Why does your child struggle to stay awake in class or remember their lessons? It might not just be their busy schedule — it could be their mattress! A good night's sleep is a game-changer for students, helping them focus, learn, and grow.
From the energetic days of elementary school to the challenging college years, kids' and teens' bodies constantly change. This means their mattress should change, too! But at Sav-Mart, we know that not all mattresses are up to the task, so we’ve made it easier to find the right one — take a look!
Elementary School Students
Getting your elementary school child the right amount of sleep is like giving them super serum for growth and learning. Kids aged 6 to 12 need about 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night to tackle their busy days and school challenges. So, it’s vital to consider these factors for their mattress:
- Support Growing Bodies: Medium-firm mattresses support developing spines and keeping back pain at bay.
- Comfort is Key: Memory foam and innerspring mattresses offer that perfect mix of comfort and support, making sleep more restful.
- Keep it Clean: Hypoallergenic materials, like dust-mite-resistant and allergen-free mattresses, help create a healthier sleep environment.
- Protect the Mattress: Mattress covers and protectors keep things clean and make the mattress last longer.
- Size Matters: Twin or twin XL mattresses are typically the best fit for elementary school kids, providing enough space without overwhelming their room.
Middle School Students
Middle school can be a whirlwind of changes, and a good night's sleep is essential to help pre-teens navigate this transitional phase. Kids aged 12 to 14 need about 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night as the hormonal changes during these years significantly impact sleep quality.
- Transitional Growth Phases: Pre-teens experience rapid growth spurts, which can lead to aches and pains, so consider mattresses with zoned support for extra reinforcement in key areas like the hips and shoulders.
- Pressure Relief and Spinal Alignment: Memory foam and hybrid mattresses offer contouring support, relieving pressure points and maintaining proper spinal alignment during growth spurts.
- Cooling Technologies: As middle schoolers become more active, they may generate more body heat. Mattresses with cooling technologies, such as gel-infused memory foam, can help regulate temperature and prevent overheating.
- Durability and Resilience: Active sleepers (you know your flip-floppers!) need a mattress to withstand more wear and tear. Look for durable materials like high-density foam and latex and robust construction features like reinforced edges and strong innerspring coils.
- Size Considerations: While twin XL mattresses offer extra length, upgrading to a full mattress might benefit growing pre-teens. A full mattress provides more space to accommodate growth and changing sleep positions.
High School Students
High school brings even more changes, with increased physical activity and developmental growth. However, in this stage, their sleep needs are similar to those in middle school, where they need 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night. So, they’ll also require high-density foam or latex mattresses for pressure relief and zone support systems to keep their bodies supported during those last growth spurts!
And if they’re getting close to having their feet hang off the edge of the bed, upgrade them to a queen-size mattress so they have plenty of space!
Pro Tip:
Make sure your teens practice good sleep hygiene when they go to bed and wake up on the same schedule daily — it helps their cognitive reasoning!
College Students
College life is a whirlwind of classes, study sessions, and social activities, but getting good sleep is still vital with their ever-growing calendar. In the college years, getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night can help young adults stay focused and perform their best!
- Proper Sleep Environment: A cool, dark, quiet room is ideal. Mattresses with cooling technologies like gel-infused foam or breathable covers can help regulate temperature and keep the sleep environment comfortable.
- Stress Management: Mattresses that offer good support can help alleviate physical stress. Memory foam and latex mattresses that contour to the body provide pressure relief and support proper spinal alignment, reducing physical stress and promoting relaxation.
- Adaptable Sleep Solutions: Mattresses that cater to various sleep positions are essential. Medium-firm mattresses generally offer good support and comfort for most sleepers. Hybrid mattresses, combining coils and foam, provide adaptability and support.
Pro Tip:
For dorms with school-supplied mattresses, consider upgrading their sleep environment with a mattress topper made with comfortable materials!
Additional Tips for Parents
As a parent, ensuring your child gets quality sleep is a top priority — which means making sure their environment is set up and ready to go for their big dreams!
- Loss of Support: If your child frequently complains of aches and pains or struggles to find a comfortable sleeping position, their mattress may no longer provide adequate support.
- Testing Mattress: Encourage your child to test different mattresses. Comfort is subjective, and what feels comfortable to you might not be comfortable for them.
- Mattress Maintenance: Educate your child on how to care for their mattress. Simple habits like using a mattress protector, rotating the mattress regularly, and keeping it clean can extend its lifespan and maintain its support and comfort.
- Bedtime Routines: Develop a calming bedtime routine to signal your child’s body that it’s time to wind down. Activities like reading a book, taking a warm bath, or listening to calming music can help prepare them for sleep.
- Sleep-Friendly Environment: Create a sleep-friendly environment with a comfortable mattress, supportive pillows, and a quiet, dark, and cool room. This setting promotes better sleep and helps your child feel more rested.
By following all these tips, you’ll set your growing student up for success! So, if they’re about to outgrow their current mattress, it’s time to bring them by Sav-Mart and see our selection of top-brand mattresses to support their ever-growing dreams! And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask our experts — we’re always happy to lend a hand!