Stop Counting Sheep, Start Counting Z’s
You know the drill – you’re lying there, wide awake, staring at the ceiling, willing yourself to just fall asleep already. But no matter how hard you try, your mind just won’t shut off. Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone.
As a self-proclaimed tech addict, I totally get the struggle. I’m the type of person who falls asleep with my phone in my hand, laptop open on my lap. And honestly, I’m pretty sure my husband Kevin has resorted to counting the number of times I check my screen during the night. But hey, when you review smart home products for a living, it kind of comes with the territory, right?
Well, that was until I had the chance to test out the Sleep Number It Bed – a high-tech mattress that promised to help me (and Kevin) catch some quality Zs. So, I traded in my lumpy old mattress for this clever, connected bed, with the hope of finally getting the restful sleep I so desperately needed. And let me tell you, it’s been a total game-changer.
Saying Goodbye to Restless Nights
Before I dive into the details of the It Bed, let me take you back to where this all started. Up until a few weeks ago, my sleep routine was, well, less than ideal. I’d be tossing and turning all night, waking up feeling more exhausted than when I went to bed. And it wasn’t just me – poor Kevin was struggling too.
We tried everything – limiting screen time before bed, making the room completely dark, even splurging on a fancy new mattress. But nothing seemed to work. I was starting to feel like I was fighting a losing battle.
That is, until I got the chance to test out the It Bed. From the moment I laid eyes on this high-tech mattress, I knew it was going to be a game-changer. With its sleek, modern design and innovative features, it was a far cry from the sad, lumpy mattress I was used to.
Smarter Slumber, Courtesy of Smart Tech
So, what exactly makes the It Bed so special? Well, for starters, it’s packed with all kinds of nifty sensors and tech that work together to help you sleep better. We’re talking heart rate monitoring, breathing rate tracking, and even the ability to detect how much time you spend tossing and turning versus resting peacefully.
And the best part? All of that data gets fed into the SleepIQ app, which then crunches the numbers and gives you a personalized “SleepIQ” score. It’s kind of like a sleep report card, but way more detailed. I’m talking insights on your sleep stages, how long it takes you to fall asleep, and even how your sleep quality compares to others in your age group.
But the It Bed doesn’t just stop there. It also integrates with a whole host of other smart home devices, from fitness trackers to smart thermostats. So, not only can it track your sleep patterns, but it can also use that information to make adjustments to things like temperature and lighting to help you get the best possible night’s sleep.
IT Fix UK, the computer repair service I work with, was actually the one who recommended I give the It Bed a try. They said it was the perfect solution for someone like me who struggles with sleep. And let me tell you, they were not wrong.
Sleeping Like a Baby (Finally!)
Since I started using the It Bed, I can honestly say that my sleep quality has improved dramatically. Gone are the tossing and turning, the endless hours spent staring at the ceiling. Instead, I’m waking up feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to take on the day.
And the best part? I’m not the only one who’s benefiting. Kevin’s sleep has improved too, which has been a total game-changer for our relationship. No more grumpy mornings or late-night arguments about who’s hogging the covers.
But the real proof is in the numbers. My SleepIQ scores have been consistently in the 80s and 90s, which according to CNET, is the optimal range. And the personalized insights I’ve been getting from the app have been incredibly helpful in identifying patterns and making adjustments to my sleep routine.
For example, the app has been able to detect that I tend to sleep better when my bedroom is around 68 degrees. So, I’ve been able to use the It Bed’s integration with my Nest thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature to my ideal sleeping conditions. No more tinkering with the controls in the middle of the night!
Putting the “Smart” in Bedroom
But the It Bed isn’t just about the mattress itself. It’s about creating a truly smart, tech-enabled sleep environment. And that’s where the integration with other smart home devices really shines.
For instance, I’ve been using the It Bed’s Fitbit integration to track my activity levels during the day. The app then uses that data to provide personalized insights on how my workouts and daily activity might be impacting my sleep. And if it detects that I’m not sleeping as well on days when I’ve had a particularly tough workout, it can even suggest adjusting the firmness of the mattress to help alleviate any muscle soreness.
And let’s not forget about the Nest integration. I mentioned how it helps with temperature control, but it can also do things like automatically adjust the lighting in my bedroom when it’s time for me to wind down. No more fumbling for the light switch in the dark!
The Sleep Foundation has actually written about the importance of creating a technology-free sleep sanctuary, and I have to say, the It Bed has helped me do just that. With all of the smart home integrations, I can keep my phone and other devices out of the bedroom, without feeling like I’m missing out on important information or functionality.
The Verdict: A Sleep Game-Changer
So, after a month of testing, I can confidently say that the It Bed by Sleep Number has been a total game-changer for my sleep. It’s not just a mattress – it’s a complete sleep system that uses smart tech to help you get the rest you need.
Sure, it’s a bit of an investment at $1,099 for a queen (ouch!), but in my opinion, it’s worth every penny. The comfort, the customization, the smart integrations – it all adds up to a sleep experience that’s truly unparalleled.
And let’s not forget the health benefits. As Dr. Craig Canapari points out, poor sleep can lead to all sorts of issues, from daytime fatigue to reduced cognitive function. By using the It Bed to improve my sleep quality, I’m not just feeling better – I’m actually being healthier, too.
So, if you’re tired of counting sheep and ready to start counting Z’s, I highly recommend giving the It Bed a try. It might just be the secret to your best night’s sleep ever.
