locations like Thailand and Japan. Let's be honest: with work, childcare and all the other everyday activities, we can't afford a week of feeling tired all the time. So when Martin Seeley, CEO and sleep expert at MattressNextDay, shared his five tried-and-tested tips for beating jet lag, you'd better believe we listened up. Here are his top hacks to enjoy your holiday and return home feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, wherever you travel. Start shifting your sleep schedule a few days before travel 'Jet lag is essentially your body clock being out of sync with the clock,' Seeley explains. 'But there are ways to start incrementally syncing your body with the time zone of where you're flying to.' 'A few days before your trip, move your bedtime and wake-up time by 30 to 60 minutes each day towards the time zone you're travelling to,' Seeley advises. 'For example, if you're flying east, try going to bed earlier.' 'This gradual adjustment gives your internal clock a head start, so you're not trying to make a big jump all at once, and therefore should experience less severe symptoms when you land.' Change your watch and phone to your destination's time as soon as you board the plane Most of us wait until we land to start fiddling with our watch to adjust the time (and phones only change when they regain network signal after airplane mode is switched off). However, Seeley says we should instead be switching to our new time zone as soon as we sit down for the flight. 'It might seem like a small thing,' he admits, 'but it's a powerful psychological cue that helps your brain start thinking in the new time zone. It's particularly useful if you're on a long-haul flight and trying to sleep, as you'll be aware whether you're doing so in sync with the correct time zone.' 'This early mental shift can make it easier to sleep and eat according to local time both while flying and as soon as you land, speeding up your adjustment.' Use temperature cues to manipulate your body clock 'Temperature plays a key role in signalling to your body when to sleep and when to wake,' Seeley explains, 'and you can therefore use it to trick your body into feeling more tired or lively.' 'Try taking a cool shower in the morning to help wake you up gently, and a warm shower about an hour before bed, as this helps encourage sleepiness.' 'Keeping your bedroom cool – around 16 to 18°C – also supports deeper, more restful sleep. These simple temperature cues can help your body adjust faster to a new time zone and reduce jet lag.' Keep your evenings calm and lights low We all know how disruptive the blue light emitted by screens is to our sleep schedule. But this is particularly the case when your body is already out of whack because of the change in time zone. 'It's even more important to dim the lights and avoid screens for at least an hour before bed,' Seeley explains, 'because blue light from phones and tablets tricks your brain into thinking it's still daytime, making it harder to fall asleep.' 'Instead, wind down with a book, some gentle stretching, or meditation. This helps your body produce melatonin naturally and signals it's time to rest, which is vital for resetting your internal clock.' Consider melatonin supplements, especially for eastward flights Over the past few years, melatonin supplements have surged in popularity as people rave about the sleep-boosting benefits. For Seeley, eastward travel is when they work most effectively, to help provide the sleep chemicals your body needs. 'If you're crossing multiple time zones, especially flying east, a small dose of melatonin about an hour before your new local bedtime can help nudge your body clock in the right direction,' Seeley advises. 'It's not a magic bullet, but many travellers find it useful. Just make sure to consult your doctor before trying supplements.' In the UK, melatonin is prescription-only, so you will need to speak to your GP if you want to try it.
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
I'm a cleaning expert & your child's teddy is dirtier than a toilet – here's how to fix it
MOST children love snuggling into a teddy bear - it gives them comfort, security, and even emotional support. But now parents have been warned that they could actually be harbouring hundreds of bacteria. 3 3 3 And they could even be twice as dirty as a toilet seat and 6.5 times dirtier than your bin. Experts at MattressNextDay carried out an ATP bioluminescence test on teddies to test how clean they are. This test measures the amount of adenosine triphosphate — a molecule found in and around living cells — on a particular item, and the levels can indicate how dirty it is. They also swabbed the inside of a bin lid and a toilet seat to provide a comparison. The team found that 29 per cent of teddies swabbed came up with readings of over 1,910 units. While a toilet seat came in at 836 units, and a bin lid had an average of 294 units. But it's not just teddies that could be harbouring hundreds of bacteria - blankets are also high on the list. Two-fifths, or around 43 per cent, of the blankets swabbed had readings of an average of 1,629 units. This makes blankets almost twice as dirty as the average toilet seat, and almost four times dirtier than the average bin. Luckily, cleaning experts have shared their top tips on how parents can keep their child's teddies clean and free of harmful bacteria. Doctor issues urgent warning about 2 things you should NEVER do at home - as you transfer millions of harmful bacteria Katy Roberts, washing machine expert at revealed how to properly clean blankets and teddies to prevent germ spreading. She explained: 'If your furry companion is looking a bit worse for wear, there's nothing finer for it than popping your teddy bear into your washing machine. "To clean them properly, check your care label and if this has worn away over the years, then put on a gentle, cold wash with a mild detergent to be on the safe side. "If your teddy has seen better days and is more on the delicate side, then use a soft cloth or sponge with shampoo and dab away at any dirty areas. "Leave this to air dry naturally, and you can even give this a quick fluff with a soft brush for a magic touch to finish." Katy also revealed exactly how parents should be washing blankets to keep them as clean as possible. She said: 'If you're cleaning your blankets, then first prep your washing machine with a gentle cycle with warm water and your everyday detergent. "Pop this on and be mindful to avoid any bleach as this can break down your blanket's fibres and even drain its colour. "If your blanket is made of wool or hand-knitted material, then these should always be hand-washed as your first port of call. "Similarly, do not put these into the tumble dryer and instead allow them to air dry for the safest way to clean your delicate blankets." The experts also revealed how often parents should be washing their kids' teddies and blankets. Katy explained: 'As a rule of thumb, try to wash your teddy bear every month – particularly if they're regularly handled. Your teddies and blankets can easily harbour dust mites and allergens so err on the side of caution and stick them in your washing machine when they're dirty! Katy Robertswashing machine expert at "Blankets, you should pop them in the washing machine once every fortnight to help keep them fresh. "Your teddies and blankets can easily harbour dust mites and allergens so err on the side of caution and stick them in your washing machine when they're dirty!" If you have teddies and blankets that aren't suitable for the washing, there's no need to panic! Katy says: "Some teddies and blankets will not be suitable for your washing machine, so instead, there's a simple solution to this woe. "You can either spot clean these items with a cloth and a gentle soap solution or use a handheld steam cleaner to help lift dirt and freshen your teddy up. "Another little-known hack is to sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the teddy or blanket and leave it for around half an hour. 'IMPACTING OUR HEALTH' MARTIN Seeley, Senior Sleep Expert at MattressNextDay, also weighs in on the impact that unwashed blankets and teddies can have on sleep hygiene and getting a good night's rest. He said: "Our research has shown that areas we typically consider 'dirty,' such as toilet seats and bins, can actually be cleaner than expected because we clean them frequently. "However, home comforts like stuffed animals and blankets may be harbouring more bacteria than we realise. 'This build-up of bacteria can have a significant impact not only on our overall health but also on our sleep hygiene. "As it can lead to dust mites and trigger allergies, potentially disrupting our ability to get a good night's rest. "A general rule of thumb is to wash stuffed toys and blankets at least once a month at a minimum temperature of 60C to kill bacteria and mites. "However, always check the care label before washing. "If you take your blanket to bed every night, you should wash it more frequently. "On average, we sweat around 25 millilitres per hour of sleep, meaning our bedding can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria." "Return with your vacuum cleaner using the soft brush attachment to brush and hoover this off. "This will do wonders for its freshness and help to remove any lingering odours. 'If your teddy is fraying at the seams or perhaps has holes that refuse to be mended, then perhaps getting a new one is for the best. "Similarly, if your teddy has an odour you cannot get rid of or perhaps it's losing its stuffing or beginning to become discoloured from years of use – these are the telltale signs that you should be replacing your teddy.' 'If you're worried about your teddy or blanket losing its softness then adding a fabric softener to your washing load can do the trick. "This will help to loosen its fibres and stop your blanket becoming crunchy or teddy becoming stiff! "You can also add vinegar to your washing machine's rinse cycle as this naturally softens fabrics and removes any soap residue. "When air drying these items, give them a good shake or even brush them to help restore softness.'
Tom's Guide
09-05-2025
- Health
- Tom's Guide
3 surprising reasons you should never run your cooling fan all night
As temperatures soar this summer, it can often be uncomfortable to get a good night's sleep. If you don't have one of the best air conditioners, a cooling fan is a great, cost-effective solution for keeping you cool and comfortable. But unfortunately, opting for a cooling fan has its drawbacks. According to experts, you should avoid sleeping with your fan running all night, even in a heatwave. So before you go to bed, here are a few expert reasons you should never run your fan all night Summer can bring on seasonal allergies, and those who suffer from hay fever will know the perils of waking up to sneezing fits, congestion and other symptoms made worse by tiny pollen particles making their way into our homes. And if you sleep with your cooling fan on all night, this could well be the culprit. 'Fans don't just move air, they also circulate dust, pollen, and other allergens that have settled on your furniture and fan blades,' says Martin Seeley, CEO and sleep expert at MattressNextDay. 'If you suffer from allergies or asthma, this can make your symptoms much worse overnight, leading to sneezing, coughing, and congestion by morning.' Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. That's why it's so important to keep on top of your cleaning tips to reduce pollen in your home, like using one of the best vacuum cleaners. If you suffer badly from hay fever or dust allergies however, you might want to invest in one of the best air purifiers for cleaner air. Alternatively, you can find out what happened when I tried these 3 expert-approved tips to reduce hay fever symptoms. The Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max is ideal for large rooms, and the top performer in the brand's line. This model provides a high CADR in terms of dust, smoke and pollen, and the design offers plenty of settings, including an auto mode, a night mode, as well as three fan speeds. It's a brilliant option if you're trying to purify a large space, and it's seamless to operate as well. Have you ever woken up with a stiff neck? Your fan could be the cause of your sore muscles, especially if it's aimed directly at your body. 'Fans blowing directly on your body can cool muscles excessively, causing stiffness or cramps, particularly in your neck and shoulders,' warns Seeley. 'This can leave you waking up feeling achy and tense.' In addition, pointing your cool fan directly on your skin all night could cause eye and skin dryness as well as migraines. 'Constant airflow from a fan can dry out your skin, eyes, and nasal passages,' Seeley adds. 'This dryness can cause irritation, sore throats, and even trigger your body to produce excess mucus, making you feel more congested and uncomfortable.' If you must sleep with a fan on, be sure to oscillate it to distribute cool air around the room, rather than directly on your body. What's more, you could set a timer on your fan so that it doesn't run all night if necessary. This versatile smart fan offers multiple speed settings and wind types, powerful yet quiet airflow, and wide-ranging oscillation for comprehensive room coverage. With smart features like app control and voice commands, it adapts to various needs while maintaining energy efficiency. Its adjustable height and easy-clean design make it a practical choice for any room. Yes, there is a thing of being too cool at night, and this isn't always a good thing for your sleep quality. 'Your body naturally lowers its temperature to initiate sleep, but excessive cooling from a fan can interfere with this process,' says Seeley. 'This disruption can cause fragmented sleep and reduce the amount of deep, restorative rest you get.' 'Let's be clear: there's nothing wrong with using an electrical fan to cool down your room as long as you only use it for a short period of time. I'd, therefore, recommend that you turn your fan on 30 minutes before you plan on going to sleep, and then once it's time to go to bed, set it on a timer for a further 60 minutes. This will help you cool down enough to go to sleep, without exposing yourself to the risks of all-night airflow.' Another handy tip is to shower before bed to help you fall asleep fast during allergy season. This is because when you spend time outside, pollen in the air will settle on your skin and hair. So if you go to sleep without washing it off, those same allergens will transfer to your bed sheets and mattress. Plus, your curtains could be hiding allergens and even pests, so ensure you do a deep clean in your bedroom.
Forbes
26-04-2025
- Forbes
The Best European Cities For 'Sleep Tourism' According To A New Study
Image of Ghent, Belgium during twilight blue hour. The sleep tourism industry is projected to double by 2032 with travelers shifting focus from adrenaline-pumping adventures and sightseeing to rest and recovery. It doesn't look like frosty cocktails on the beach—but rather cities that actually allow travelers to let their guard down and truly rest, connect with nature, and focus on wellness. A new study from sleep expert Martin Seeley at MattressNextDay analyzed the most-visited cities in Europe, cross-referencing the ones that specifically focus on promoting good sleep hygiene practices and also boast opportunities to really disconnect from social media, the internet, and work for extended periods. The following are the best cities in Europe for travelers specifically looking for a properly restorative and restful trip abroad: Funchal bay Madeira Island Portugal Aerial view The capital city of the Madeira Islands earned top spot on the list with a composite score of 75.62. The Portuguese city had the second-lowest level of light pollution on the list as well as the highest number of walking trails per 100,000 people at 23.7. Funchal also boasted the fifth highest percentage of 4+ star hotels and the fourth lowest in terms of traffic congestion. Old city Bergen, aerial view, Norway Bergen, Norway, earned second place on the list with a composite score of 66.59. The city has the lowest traffic congestion levels across all cities and the seventh best in terms of light pollution levels. It boasts 4.7 health and wellness clubs per 100,000 residents and has a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere conducive to letting your guard down and truly relaxing. Skyline of Lausanne, Switzerland as seen from the Cathedral hill at sunset zoomed-in on the tower of St-Francois Church. Lake Leman (Lake Geneva) and the French Alps provide a beautiful background. The Swiss city of Lausanne scored 56.43 points, making it the third-best European city for sleep tourism. It's one of the most quiet cities in the Swiss countryside and as such is the city with the least amount of light pollution out of all the cities on the list. It's also worth noting that 25% of the hotels in the city offer soundproof rooms and blackout curtains. Sunrise over the Duomo square in Parma old town. Parma, Italy, earned fourth place with a composite score of 55.17. The city boasts the second-highest number of 4+ star hotels, the fifth-lowest congestion rates, and the sixth-lowest in terms of light pollution levels. A beautiful view of Ghent, Belgium. The Belgian city of Ghent earned fifth spot with a composite score of 54.58. The port city had the fourth-highest number of 4+ star hotels, earned fifth place for low light pollution and an overall safety score of 74.56.
