Why good sleep and waking up refreshed start with the right mattress

A journey through deep sleep, dreams, and a fresh start to the day

Sleep is a highly individual matter. As varied as its duration and rhythm may be, our sleep follows an internal clock: in several cycles per night, usually four to six, lighter and deeper sleep phases alternate.

As soon as it gets dark, our body switches to night mode: the pineal gland releases the sleep hormone melatonin, signaling that it is time to rest. Heart rate and breathing slow down, blood pressure and body temperature drop. We fall asleep. The first sleep cycle begins with the first – and for some people, only – phase of deep sleep. This is particularly important because it is during this phase that sensory impressions are processed, the cells' energy stores are replenished, growth hormones are released, and minor damage to muscles or bones is repaired.  The deep sleep phase gives us the feeling of having really slept and allows us to wake up in the morning feeling refreshed and with a clear head. Deep sleep phase is followed by the dream phase, the so-called REM (rapid eye movement) phase, in which our eyes move rapidly back and forth even though they are closed. During this time, the brain primarily processes emotions and creates images and scenes in which we sometimes experience the wildest adventures without leaving our beds. The amygdala, the part of our brain that processes emotions such as fear or stress, is particularly active during this phase. The immune system also works at full speed during this period of the night. After the excursion into the fascinating world of our dreams, the first sleep cycle ends: the nerves become more active again, the heart rate and blood pressure rise, and some people wake up for a brief moment. Then the process begins again, at least for those who enjoy stable, restful sleep. Others, however, do not reach deep sleep again in the second half of the night. As night gives way to morning, the wakefulness hormones gently gain the upper hand. Cortisol and serotonin levels rise, body temperature increases, and with it, our consciousness gradually awakens.

Only those who sleep well start the day feeling refreshed

For all these wonderful processes to unfold undisturbed, we need to be well supported while we sleep. After all, during the night our body naturally seeks stability. The spine needs to be supported without feeling any pressure. Muscles need to relax without counter-tension. The temperature should remain comfortable, neither too warm nor too cool. Every little disturbance – an uncomfortable pressure point, an unstable lying position, or excessive heat – can trigger micro-reactions that we are not consciously aware of. The result: less deep sleep, less rest, more morning fatigue.