For some of us, getting a good night’s sleep may not be as simple as closing our eyes and drifting off into dreamland.

Sometimes, it’s the little things: a flickering light shining through the window or a neighbourhood cat that seems just as restless. But most often, it is our beds that make the biggest difference; having to bear with a lumpy, hot mattress and scratchy sheets can keep us up for hours on end, perhaps even until the sun creeps over the horizon.

Indeed, beyond what’s outside the confines of our bedrooms (and what might likely be resolved with a good soundproof window or blackout curtains), our beds are perhaps the most essential ingredient for a deep, energising snooze.

Making an effort to choose and invest in a high-quality bed is key to waking up fresh and ready to take on the day — every day. And that means all parts; if your mattress doesn’t offer the right balance of comfort, support and breathability, even the finest bedding won’t make up for it.

So, what makes one bed better than another?

With mattresses, it comes down to two things. First and most important is support. Whether you prefer a firm bed or something squishier, a good mattress should help maintain your spine’s natural alignment.

Try things out while shopping. When lying on your back, you should maintain a neutral position without feeling like you are being forced to arch or flatten your body. On your side, you should feel your body form a straight line from your head to your heels. If your spine feels like it’s bending or misaligned, the mattress may not provide enough support.

The second key requirement for a good mattress is the material it’s made of. This is a matter of personal preference. For instance, if you share your bed with a partner — particularly someone who tosses and turns in their sleep — memory foam might be the way to go since it is better at isolating and absorbing motion.

Latex is a more durable material and comes with more bounce than a foam mattress. Meanwhile, a coil or innerspring mattress is better at providing firm, even support, which can be beneficial for back sleepers or those who need extra lumbar support. There are even hybrid mattresses that combine coils and memory foam or latex to get an in-between of benefits.

We like CUCKOO’s O-Series mattress, which has four layers: a base of coils with a polyurethane border, an insulation layer of white felt, an organic natural latex topper, and a cover layer with anti-dust mite, anti-static and cooling properties. The topper can be customised to switch between a firm one for more structured support and a soft option for a plush, cosy feel.

The O-Series is Singapore’s first aniline-free Korean mattress, eliminating harmful chemicals commonly found in dyes for a safer sleep environment. CUCKOO also offers home care service from $200 per year; this includes biannual deep cleaning and antimicrobial coating, ensuring long-term hygiene and freshness.

The CUCKOO O-Series mattress retails for $4,999 for a super single, $6,699 for a queen and $7,899 for a king; all options include one year of home care service.

Another brand that has a solid range of sleep essentials is Heveya. Designed for optimal spinal alignment and breathability, the brand’s mattresses are made with natural organic latex, free from synthetic foams and harmful chemicals. They are hypoallergenic, dust mite-resistant and provide good airflow for a cooler sleep.

Heveya’s mattresses, which start at $2,788, come in various heights, firmness levels and sizes. The brand also offers pillows and bolsters to support different sleeping styles.

Go natural

The next step to optimising your sleep experience is choosing the right sheets. Although thread count is the most common measure of bedding quality, it’s not the be-all and end-all. More critical is ensuring that sheets are made with high-quality natural materials instead of synthetic fibres, such as polyester.

For starters, natural materials are more breathable than their synthetic counterparts. They allow air to flow more freely, helping to keep things cool even on particularly muggy or warm nights. Synthetics, however, trap heat, which can mean waking up covered in sweat.

Natural materials can also feel better over time. Egyptian cotton, for instance, tends to become softer with every wash while maintaining its strength. Linen, derived from the flax plant, is extra breathable thanks to its looser weave and can last for decades when properly cared for.

Natural materials are a far greener choice for those seeking a sustainable sleep setup than synthetics. Organic cotton and linen require fewer pesticides and chemicals to produce; wool and silk are also renewable resources with a lower environmental impact. Additionally, natural fabrics biodegrade much more efficiently, reducing waste and pollution.

Founded in 2008, Silky Miracle specialises in apparel and bedding made of mulberry silk. The material is not only supple and elegant but also offers numerous benefits for health and well-being. In addition to its smooth and shiny appearance, silk is also gentle on skin and hair, reducing friction that can lead to wrinkles or breakage. Silky Miracle’s silk bedding sets come in several colours, with prices starting from GBP2,088 (about $3,600).

Besides mattresses, Heveya offers sheets of different natural materials: bamboo lyocell, bamboo cotton, and flax linen. The bamboo lyocell is soft, silky and smooth, while the bamboo cotton is naturally hypoallergenic, breathable and temperature-regulating. The flax linen, made from ethically sourced organic European flax, uses all parts of the plant, leaving no waste. Available in fitted, flat and duvet sets, Heveya’s bedding prices start at $138.

Homegrown brand Sojao’s classic bedding sets, priced at $227.94 for a single, come in various colours and designs without chemical dyes, so they are suitable for those with sensitive skin. The brand’s best-selling classic sateen sheets are made sustainably with Global Organic Textile Standard-certified organic cotton, making them lightweight, breathable and super soft.

Check out the latest stories on Buy right