Sleep Is Not a Luxury

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Snooze Director
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It’s almost eight months since I started my journey as the first-ever Sleepy’s Snooze Director.  I have learned so much about sleep and mattresses; I can’t help but reflect on what I’ve learned.  It’s not all too often that you’re able to have a job that is not only professionally rewarding, but also beneficial to your health.  This job was created as a way to express the importance of sleep and how it affects your life, but I still feel like there is much more to be done to make sleep a priority in everyone’s lives.

I think that the main battle we have to overcome as sleep enthusiasts is to define sleep as a necessity, not a luxury.  Our society glorifies (and almost demands) sleep deprivation as a normal thing.  Students are frequently pulling all-nighters to get through their demanding schedules of classes, jobs and coursework (not to mention extracurricular as well).  Also, many people are forced to take on shift work to make ends meet.  Then there are the people with the mantra, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” who make it no easier to believe that sleep is crucial.

I believe there is hope for our cause though.  I’ve been seeing “Sleep” sections on some of the most visited websites, such as Yahoo, The Huffington Post and WebMD.  There is also Sleep.com which is a website entirely devoted to sleep.  This is great because now people have access to sleep information whenever they want.  It’s just a matter of getting people to realize that their sleep troubles are actually problems with real solutions.  All too often I’ll hear someone say, “Oh, I’m just a light sleeper,” and they accept the fact that they don’t sleep well.  To them I say, “Get help!”  When your TV isn’t working, you get it fixed.  When your tooth hurts, you go to the dentist.  If you’re not sleeping well, talk to your doctor!

What are your views on sleep?  Is it a necessity or is it a luxury?  What are you doing to advocate the importance of sleep in everyone’s lives?  Do you ever talk to your doctor about your sleep problems?  I want to hear from you, so make sure to leave a comment below so that we can have a great conversation about this.  It’s in my opinion that if we don’t start to openly talk about sleep and our problems with sleep, then we won’t be able to change the public perception of sleep as a luxury.

 

Contributor: Emily Barrett

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Sleep Tip Experiment 2: No Coffee

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Snooze Director
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It’s been a while since my last sleep tip experiment, which I am still working on and enjoying its benefits of sound sleep.  My latest experiment consisted of one week without any coffee.  Before I got my job as the Sleepy’s Snooze Director, I would have multiple cups of coffee throughout my day.  Once I learned how much coffee and caffeine affects your sleep if consumed in the afternoon, I cut back to just my one morning cup of coffee.  But last week I went for the extreme, no coffee at all!  How was I going to get through my day?!  What am I going to do to give me an extra push in the morning?!  I was nervous, but I knew I had to do this, for you my readers.

I feel as if this experiment would have been easier if A) my mom didn’t make coffee every morning (fresh brewed coffee is one of my favorite scents) and B) I didn’t pass four Dunkin Donuts, three 7-11’s and a Starbucks on my way to work (I can’t even count how many delis and bagel stores I pass).  I resorted to two drinks for my coffee-free week; green tea and water.  Drinking a glass of cold water is a much better choice for an afternoon energy boost than coffee or soda.  The sugar and caffeine in coffee and soda will only lead to a harder crash; water will give you the boost (and hydration) you need to tackle the 3pm slump.

The first day was fairly tough; green tea doesn’t have as much caffeine as coffee.  I had three cups of green tea on my first day just to try and add up my caffeine fix, which yes, is cheating, I suppose.  But the green tea just didn’t give me that boost I needed on my first day without coffee.  I do have to say that I was fortunate enough to not get the dreaded caffeine withdrawal headache during my experiment, which I now think is a sign that I don’t really need my daily cup of coffee.

By the middle of the week the only thing I was missing was the taste of coffee.  I was drinking more water than I normally did so my body was fully hydrated which is a great natural way to give yourself an energy boost.  I was also battling a bit of a cold and I think that because I was drinking water and green tea, my body was able to beat my cold more quickly.  Completing this sleep tip experiment has made me realize that I don’t need coffee for energy.  Not drinking coffee at all made it even easier to fall asleep at night.  I felt that I was sleeping more deeply because I didn’t have coffee at all.  This experiment really showed me how crucial quality sleep is when it comes to having enough energy to get you through your day.  Coffee and energy drinks just don’t compare to quality sleep when it comes to your energy level.

Since I have completed this sleep tip experiment of no coffee, I have returned to one cup of coffee a day, but it’s more so to enjoy the taste of it.  I love the smell of coffee brewed in the morning and I love the flavor, it’s just something I would miss.  One cup of coffee isn’t bad for you; in fact studies have recently showed that drinking multiple cups of coffee in a day may decrease a woman’s risk of developing depression.  But when it comes to sleep, coffee intake can definitely affect your quality of sleep.  So if you have a hard time falling asleep each night, you may want to try and see if you can go a week without coffee and see if it improves your sleep quality.

Have you ever given up coffee for a period of time?  Do you think you would be able to go a week without coffee?  Tell me in the comment section below!

 

Contributor: Emily Barrett

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Sleepys Hiring Event In Virginia

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Snooze Director
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Sleepy’s is constantly growing and frequently hosting hiring events to find great talent to join our team.  Sleepy’s recruiters will be at our Fredericksburg, Virginia (full address below) this Thursday January 26th from 10AM until 8PM.  Our recruiters are looking for experienced salespeople to join the lucrative and rewarding career path as a Mattress Professional.

We are looking to fill both part-time and full-time positions.  While having experience in sales is preferred, it is not required because all newly hired Mattress Professionals have to complete an intensive four week, paid training course that will provide the knowledge and experience to make you a successful Mattress Professional.  Besides the excellent benefits package Sleepy’s has to offer, you’ll also have the satisfaction of changing someone’s life.  Mattress Professionals are not only selling just a mattress, they’re selling a great night’s sleep which also leads to good health!

More and more studies have been coming out on the benefits of sleep.  Both physical and mental health can be improved with quality sleep.  Without the proper rest each night, our quality of life decreases to the point where we become susceptible to life threatening illnesses such as heart disease.  As more research comes out, it verifies the importance of sleep and that is exactly what we provide to our customers!

If you or someone you know is looking for a new career, then come apply in-person at our Sleepy’s showroom in Fredericksburg, Virginia this Thursday (1/26).  Bring a copy of your resume and dress professionally, as you will be meeting with one of our recruiters.  If you want to change people’s lives, join a continually growing company and start a rewarding career, then Sleepy’s wants you!  We’re also hiring Mattress Professionals across the Northeast as well as in our warehouses and corporate office.  To view all available jobs at Sleepy’s visit Sleepys.jobs.

The full details of theVirginia hiring event are below:

Sleepy’s Open House Hiring Event

Thursday January 26th, 2012

10AM – 8PM

5629 Plank Road

Fredericksburg, VA 22407

(540)548-2369

 

Contributor: Emily Barrett

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How to Decrease Stress for Better Sleep

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Snooze Director
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A blaring alarm clock is the first thing that sets the snowball effect of a stressful day in full motion.  Struggling to get out of bed, hitting the snooze button too many times and you’re too late to eat breakfast before work.  After sitting in traffic during your commute you get to work and find three urgent messages from your boss, there’s no hope for the day to slow down.  By the time you get home, after sitting in traffic yet again, it’s time to make dinner, tidy the house and rest your head on your pillow while all the stressful thoughts of what you didn’t accomplish today invade your brain preventing you from falling asleep.  Stress is stress.  We all have it and we all cope with it in different ways.  But there are ways to help calm yourself when your stress levels start to peak.  Being able to eliminate stress in little ways will help you rest easy at night and get better sleep.  Here are a few tips for calming down.

The first step to calming down is to figure out what exactly is causing it.  You may be sleeping eight hours each night, but do you wake up still feeling tired?  It will be worth your while to schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss you sleep quality and see if there’s an underlying sleep disorder that is preventing your from getting deep sleep.  When we don’t get enough sleep, stresses become more difficult to deal with because we don’t have the full mental capacity or energy to solve the issue.

I think we can all agree that stress makes us lose focus and become unproductive.  Taking a step back and trying a deep breathing exercise can help calm your nerves and refocus your energy.  In my weekly yoga class we work on our breathing, so I can vouch for the effectiveness of breathing exercises.  Inhaling and exhaling for equal counts of four, in through the nose and out through the mouth, can help reduce your stress.  It’s really important to focus on yourself when stress seems to be taking over.  Giving yourself a little more me-time, even if it’s just a minute of deep breathing, will help you cope with stress.

Don’t let the stress of a busy day keep you from hitting the gym.  If you think you don’t have time to go to the gym in your busy day then think again.  You don’t even have to break a sweat; just take a walk around the office when stress starts piling up.  Getting your heart rate up will reduce hormones that counteract stress.  I think that Elle Woods, the fabulous main character of Legally Blonde, said the best quote about stress and exercising:

“Exercise gives you endorphins.  Endorphins make you happy.  Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t.”

If something is stressing you out, then take a minute and just walk away from it, seriously.  If it’s at work, get up from your desk and step outside, a little sunshine can’t hurt and can improve your mood.  If it’s a fight with your significant other, walk into the other room to cool off.  Any kind of movement will help with stress, whether it’s a light walk or a session at the gym lifting weights.  Getting active to deal with stress will not only have you feeling great, you’ll also look great too!

After dealing with a day of stress, don’t you just want to grab a pint of ice cream or a bacon cheeseburger to pat yourself on the back?  DON’T!  Well, please, reward yourself, YOU DESERVE IT, but don’t run to the nearest junk food item.  You can celebrate with better snacks that are still delicious.  I’m a big fan of chocolate covered anything, so I suggest if you’re looking for a sugary “Job Well Done” then reach for some chocolate covered strawberries.  I’m also addicted to peanut butter so instead of grabbing a bag of chips, I go for a handful of baby carrots and dip them into peanut butter (I hear celery is delicious with peanut butter as well).  Also, another benefit of carrots and celery you may ask?  They’re super crunchy so you can chomp out some of your built up stress (carefully though, no need to chip a tooth!).

The most important tip (at least to me) is to not bring your stressful thoughts into bed.  Having a racing mind will keep you from falling asleep and achieving restorative deep sleep.  My mom always told me to grab a pen and paper and write down whatever thoughts were keeping me up at night and it actually works (thanks mom!).  Give it a try!  Next time you let stressful thoughts flood your brain, write them down so that they’re out of your head, especially if it’s a to-do list.  How often are the thoughts that keep you up at night about what you didn’t get to finish that day and what you’ll have to do tomorrow?  Write them down so that you won’t forget about them in the morning and you’ll be able to sleep much easier knowing that you have all your thoughts in one place (thank me later).

There will always be stress, but now you have different techniques to try when times get tough.  There’s no foolproof way when it comes to coping with stress; it’s just like sleep tips, everyone reacts differently to them.  All that matters is that you try something so that you can find the best method for coping with your own stress.  Improving your ways of coping with stress will make it easier to sleep at night and we all know how sleep directly affects both your mood and health. 

 

Contributor: Emily Barrett

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Should Schools Start Later?

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Snooze Director
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The internet is buzzing with the latest sleep debate.  Should schools start later as a means to combat teens’ sleep deprivation?  More research has been coming out that suggests that biologically, teenagers’ circadian rhythms are set to produce melatonin much later in the night, between 11pm and 12am, so they are unable to fall asleep in time to get enough hours of sleep before school the next day.  So if you’re thinking your teen is staying up late just to Facebook with friends and text all night, you may want to think again.  Both sides of this argument have plausible defenses, but at the end of the day, what should we go with?  Let’s bring both sides of the argument into the hypothetical boxing ring.

In this corner of the ring we have the long reigning champ known as logistics.  The way we have school times set up now is so that the youngest kids are picked up last so that they aren’t waiting for the bus in the darkest mornings of winter which is a safety issue.  Elementary students get picked up last and middle and high school students get picked up first.  School times that are currently in place exist because of parents’ work schedules as well as the students’ after-school activities.  If school starts later then the students get out later and then their sports and clubs get pushed back and so does getting homework getting done and so on and so forth, into a giant snowball of reasons why not to start school after 8am.

On the opposite side of this argument we have the rookie, the supporter of later school starting times.  Any teenager will automatically back this argument, even without further details.  But there are scientific facts that back up this rookie argument that could KO the reigning champ.  Teenagers’ don’t produce melatonin until later in the night compared to adults and children, which is why they stay up later.  So when they wake up early in the morning to get ready for school, there is still melatonin in their body which makes it very difficult to wake up.  The teenagers are basically zombies during the first few periods as their bodies slowly wake up.  If the school day started a little bit later than the students would be getting more sleep each night which may result in better attendance, higher grades and less of a chance of depression. 

I’m not even sure if I know where I stand on this issue.  I remember my zombie mornings getting ready for school and barely remembering my first four classes of the day when I was in high school, but I did survive it, with decent grades.  Then again, if my peers were given more time to sleep, they would’ve probably been equally successful with their grades and actually attend the first few periods of the day.  But then would we have to shift the average work day so that working parents are able to get their kids to and from school safely?  Where do you stand on this delayed school debate?  Do you think school start times should remain the same as they are or should they start later?  How do you think your high school experience would have been different if it started later in the morning?

 

Contributor: Emily Barrett

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Career Opportunities at Sleepys

Posted on January 2, 2012 by Snooze Director
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I stumbled upon an article on MSN about nine different careers that have the most potential in 2012 and one of the careers was becoming a customer service representative.  Did you know that Sleepy’s is actively hiring new candidates to join our team of customer service representatives in our corporate headquarters?  A career as a customer service representative at Sleepy’s is a great opportunity because not only can you grow in the field, but our company is growing every day and it’s very exciting to be a part of a company that is expanding quickly.

If you’re ready to switch to a new career, then come interview in-person at the Sleepy’s Corporate Headquarters in Hicksville, New York on Wednesday January 4th, 2012.  Bring a copy of your resume and dress professionally as you will be meeting with the recruiters.  Sleepy’s customer service representatives are offered paid training, a great benefits package and of course, the potential to grow within the company and earn a substantial income.

We’re looking for individuals who have excellent communications skills and fluency in another language is a huge plus (not required).  Basic computer skills and the availability to work some holidays are preferred.  The extensive training program we offer will teach you all the skills you will need to know and how to handle delicate situations with ease.

Visit the Sleepy’s Career Page to learn about other job opportunities that are available and if you can’t make the hiring event than email your resume to SDewitt@mattress.com.  More details about the in-house hiring event are below:

WHERE:

Sleepy’s Corporate Headquarters

1000 South Oyster Bay Road

Hicksville, NY 11801

WHEN:

Wednesday January 4th, 2012

8:30AM – 6:30PM

 

Contributor: Emily Barrett

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The New Sleepys Commercial Makes You Shed a Tear

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Snooze Director
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There goes Sleepy’s tugging at my heart strings…  Have you seen our newest ad campaign featuring the classic Beatles’ song, “In My Life,” on TV or on YouTube yet?  It features all the different life stages from just getting married, to pregnancy and how kids grow up enjoying their mattresses.

By now we all know that we spend one-third of our lives in bed, this new ad campaign shows us just how much we enjoy our time spent on our beds.  The new commercials, which will begin airing on TV the week of December 26th, emphasize the importance of how our bedrooms really are our sanctuaries, where life’s little moments are fully enjoyed.

Sleepy’s conducted a survey just to see what people really thought of their beds and their bedrooms.  The survey results showed (of the 1000+ surveyed):

  • 60% used their bed as a spot for family gathering, having kids and pets snuggle up to bond.
  • 52% believed their bedroom was a “sleep sanctuary” and the ultimate spot in the house for comfort and security.
  • Almost 40% thought of their bed as a multi-functioning area that was used for reading, watching TV, surfing the internet and sleeping.

I think everyone can relate to this commercial at some point or another.  I remember jumping on my mom’s bed (although instead of The Beatles playing, it was The Allman Brothers).  This ad campaign focuses on just how much of our lives take place in bed, even when we’re not sleeping!  Whether snuggling with your kids during a thunderstorm or discussing your day with your spouse, Sleepy’s understands that your mattress is the focal point of your sleep sanctuary and we’ll be with you for all of life’s little moments.

Grab a tissue box and check out our latest ad campaign:

 

Contributor: Emily Barrett

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Sleepy’s Jobs: Now Hiring Customer Care Reps

Posted on December 26, 2011 by Snooze Director
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As the New Year approaches, have you considered starting a new career?  Sleepy’s is offering you the opportunity to do so!  We are looking to hire new talent to join our Customer Care Team for the New Year.

For the next two weeks (week of 12/26 & 01/02) you can apply in person at our corporate offices, Monday through Thursday from 9am until 5pm to be considered for the position.  Come in to check out what Sleepy’s is all about!

Sleepy’s, the Mattress Professionals, is a growing company that is looking to hire customer service representatives for our call center.  We are looking for eager individuals who are ready to contribute to the success of our company.  Our customer service representatives in the call center take about 50 calls each day.

That number may sound a bit overwhelming, but joining our Customer Care Team means you will undergo our paid training program that will extensively cover all the information you will need to succeed in this position.  You will learn hands-on in a classroom style because our corporate office has a state of the art training facility.  You will also team up with an active sales representative who will mentor you throughout your training.

Responsibilities of our customer service representatives include, but are not limited to:

  • Handling calls from customers with issues concerning exchange, warranty and delivery.
  • Resolve difficult situations, interpret customer concerns and be able to determine the best course of action that solves the customer’s issue while holding to the company/vendor policies
  • Provide excellent customer relations as a way to promote positive word-of-mouth advertising
  • Check in with customers to make sure that all problems have been properly completed and that the customer is satisfied
  • Additional responsibilities can be assigned from Management

Our recruitment team will be assessing you on the following requirements:

  • Minimum 1 year of experience in a customer related position
  • Must be an effective communicator with excellent phone skills
  • Thrives in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
  • Strong computer skills preferred
  • Must be a self-starter who is dependable and driven to succeed
  • Must be flexible to work evenings, weekends and some holidays
  • Bi-lingual is a huge plus

Joining the Sleepy’s team gives you the opportunity to take advantage of our impressive benefits package which includes, but is not limited to: medical, dental, vision care, 401(k) plane and generous employee discounts.  If you’re ready to join a company that is continuously growing and gives you the opportunity to grow within it, then come visit the Sleepy’s corporate offices inHicksville,New York to speak with one of our recruiters in person!  See additional details below:

Corporate Office Address:

1000 South Oyster Bay Road

Hicksville, NY 11801

Dates:

12/27/11 – 12/29/11

01/02/12 – 01/05/12

Time: 9AM – 5PM 

Please remember to dress professionally, bring two copies of your resume and your shining personality!

If you are unable to meet with one of our recruiters in person, please submit your resume to recruit@mattress.com.

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Give the Gift of Sleep

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Snooze Director
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It’s crunch time for completing your holiday gift list!  Is there any one on your list that is difficult to get for?  Do you have someone on your list that already has everything under the sun?  Or perhaps you need to get a gift for someone you don’t know very well.  Why not give them the gift of quality sleep?  With a variety of sleep products on the market, you can find the perfect gift for that someone and you won’t have to break the bank to get it.

Sleepy’s has some great sleep gift suggestions for you.  From slippers to books, you will be able to find a gift that is thoughtful and useful.  After being kept up late wrapping presents and attending holiday parties, giving the gift of sleep to someone will definitely be appreciated!  Getting a great night’s sleep will help relieve tension and stress that is built up around the holiday season. 

Another great idea for that impossible someone is to give them a nice bedding item that aides a great night’s sleep.  It’s also a thoughtful idea, because most people don’t remember to get new pillows or sheets after some time.  One night on a brand new memory foam pillow, as opposed to their old flat pillow, could have you on someone’s “Nice List,” for next year!  Do you have a college student on your list?  How about getting them a supportive and comfortable mattress topper?  When I was in college, my foam mattress topper transformed my floorboard of a mattress into a comfortable haven. 

Think about the person’s bedroom as well.  Healthy, restorative sleep comes with proper sleep hygiene and one of the best tips for good sleep hygiene is sleeping in a dark room.  Room darkening shades prevent any excess light from the outdoors from seeping into the bedroom.  This may not be the best choice for someone you aren’t very familiar with though.  An eye mask would have similar effects to room darkening shades and you wouldn’t have to know the color scheme of their bedroom!

Sleep is so essential for good health, both physical and mental.  At a time when we all become sleep deprived and stressed, a great night’s sleep is the best gift of all!  There are plenty of different ideas when it comes to sleep-themed gifts, you will find something for everyone.  Giving a restful night’s sleep for the holidays will make everyone happier and enjoy their company more knowing that they are relaxed from their quality sleep.  We here at Sleepy’s hope you have a happy and restful holiday!

Be on the lookout for our After-Christmas Sale when you can get a great price on a new mattress and all your bedding essentials.

 

Contributor: Emily Barrett

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Sleepy’s Jobs: Now Hiring Sales Professionals

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Snooze Director
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In these uncertain economic times, it is difficult to find a career that gives you the opportunity to grow.  But working for Sleepy’s will provide you with just that and more!  Sleepy’s has been in the business for over 50 years and we’re expanding into more areas daily.  Our company is growing strong with over 700 stores across the Northeast.  If you would like to join our team then please join us for a hiring event at our Sleepy’s showroom in Rockaway, New Jersey.

Currently, we are looking to hire new people to join our sales force of extraordinary Mattress Professionals.  Whether you want to work part-time or full-time, we have openings for both types.  Becoming a member of our sales force will require you to go through a four week paid training experience.  Not only will you learn about mattresses and the selling process, but you’ll also be learning about sleep!  Our Mattress Professionals do NOT sell a mattress, they are selling a great night’s sleep and on top of that, they are also selling how the person will wake up feeling everyday for the next 10 years! 

Our Sales Recruiters are looking for individuals who are driven, outgoing and passionate about helping our customers get the best night sleep within their budget.  Having job stability and sales experience is a plus (not a requirement).  If you or someone you know are looking for a career in a field that offers rewarding benefits and job growth, then please come to our Open House hiring event Tuesday December 13th, 2011 from 10AM until 8PM.

Please bring a copy or two of your resume, dress professionally and bring your outstanding personality!

The Sleepy’s Open House hiring event on Tuesday December 13th from 10AM – 8PM will be at our Sleepy’s Showroom in Rockaway,New Jersey. 

Address:

321 Mount Hope Avenue

Rockaway, NJ 07866

Phone: 973-328-1614 

If you are unable to attend this hiring event or want to view other job opportunities at Sleepy’s please visit www.sleepys.jobs or submit your resume to recruit@mattress.com.

 

Contributor: Emily Barrett

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