Commercial feature – It’s a startling fact that by the time we reach the age of 60, we will have each spent approximately 20 years of our life asleep. Or at least some of us will have.

It turns out that many people don’t get nearly as much quality sleep as they need. A survey by Future Laboratory (April 2009) claims that 8.5 million people in Britain get less than 4.5 hours sleep every night, and 1.5 million get by on just 3.5 hours. Given that a good night’s sleep is essential for our physical and mental wellbeing, these are worrying statistics indeed.

It’s heartening to note, then, that a large proportion of sleep deprivation is caused, quite simply, by inadequate beds – which thankfully can easily be rectified. A new bed may not be top of your shopping list, but in the long run it really does pay to get the right one – and you may need a new one more than you realise. According to the experts, you should replace your mattress every 8-10 years as it deteriorates by about 75% during that time, absorbing half a pint of sweat each night, plus all those dead skin cells which attract dust mites. Add to that a rickety old bed frame and what you have are fitful nights spent tossing and turning, and tired, grumpy days filled with aches and pains and aggravated allergies.

So when you’re looking to invest in something as important as a new bed, it’s best to consult those who really know what they’re talking about. The style, of course, is up to you, but it makes sense to learn as much as possible about the factors that affect your sleep quality so that you can then make a truly informed decision.

Sue Killick is expert bed buyer at Furniture Village – one of the many advisors they have on hand to help customers make the right choice – and she has some valuable tips on what you should be considering when you’re in store shopping for beds: “Lie on your back and slip your hand between the base of your spine and the mattress – if this is difficult the mattress may be too soft, and if it is too easy the mattress may be too hard.” She also stresses the importance of buying the right sized bed: “Bigger is better,” she says – as big as you can comfortably fit into your room in fact, and at least 10-15cm longer than the tallest occupant.

You can’t put a price on a good night’s sleep and the health benefits it brings, so finding the right bed really is worth every penny. Armed with the vital information you need, you can be confident that you will invest your money in the right model – you might just end up getting the best night’s sleep you’ve ever had, every single night.