Do you often wake up tired in the morning or with aches or pains? If your bed is between eight and ten years old, it could need replacing. Read on to find out how to choose the right bed and get your best night's sleep in years.

A good night's sleep can be just as beneficial as maintaining a healthy diet or going to the gym. On National Sleep-In Day on October 30, have a think about whether your bed is still comfortable or whether you need to consider replacing it.

If you haven't bought a bed for a while, you're in for a pleasant surprise. You really are spoilt for choice - whether you prefer a practical divan set, a sumptuous bedstead or a hi-tech adjustable bed.

Choosing the right bed:

Divan sets

With a divan set, the bed base and mattress are sold together. Today's divans are generously upholstered with a variety of storage options available for the base. Co-ordinating or contrasting headboards are also available separately to complete the look.

Bedstead

Bedsteads or bed frames can be constructed from a number of different materials including wood, iron, brass or leather. These types of bed are often the most aesthetically pleasing. However, remember that the mattress is always sold separately and it is important to choose the correct mattress for the slatted base.

Adjustable beds

Adjustable hi-tech beds are no longer just for the elderly or infirm. They are beneficial to anyone who appreciates a good night's sleep, allowing you to raise your head, body and legs at the touch of a button without putting any strain on your body.

The best support

Whether you prefer a divan, bedstead or adjustable bed, your new bed is made up of a mattress and base and they should work together to provide you with optimum support. They should never be considered separately.

A mattress offering full support is vital. On average, we spend a third of our lives sleeping and yet many people do not take the time to choose their bed carefully or spend as little as possible.

As a general rule, spend as much as you can afford on your new bed. The old adage that you get what you pay for really does apply to beds. Generally, the more expensive beds have higher quality mattresses and offer greater durability, support and comfort and a better night's sleep. Your new bed is an important investment and every £100 you spend represents just 2.7p a night over 10 years!

If you share your bed with a partner, you should choose your new bed together. Take the time to try out lots of different beds when you're feeling refreshed. Every mattress will seem like bliss if you're tired! Mattresses are available in three different support options: soft, medium and firm.

When testing beds, it's easy to check for the correct support. Lie on your back and try to slide your hand underneath. If it slides in easily or there is a gap, the bed is too firm. If it's too difficult to slide your hand in at all, the bed is too soft.

There are generally four types of mattress available:

Open spring offers a range of support options for budget to mid-range beds

Continuous spring has a high spring count and responsive support

Pocket spring offers a higher degree of individual body support

Visco-elastic memory foam and natural latex moulds to the contours of your body offering superb individual body support

Memory foam and latex are often used in conjunction with pocket spring mattresses, sometimes as a 'topper' mattress.

If you prefer a soft mattress but your partner finds the medium option more comfortable, there's no longer any need to compromise. Many bed manufacturers offer two separate mattresses in different support options that zip together so you can both enjoy a good night's sleep. Remember that your support needs change over time so you shouldn't simply buy the same kind of mattress as your old one without testing it.

Size matters

To achieve a good night's sleep, it's important to buy the biggest bed that will fit in your bedroom. A standard 4ft 6in double bed allows two adults 2ft 3in space each, only slightly more than a cot. As the average person moves in bed approximately 50 times a night, it's hardly surprising that one of the major causes of lack of sleep is disturbance from a partner. A king size bed is only six inches wider than a double bed but those six inches really can make a difference!

If you're not sure whether you need to replace your bed, visit The Sleep Council's website at www.sleepcouncil.com and take the bed MOT check.

Tips for getting a good night's sleep

1.Try to stick to the same waking and sleeping routine every day.

2.Don't eat a large meal before bed or go to bed hungry.

3.Don't smoke or drink too much alcohol before bed.

4. Avoid stimulants such as chocolate, coffee, tea and cola drinks.

5. Don't nap during the day if you're having problems sleeping.

6. Ensure your bedroom is at the right temperature.

7. Replace your bed if it's too old or no longer comfortable!

Tips for looking after your new bed

1. Turn your new mattress regularly to ensure even wear and tear.

2. Vacuum your mattress and base regularly to eliminate fluff and dust.

3. Use a washable cover on the mattress to protect against stains.

4. Remember to air your bed for 20 minutes every morning.

Shopping Directory

And So To Bed

0808 144 4343

www.andsotobed.co.uk

Debenhams Direct

08445 61 61 61

www.debenhams.com

Jensen

0800 0850 621

John Lewis

08456 049 049

www.johnlewis.com

Laura Ashley

0871 9835 999

www.lauraashley.com

Pocket Spring Bed Company

08707 467722

www.pocketspringbed.co.uk

Rest Assured

08707 429 875

www.restassured.co.uk

Silentnight

01282 813051

www.silentnight.co.uk

Tempur

0208 589 7000

www.tempur.co.uk

Vi-Spring

01752 366311

www.vispring.co.uk