Good Night Sleep Tips for the Mommy-To-Be

James Thrash, professional football player, got the Sleep Number Bed by Select Comfort because his trainer and teammates knew it would relieve his lower back pain and ease the frequent sore muscles he experiences after practice and big games. Little did he know that his wife Amber would also have a great appreciation for their new bed. Amber is expecting the couple's first child this spring.

Even before the midnight feedings and late night diaper changes commence, Amber's sleep schedule has been disrupted by the new baby. Along with strange food cravings, morning sickness and a growing belly, Amber must also learn to sleep for two.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, 78 percent of women reported more disturbed sleep during pregnancy than at other times. Sleep disturbances during pregnancy are often caused by nausea, heartburn, restless leg syndrome, frequent bathroom visits and snoring -- all aggravated by poor sleep habits developed before pregnancy. Also, expectant moms must learn to sleep in different positions to accommodate their growing baby.

The Sleep Number Solution

To ensure a better, more comfortable night's rest during pregnancy, a mother-to-be may choose to find her Sleep Number. A Sleep Number is a number between zero and 100 which represents the ideal combination of mattress comfort, firmness and support for each individual on a Sleep Number Bed by Select Comfort. Unlike traditional innerspring mattresses, the firmness of a Sleep Number bed can be personally adjusted for comfort.

"Being seven months pregnant, I love that I can adjust the firmness of my mattress to offer my body, and my baby, better support," said Amber Thrash. "Since this is my first baby, I'm learning how to sleep differently. Being able to adjust my Sleep Number has made finding a comfortable sleep position much easier."

Best of all, each side of the Sleep Number bed can be quickly and independently adjusted to the precise comfort level each partner prefers. So James, the dad-to-be, can keep his side of the bed at his ideal comfort level at Sleep Number 40, while Amber changes her Sleep Number to accommodate her changing physique.

The Pregnancy Pack

Once an expectant mom has found a supportive sleep surface, there are other bedding accessories that can help her rest easier. Select Comfort has introduced a new "Pregnancy Accessory Pack" to help women sleep better through pregnancy and after the baby arrives. The package includes the choice of a sidesleeper pillow that allows easier sleeping on the left side, as recommended by physicians, or a new four-position pillow that can be placed under the knees or behind the back for support.

For the first time, Select Comfort is also offering the HALO Infant SleepSack . The special baby sleeper was created to replace loose blankets, reducing the chances of breathing obstructions often caused by soft bedding as recommended by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission. The SleepSack is endorsed by the SIDS Alliance, and has a "Back To Sleep" logo embroidered on the front as an added reminder to all caregivers to always place baby to sleep on his or her back.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Select Comfort is a leader in sleep solutions technology, holding 27 U.S. issued or pending patents for its products. The company designs, manufactures and markets a line of adjustable-firmness mattresses, including The Sleep Number bed, as well as foundations and sleep accessories. Select Comfort's products are sold through its 328 retail stores nationwide, including 26 leased departments in Bed Bath & Beyond stores; through its national direct marketing operations at (800) 535-BEDS; and on the Internet at www.selectcomfort.com.