Tips for choosing the perfect mattress for a perfect night’s sleep:

1. Negotiation is key.
When it comes to selecting a mattress, there’s one word to keep in mind: negotiate. You can always cut a deal on a mattress. Trust us.

2. Don’t shop eBay.
Make sure to give your mattress (or six of them) a test drive at the store.

3. Take your time.
Spend at least 10 to 15 minutes lying on it before the big purchase – on your back, your stomach and both sides!

4. Total support. When you lay down on a mattress, make sure it fully supports your lower back and gives equal support to your shoulders and hips.

5. Always comparison shop. Letting a salesperson know that you’re scoping out the competition might get you a better deal.

4. Fit for two. If you’re sharing a bed with a partner, make sure the mattress comfortably fits you both.

5. Try out different mattress sizes. Although a double bed (54” x 75”) sounds like it would be twice the size of a single (39” x 75”), it actually gives each person less sleeping space.

Your typical sleep cycle is 90 minutes long, with the following stages.

Stage 1: Drowsiness. Your eyelids are getting heavy and you feel sleep coming on.
Stage 2: Light sleep.
Stages 3 and 4: Deep sleep. Your muscles repair and grow.
Stage 5: REM sleep. The brain most closely resembles wakefulness and this stage is very important for cognitive restoration.

How many hours of sleep do you get per night? Tell us about it: webeditorial@oxygenmag.com