Been Sleeping Wrong Your Whole Life? Here’s How to Fix It
Most people think sleep is easy. You know, get in bed, close your eyes, done. But if that’s all it took, you'd never wake up tired, sore, or feeling like you got hit by a truck. The truth is, a few small mistakes can mess up your sleep... and without you even realising it.
The good news? Fixing them isn’t that hard.
At Bedpost, we’ve been helping New Zealanders sleep better for many with quality mattresses and bed frames. In this article, we go over the biggest sleep mistakes people make and, more importantly, how to fix them.
The Biggest Sleep Mistakes
Most people don’t think twice about how they sleep. But, small sleep mistakes can have a big impact. Here are some of the major culprits:
Sleeping on the Wrong Mattress
Your mattress can either support your body or totally wreck it. If it’s too soft, your back sinks in, messing up your spine. If it’s too firm, there’s no give, which can put pressure on your shoulders and hips. Waking up sore, constantly shifting around, or feeling like you actually sleep better on the couch? Yeah, your mattress is probably the problem.
Using the Wrong Pillow
Your pillow isn’t just a place to rest your head. The right one keeps your neck and spine in line. Too high? Your head gets pushed forward, leading to neck pain. Too flat? No support, so you wake up stiff and achy. The right pillow for you depends on how you sleep, and most people are using the wrong one without even knowing about it.
Sleeping in a Bad Position
Not all sleep positions are created equal. Sleeping on your stomach can put a ton of strain on your neck and lower back, leaving you sore in the morning. Side sleeping can help with snoring and digestion, while back sleeping is best for spinal alignment. If you wake up in pain... or just wake up a lot, your sleeping position could be working against you.
Not Supporting Your Bed Properly
Bed frames don't just look good. They're what keeps your mattress from sagging and messing with your posture. If your bed creaks every time you move, has an uneven surface, or your mattress is sinking in weird spots, your frame could be failing you. A bad base means bad sleep, no matter how good your mattress is.
Easy Fixes for Better Sleep
Fixing bad sleep doesn’t mean turning your life upside down. A few simple tweaks can make a massive difference. Here’s what to do if you want to start waking up feeling like an actual human again:
Upgrade Your Mattress
Mattresses don’t last forever. Even if yours looks fine, it could be well past its prime. Most need replacing every 7–10 years, especially if you’re waking up sore, stiff, or more tired than when you went to bed. If a new mattress isn’t in the budget right now, a good mattress topper can add some much-needed comfort.
Get the Right Pillow for Your Sleeping Position
Pillows don’t last forever, either. Over time, they lose their shape, flatten out, and stop giving you the support you need. If you find yourself bunching it up or constantly flipping it over to get comfortable, it’s probably time for a new one. A fresh pillow with the right level of support can have a big impact on how well you sleep (and how your neck feels in the morning).
Adjust Your Sleep Position for Better Comfort
If you’re a stomach sleeper, switching to your side with a body pillow can help keep your spine in a better position. Side sleepers can avoid waking up with sore hips by keeping a pillow between their knees, while back sleepers can reduce pressure on their lower back by putting a pillow under their knees.
Check Your Bed Frame for Support Issues
Your mattress does the heavy lifting, but your bed frame plays a big role too. A weak, sagging, or wobbly frame can stop your mattress from doing its job properly. If you’ve got creaky slats, a dipping centre, or a bed that moves every time you do, it’s time to tighten things up or upgrade to something sturdier.
Sleep Habits That Will Change Your Life
Better sleep goes beyond what you sleep on. It also involves what you do before bed. These simple habits can make a big difference:
Stick to a sleep schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day (yes, even on weekends) helps your body get into a natural rhythm. The more consistent you are, the easier it can be to fall asleep and wake up feeling rested.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine: Your brain needs a signal that it’s time to wind down. Reading a book, dimming the lights, or taking a warm shower can all help you switch off before bed.
Keep your bedroom cool and dark: A hot, stuffy room can make it harder to fall asleep. The best sleep happens in a cool (16–19°C) and dark space. So, crack a window or invest in blackout curtains if needed.
Avoid caffeine and heavy meals late at night: Caffeine stays in your system for hours, so that afternoon coffee could still be keeping you up at bedtime. And eating a massive meal before bed? That just makes your body work overtime when it should be resting.
Quality Beds for Sale in New Zealand
Small sleep tweaks can make a huge difference. But if your mattress or bed frame is the problem, the easiest fix is upgrading to something better!
At Bedpost, we’ve been helping Kiwis sleep better for years with top-quality mattresses, bed frames, and sleep essentials. You can shop online or visit one of our in-store locations across New Zealand to find the perfect bed for your best sleep yet. And there's no time like the present to get better sleep! Need a hand? Contact us!
