Back to school, back to school, back to school. Seems like it’s a never ending rush this time of year that leaves everyone worn out. The initial back to school craziness is out of the way but that just means the start of extracurricular activities. We have two middle schoolers who do both band and sports (every sport they can) so the craziness is at an all time high. They also spend two nights a week with their dad who lives 40 miles away from school and that means much earlier mornings. What all this means is that for their health, it’s key that they not only get a good amount of sleep but that the quality of that sleep as best as possible too. Thank you to Element Mattress for providing quality mattresses for both of our middle school children as part of this post.
4 Reasons Quality Sleep is Important for Kids and Teens
Not Enough Sleep Is Bad for Their Health
Not enough sleep causes kids to be run down. Insufficient sleep can affect the immune system causing kids to become more vulnerable to illnesses. Lack of sleep can also put kids at a higher risk for obesity, diabetes, and even heart disease. Lack of sleep can even cause kids to be more prone to acne. Misdiagnosis of ADHD is related to lack of sleep as well.
Quality Sleep is Critical for Learning
Not having enough sleep limits a child’s ability to learn and concentrate. It makes it more difficult for them to listen, to solve problems, and to remember important information. Sleeping is critically important to the development of brain functions. When a child is well rested it is easier to manage moods and impulses so they can focus on school work.
Good Sleep is Important for Growth
The growth hormone is secreted primarily during deep sleep. I sometimes am positive that my toddlers especially look so much older when they wake up! Studies have shown that children with deficient levels of growth hormone sleep less deeply than average children.
Quality Sleep Reduces Risk of Injury
I mentioned having 2 kids who are active in band and every sport they can participate in. They also seem to never slow down outside of school and extracurricular activities. Kids are clumsier when they are tired – I’ve seen this first hand. Research has shown that kids who aren’t getting enough sleep are more prone to injuries. They tend to be more impulsive, setting them up for accidents.
The next question for us was how can we help our active kids get better quality sleep. There are several things that help kids sleep better. Create a solid bedtime routine, remove allergens from their bedrooms, limit screen time before bedtime, and make sure they have a good sleep environment that includes a good quality mattress. We decided it was time to look for something different for the kids than those second hand mattresses they’ve been sleeping on to help them get the best quality sleep possible. What we found was the Element mattress.
The Element is a foam mattress, but it’s also much more than that. It features 4 different layers that each do their part to ensure that you get a great night’s sleep, every night, night after night. The first layer is a durable high density support form that will hold its shape for years to come. That’s topped by a layer of foam designed to prevent the overheating common with memory foam beds. Next up is a layer of foam that has a quick response time, meaning that it won’t “crater” like many foams do, making it difficult to change positions or rolling you back to the position you just shifted out of. All of that goodness is topped by a hand sewn (really!) mattress cover that promotes air circulation, fights heat buildup and wicks away sweat and moisture, helping to keep you comfortable, all night long. Best of all is that this goodness is 100% made in the USA. Grand Rapids, Michigan has long been known as the furniture capital of the world and for good reason. The craftsmanship and loving attention to detail shines through in this mattress and it shows in a no questions asked 100-day free trial along with a 10-year warranty.
The mattress ships like you see in the above photo and is easy to open. Our kids thought it was so much fun!
They also offer a variety of mattress toppers, pillows, and other products to compliment their mattresses
You’d think all of this would mean a mattress with a premium price tag but American Bedding Solutions’ roots working with non-profits means they are well aware that most people don’t have all the money in the world, even for something this important. They are also offering a special deal for the readers of This Mama Loves. When you use the code “mamaloves” at checkout you will get $100 off any mattress purchase and it will be shipped straight to your door, usually arriving within 3-5 business days.
Element also offers a layaway plan that is safe and easy to use with as little as 20% down and 6 months no interest, also available at checkout.
Lydia J. Cohen says
Yay. This is why I always pay attention to choose bed products. The Element sounds good. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Marion Lewis says
Getting a good night’s sleep is so important, especially when kids are young, I think having the right mattress and pillows are so important as well.
thanks for sharing
Myrah Duque says
Oh yes! A GOOD night sleep is VERY important and a great mattress EVEN MORE! I especially like the fact that this is a USA brand.
Janis @MommyBlogExpert says
Getting a good night’s sleep is so important, especially when kids are young and learning so much every day. And having a comfortable bed to sleep in is essential to making it the best quality rest possible.
Bruce Brown says
Janis, you are so right! We notice enormous differences in our son (10) and daughter (8) when their sleep schedules fluctuate. It was one of the reasons I ended up in the mattress manufacturing business to begin with. Have a great day Janis!!
Kristin says
This is so great for kids, I like how her bed looks comfortable but she has enough space. That mattress seems firm but comfortable, great for a kid.
Bruce Brown says
When we designed the mattress, we included an advisory board of chiropractors to help with the support issues. Although much of the marketing we see wants us to believe in “The One Bed For Everyone”, it just isn’t possible. So we have/are continuing to develop various toppers to go with the mattress that can adjust the feel for different body types. Happy to answer any questions about those if you have them!
Liz Mays says
They simply can’t function well without a full night’s sleep. A great mattress makes a HUGE difference!
Aimee Smith says
Whenever my kids are overly sassy or just not acting like themselves, I look at their sleep habits. Almost always it is because we have let bedtime slide and they are not getting enough sleep!
Bruce Brown says
My wife and I can relate to that 100%! It’s so easy to do during the summer!
Crystal says
I think the last time I got a good night’s sleep was when I was a teen! Well, maybe not that long ago, but you get the point.
Bruce Brown says
Happy to help you with that Crystal! 🙂
Jennifer says
A friend of mine always says: “your day is only going to be as good as last nights sleep” it is so true -especially with kids! Early bed times are crucial!
Amanda West says
Good nights sleep is so important!
Claudia Krusch says
I was just trying to talk to my son about it. He fights over bed time every night!
Amy Desrosiers says
This looks like such a cool mattress! I love that we have so many options these days for mattresses.
Bruce Brown says
It is really cool that everyone isn’t just limited to the furniture stores anymore. We did our best to make Element a truly different mattress. It isn’t the traditional memory foam that is so often duplicated. Thank you for your comment on it Amy! We really appreciate it!
Jocelyn Cañasa Brown says
Oh yes. It is so super important. No sleep can affect health, mood and concentration.
Melisaa says
These are all excellent points! Sleep is so crucial to your child’s development not only in regards to their physical well being but also in regards to how they will do in their academics and yes even their emotional and social life! A good mattress can make all the difference!
Bruce Brown says
So true! And they are all so closely related!
gingermommyrants says
A good nights sleep is so important. I can always tell the difference when my kids did not get enough sleep. I will have to check out the Element mattress.
Bruce Brown says
Please do and feel free to reach out to me personally if you have any questions gingermommy!
-Bruce
Jenn Gerlach says
Sleep is so vital to a healthy body. I need new bunk beds. We will need to check these out for them.
Bruce Brown says
Jenn, depending on the size of the bunks the standard mattress may be a little thicker than you would like. We are working on a specific “Bunk Height” version that will be out in a few weeks. Feel free to let me know if you want some help determining what would work best. -Bruce
Reesa Lewandowski says
My mother used to always tell me that I would grow in my sleep. It definitely got me to go to bed and get the rest that I needed.
Kathy says
Sleep is certainly important for everyone. I know kids need more then us though. I think having the right mattress and pillows are so important as well.
Sarah says
I can tell a huge difference in attitude and taking on life when they are sleep deprived. I even read that it needs to be as dark as kids can handle it to help their bodies grow best. It’s not good to sleep with it to light!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Good sleep is important for everyone, but especially for children. They need it to perform better and grow better. It’s vital.
Bruce Brown says
So vital, and so often overlooked!
Robin Masshole Mommy says
My kids fight me at bedtime, but I always tell them that they need to get a good nights sleep!
Sarah Jehnzen says
Love that these are made not only in the USA, but Michigan!
Bruce Brown says
Thanks Sarah! -Bruce