Recent Sleep Study Conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital by Harvard Researchers Reveals New Impact of Sleep Quality on Quality of Life

April 7, 2009

New research shows a switch in the bedroom could positively impact sleep quality, and, in turn, may improve quality of life. A recent sleep study released today and conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital by Harvard researchers, examined sleep surface, sleep quality and quantity, and their impact on quality of life and well-being.

Results of the study show that after only six weeks, the majority of participants who switched to a different bed reported a significant improvement in sleep quality, the ability to fall asleep faster and sleep longer, as well as a decrease in back and neck aches and a significant decrease in soreness, stiffness and pain. Study participants also reported that improved quality of sleep led to improvements in their quality of life, such as a decrease in food cravings, a belief that they appeared younger-looking, and a decrease in negative moods.

"During the study, participants switched from their current bed to the SLEEP NUMBER(R) bed, which offers the sleeper the ability to adjust their side of the mattress to the ideal level of comfort, firmness and support for them," explained Pete Bils, senior director of research and sleep innovation for Select Comfort. "These findings add to previous clinical studies conducted at Stanford, Duke and other leading universities. These past studies found participants sleeping on a Sleep Number mattress fell asleep faster, were more rested, experienced relief from back pain, and spent more time in the deeper and more restorative stages of sleep," Bils added.

Participants who were part of a couple also reported that improved quality of sleep led to greater intimacy and expressions of affection with their partner. Specifically, the majority of study participants reported an increase in the stimulating exchange of ideas with their partner. And, nearly half reported increased kissing and laughing as a result of improved sleep quality.

"For anyone with a sleeping partner whose idea of comfort conflicts with theirs, for people who experience pain and soreness when they wake, or for anyone who wants to experience a better night's sleep, the dual-adjustability of a Sleep Number bed provides a potential solution," continued Bils.

Methodology

The in-home sleep study was conducted through Massachusetts General Hospital by Dr. Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., director of the program in aesthetics and well-being, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Participants in the study switched from a current mattress to a SLEEP NUMBER(R) bed from Select Comfort Corporation (Nasdaq: SCSS), the nation's leading bed retailer. Eighty-four participants switched from their old mattress to a new Sleep Number bed in the same size as their current mattress. Participants were between the ages of 25-71. The study was commissioned by Select Comfort Corporation.

About the Sleep Number Bed

Unlike traditional mattresses made from metal coils or springs, each Sleep Number mattress gives sleepers total control over their sleep experience because they can adjust their side of the bed to their Sleep Number setting at the touch of a button - going from a soft zero to a firm 100 - to achieve the exact level of comfort, firmness and support that's ideal for them and their body.

SOURCE Select Comfort