Healthy Benefits
According to research, sleep plays an important role in consolidating information and memories in the brain.
Studies show that loss of sleep can affect weight gain by changing the metabolic pathways that control appetite.
A night of peaceful slumber may help the body fight cancer because sleep influences the hormones cortisol and melatonin.

Bedding Uncovered
•Mattress: A mattress may be your most important purchase toward getting quality shut-eye. Choose from firm to super plush (and many degrees in between), or select a pillow-top for extra cushioning. Other mattress options include foam, air, and futon: the choice depends on your personal preference and needs.
•Feather bed: Add a feather bed if you want an extra layer of comfort. Although not for everyone, a feather bed (almost like a large pillow that covers the mattress) surrounds you in supreme softness.
•Mattress cover: Depending on the style you get, a mattress cover will protect your mattress top and add thickness. It’s a nice alternative to (and it’s cheaper than) a feather bed.
•Sheets: Some people wax poetic about the virtue of 300 or greater thread: count sheets for better sleep, while others debunk the theory as a mere extravagance (higher-count sheets cost considerably more than their lesser-count cousins). Truth be told, sheets with higher thread counts do feel softer then those with lower ones. Flannel sheets make a nice fall or winter alternative.
•Blankets: Choose a light cotton or cotton-blend blanket for our fickle Southern winter nights. On milder nights, one blanket should suffice, and on cooler evenings, a blanket plus a comforter will keep you nice and toasty. Many couples prefer the practicality of a dual-control electric blanket.
•Comforter: On chilly nights, a synthetic or natural-fiber comforter comes in handy. A warning though: Because this type of bedding traps heat so efficiently, many people find a comforter too much.

Mattress Musts
Buying a new mattress means more than finding a bargain. You need to consider a number of things before making this important purchase. Shop at a store with knowledgeable personnel who can answer your questions. Test your selections by lying down--head to toe--with your shoes off for several minutes. For couples, each partner should try out the mattress. Purchasing a matching mattress and foundation as a set will give more sleep support and prove more durable.

"Rest Easy" is from the May 2008 issue of Southern Living.