As the seasons change, so too do our sleep habits. Summer brings longer days, lighter evenings and warmer weather, all of which can have an impact on how we sleep at night. Many of us love the changes that come with summer, but when it comes to rest, the excess heat and light can be detrimental.

That’s why it’s important to refresh your bedroom ahead of the new season. With a few simple swaps and changes, you can ensure that sleep comes easily even as temperatures reach their peak.

With that in mind, here are five simple changes you can make to your bedroom for summer.

Swap blankets for light bedding

In winter, many of us like to wrap ourselves in blankets to stay cosy in the cold. But when trying to fall asleep in summer, too many layers can stop you getting the sleep you need. Rising temperatures mean it’s time to swap your cost blankets and heavy duvets for lighter bedding.

Choose bedding with light and breezy materials, creating light layers of sheets, coverlets and a lighter duvet. That way, you can cover up as much or as little as you like, making it easier to adjust your bed depending on the temperature.

Similarly, swapping heavy pyjamas for lighter weight sleepwear can also help you stay cool in summer.

Invest in blackout blinds

As well as more heat, summer also means more light. Evenings can stay light as late as 10pm, and with the sun rising around 4am in the height of summer, this doesn’t leave much room for restful, dark slumber.

Investing in blackout blinds means you are back in control of your bedroom’s light levels. You can reduce the amount of light coming into your sleep space as soon as you start unwinding for bed, helping you get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep.

Switch clutter for calm

The phrase ‘tidy house, tidy mind’ is particularly relevant when it comes to the bedroom. Clutter and mess can add extra stress, making it harder to wind down for sleep, and the summer sun pouring into your room is infamous for highlighting all the messes, dust and dirt you didn’t notice in the winter.

Put some time aside to renew your bedroom with a deep clean, removing clutter and making your sleep environment feel cleaner, fresher and more inviting.

Open your windows

Speaking of freshness, it’s easy for bedrooms to become stuffy in the summer, as we sweat more on summer nights. Opening your windows is a simple way to ensure your sleep space remains airy and pleasant throughout the warmer months.

Swap to a lighter colour palette

Colours can have a significant impact on how we feel in an environment. Blues, greens and other cooler shades are associated with greater relaxation, while warm tones of yellow, orange and red can make us feel more emotional and energised.

Darker colours are good in winter to create a sense of hibernation, but lighter tones can make your bedroom feel airier and fresher in summer. What’s more, darker colours absorb more heat, so cool tones can literally cool down your sleep environment when the weather is warm.

The best sleep happens on a high quality mattress, so check out the Perks range now. You can also explore the rest of our blog for more sleep news and tips.

The post 5 simple bedroom switches for summer appeared first on Mammoth Perks.

Many of us change our habits depending on the time of year. We might switch up our weekday menus, go on more walks, or spend more time in the garden. But one way in which we should be changing our habits to fit the season is to alter the way we sleep, and the environment we choose to sleep in.

While winter is all about layering up, staying warm and hibernating through the dark nights, spring requires a complete overhaul in the way we approach our bedroom space. Here are our top tips to make your bedroom more sleep-friendly for spring.

Spring clean

Spring is a time for fresh starts. Spring cleaning is something many of us do at this time of year, decluttering our homes and making sure everything feels neat and tidy.

But the benefits of spring cleaning are more than just aesthetic, especially when it comes to your bedroom. By removing all the clutter and noise from your bedroom, you can create a space which is dedicated purely to relaxation. It is often said that a tidy house creates a tidy mind, with the Anxiety and Depression Association stating that the physical act of cleaning paired with the end result can reduce stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms. As such, removing all the unnecessary mess from your bedroom can create a more welcoming and soothing environment to enjoy in the run up to sleep.

Remove all electronics

Removing electronics from your bedroom is a key part of any sleep environment spring clean. Research has shown that the blue light emitted by smartphones, televisions and other devices – paired with the reems of information your brain is forced to process through constant scrolling – can leave you feeling too wired for sleep in the evening. Avoiding device screens in the run up to bedtime can help you feel more relaxed when your head finally hits the pillow, with meditation, reading or a warm bath being good alternatives to screentime.

Removing screens from your bedroom can encourage these healthier sleep habits, helping you see your bedroom as a space that’s reserved for sleep and relaxing.

Blackout blinds

Your internal clock relies on a darker environment in order to wind down your brain and body effectively in the run up to sleep, encouraging the release of melatonin – our natural sleep hormone.

And with spring comes the arrival of short nights and bright mornings, which means you’ll need to take deliberate steps to keep your bedroom dark throughout your night’s sleep. Blackout blinds are a great investment, preventing daylight from pouring into your bedroom and waking you up or heating up the space.

Keep it cool

Ensuring your bedroom is cool is just as important as making sure it’s dark when it comes to sleep.

As the weather gets warmer, the more likely it is that feeling too hot and sweaty will stop you being able to sleep comfortably. That’s why it’s important to keep your bedroom temperature cool at this time of year. Your blackout blinds will help with this, but you can also switch up your bedding, crack open a window, or invest in a ceiling fan to ensure that the space doesn’t get too warm. Bed accessories like cooling mattress pads can also help in this situation.

According to health and sleep experts like the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the optimal temperature for sleep should fall somewhere between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit for most people, which works out at 18 – 22 degrees Celsius.

The best sleep happens on a high-quality mattress, so check out the Perks range on our website now. You can also explore the rest of our blog for more sleep news and tips.

The post 4 bedroom changes to make it sleep-friendly for spring appeared first on Mammoth Perks.

For most of us, life feels constantly busy. Between work, travelling, social commitments, housekeeping and squeezing in a bit of ‘me time’, the idea of getting a decent night’s sleep every single night can seem laughably unlikely.

But we cannot forget just how important sleep is to our overall health. When we sleep, both our brain and our body repair themselves. We grow muscles, repair tissue and synthesize hormones whilst asleep, and multiple studies have found that sleeping well results in an improved memory.

So how can you design your bedroom to give yourself the chance of the best sleep possible?

Sleep in darkness

Sleeping in a room with too much light tricks our brain into thinking it’s time to be awake. Blackout blinds and curtains are a crucial addition to any bedroom. And just to be sure, why not stash an eye mask in your bedside table just in case?

Keep temperature in mind

The ideal sleeping temperature is between 16-18°C – this causes a small but significant drop in body temperature, which encourages our body to sleep soundly.

Subdue the senses

Bright colours, busy textures and stand out accessories may be the desired effect elsewhere in the house, but with rest and relaxation being the main aim in the bedroom, subdued lighting, restful patterns and soothing colours are advisable. With the same goal, avoid clutter in the bedroom and ensure the room doesn’t double as a home office or study.

Make the right bed choice

Get the basics right. A sleep system (the name given to the base, mattress, pillows, duvet and sheets) is a fundamental requirement here. All about relieving pressure, postural support, temperature regulation and comfort, the choices made in this area are absolutely crucial.

If you find it hard to relax in bed and often wake up tired and uncomfortable, the problem might be the bed itself. A high-quality mattress is an investment which can improve your quality of life by helping you feel well-rested every day.

If you suffer from sleep problems, you’re certainly not alone. Discover more about the Science of Comfort with Mammoth by reading more of Dr Bloomfield’s articles here.

The post Designing your bedroom for the ultimate night’s sleep appeared first on Mammoth Perks.

Ben discovered rugby at the age of 13 and in 2009 he moved from his childhood club, Old Patesians, to join the academy at Bristol RFC. A hardworking and honest player, the highlight of his career to date has been helping the West Country team achieve promotion back to the Premiership in 2016.

After nearly a decade at the club, Ben decided to make the move to Harlequins this season, joining the likes of Danny Care, Mike Brown, Chris Robshaw and Jamie Roberts at the The Stoop.

Asked about his weekly training schedule, Ben says:

“Our typical week consists of 3-4 on field training sessions, 2-3 weights sessions, a team run through and a match at the weekend. This is spread over 5 days with usually Wednesday and Sunday off.”

Ben admits that injuries are unfortunately part and parcel of the modern game. But he says that putting in the right training and placing emphasis on conditioning work and recovery is necessary to protect the body. He says:

“Our training requires us to work at high intensity throughout the week – not just on game day. Without efficient recovery strategies it would be extremely tough to get through a season without picking up a lot of injuries or suffering a drop in performance.

“Obviously, it’s impossible to completely remove the chance of injury. I’ve suffered a few over the course of my career – most notably a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). But I’m lucky enough to have worked with some great medical teams and they’ve ensured that I have returned to action without any ongoing problems.”

When it comes to sleep, Ben admits that he follows a strict regime consisting of seven and a half hours a night with an additional afternoon nap when he’s recovering from a match or tough training day. Without the right quality and quantity of sleep Ben explains that it is near impossible to focus and reach the necessary intensity to perform at the highest level.

“Fortunately I’m a very deep sleeper and don’t usually struggle to get my full complement. I’ve slept through storms, earthquakes and numerous alarms. Once I’m out, nothing really bothers me.

“I definitely prefer a cooler sleeping environment, though. When I’m away from home I need a supportive mattress that won’t cause me to overheat – and that’s what I like most about Mammoth. I’d always preferred foam mattresses in the past but the thing that always bothered me was the heat generated at night. Mammoth’s cooling technology really appealed to me when I heard about the brand through the RPA, so I visited Somerset Beds to give the range a test drive.

“I opted for a Kingsize Performance 240 in the end. I’ve really enjoyed the quality of sleep I get with my Mammoth mattress. It is comfortable yet supportive and I feel both fresh and aligned when I wake up. It is also noticeably cooler than other foam mattresses I have slept on.

Are you interested in following in Ben Glynn’s footsteps and test driving a Mammoth? Find your nearest retailer here.

The post Better Sleep Case Study: Ben Glynn, Professional Rugby Player appeared first on Mammoth Perks.

A study by University College London has produced findings which suggest that children with TVs in their bedrooms are at increased risk of becoming overweight.

The study looked at 12,000 young children across the UK and analysed their TV habits. They found that by age 7, over half the children involved had TVs in their bedroom.

During the study, parents were asked to rate how many hours a day their children spent watching TV. When the children reached 11, researchers examined their body mass index and their percentage of body fat. The results found a clear correlation between extended TV habits and a less healthy BMI.

Girls who had a TV in their bedroom by the age of 7 had a 30% higher chance of being overweight by the time they were 11. Boys were around 20% more likely to be overweight, compared to children who did not have a TV in their bedroom.

Dr Anja Heilmann, one of the researchers on the study, said: “Our study shows there is a clear link between having a TV in the bedroom as a young child and being overweight a few years later.”

How does a TV in the bedroom increase children’s risk of weight gain?

Experts involved in the study agreed that high levels of screen time exposed children to a damaging combination of potential health risks. But how exactly does this extra TV time result in weight gain?

One way is by encouraging poor eating habits, as watching increased amounts of television has been associated with a greater food intake, particularly unhealthy foods. Professor Russell Viner of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) acknowledged this link when he discussed the university’s findings, highlighting that they must be taken seriously.

Viner said: “With a third of 11-year-old children in England overweight and almost one in five obese, urgently tackling the childhood obesity epidemic is absolutely vital.

We know that high levels of screen time expose children to increased risks of being overweight on a number of fronts, creating a damaging combination of a more sedentary lifestyle, increased exposure to junk food advertising, disruption to sleep and poorer ability to regulate eating habits when watching TV.”

In his speech, Viner touched upon the other key way having a TV in the bedroom can promote childhood obesity: by encouraging a lack of sleep.

Researchers say that although the study didn’t produce one clear cause for the weight gain, it’s highly likely that the main reason a TV in the bedroom results in a higher risk of ill health is because children are less likely to sleep as long.

Why is sleep so important to children’s health?

Sleep is important to all of us, but especially children. Sleep, along with diet and exercise, are the three most important factors for a child’s development. When children sleep, blood supply to the muscles is increased, tissue repair and growth take place and vital hormones are released which help to facilitate both mental and physical development.

Sleep helps children to process their thoughts and consolidate memories, so not only will their bodies be healthier but their minds will too. That’s why results such as the ones obtained by University College London are so important, as they show us just some of the many consequences of choosing screen time over sleep.

Sleep is a vital aspect of everyone’s health, whether child or adult. Discover more about the Science of Comfort with Mammoth by ordering our information pack today.

Or you can use our retail finder to discover your nearest trusted stockist.

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But is it doing us more harm than good to get those extra few minutes? Does snoozing make it easier or harder to actually get out of bed?

The verdict…

Unfortunately for those of us who like to take advantage of the snooze button, most sleep science experts tend to lean more towards the negative impacts of snoozing.

According to the experts, snoozing won’t make you feel more rested, and can actually make it harder to get up in the morning. But there are arguments for both sides of the debate, and it is possible to snooze the right way.

Why is snoozing bad for you?

The main argument against snoozing is simply that you’re better off having an extended period of actual sleep instead. Repeatedly hitting the snooze button suggests that you have that time to spare, meaning it could be spent continuing with undisturbed sleep before just getting out of bed at a later first alarm.

There is a science behind this, too. The facts suggest that those of us who are already overtired are more at risk of the negative implications of snoozing. This is because sleep-deprived individuals are more likely to fall back into the beginning of the sleep cycle after hitting the snooze button, producing more of the hormones that encourage deep sleep. The beginning of the sleep cycle is the worst point to be woken up as it will lead our minds and bodies to believe we’ve had a poor night’s sleep overall.

And there’s more. Snoozing can confuse our minds even further because it subliminally changes what we think our alarm means. Instead of being a trigger for us to think “I need to get out of bed now”, it becomes a signal for a “just a few more minutes” response. This can be repeated over and over again, making it harder to get out of bed.

How do you snooze the right way?

So clearly, snoozing isn’t going to do us any good, but it’s also not a great threat you need to avoid completely. As an insurance policy, it’s effective for preventing us from sleeping in and can actually be somewhat beneficial in certain circumstances.

It all depends on whether you’re falling back to sleep after hitting the button. If you are, you’re putting yourself at risk from all the side effects explored above like further tiredness. If, however, you’re using the few minutes between that first and second alarm to lie awake, gently rousing yourself, it can be a useful way to wake up more gradually rather than jolting out of sleep and into the day ahead.

So avoid snoozing if you’re so exhausted that you’re falling straight back to sleep in the interim period. Instead, sleep for as long as you can and maybe use a single snooze alarm to slowly tell yourself it’s time to spring into action.

Want to make the most of your time in bed and ensure that your sleep is truly restorative? Then it’s time to try the Science of Comfort – find your nearest retailer and test drive a Mammoth this week.

The post Is hitting snooze in the morning good or bad for your sleep health? appeared first on Mammoth Perks.

When it comes to maintaining our overall health, there aren’t many things more important than sleep. Sleep not only helps repair and rest our bodies, but also improves our memory and even helps us improve our learning. However, one study has found that there’s a particular day of the week that we find hard to crack – a day when insomnia bites for many of us.

Sunday is the day of restlessness…

Meditation and sleep experts Calm recently conducted a survey through YouGov which polled over four thousand American and British participants. The results were clear, and Sunday produces the highest number of restless nights by far.

In fact, the survey found that 46% of those asked admitted to having trouble sleeping on a Sunday night. This is a staggering 29% higher than the next worst night for insomnia, Monday (17%).

Which night gives us the best sleep?

Saturday and Wednesday were both tied for third place with 9% of people admitting restless nights, followed by Tuesday with 8%, Friday with 7% and Thursday in last place with only 5%. This makes Thursday the night that produces the lowest level of insomnia.

So what is the explanation for these results? It could well be down to the nature of the modern working week. Sunday night leaves us anxious about the full week ahead, whereas by Thursday the weekend is in sight, most of the work is done and you’re beginning to wind down.

So if you tuck yourself in on a Sunday worried about the week to come, what can you do to sleep better?

Improving your sleep quality?

Ditch the devices

The rise of smartphones has had a huge impact on the way we sleep . . . unfortunately for the worse. These devices are particularly bad for sleep as not only do they expose us to harsh light, but they also keep our brains wired with a constant flow of information that makes it difficult to switch off and fall asleep.

Aim to stop using your device at least an hour before you actually hit the hay. Try reading to get your brain tuned in for rest or, even better, meditate before bed to help you wind down.

Dim the lights

Light plays an important role in our ability to sleep. Lots of light releases the hormone serotonin in our bodies. This is our natural happy, energy-filled drug. It’s great for getting you moving in the morning, but not so great when you’re trying to relax before bed.

Darkness, on the other hand, releases the hormone melatonin. Melatonin is the opposite of serotonin: it tells your body that it’s time to relax and go to bed. That’s why you should enjoy your evening in low, muted light and avoid bright screens before bed.

Have a caffeine curfew

Caffeine releases energy which can make us feel more awake. It might sound obvious, but many of us still enjoy a cup of coffee in the evening. Instead, try replacing your evening coffee with herbal tea. Camomile is particularly good for helping our bodies prepare for sleep.

Get out and about during the day

Getting a healthy dose of serotonin during the day helps your body unwind later on, so get outside and enjoy the great outdoors at some point over the weekend. Exercise helps too, whether it’s a run, an outdoor workout class or even just a Sunday afternoon walk.

Invest in a quality mattress

They say it’s a poor workman who blames their tools, but sometimes a bad night’s sleep is the fault of your bed rather than you. Sleep is absolutely vital to our overall health, so a high-quality mattress is an important investment that your body will thank you for.

If the time has come for you to invest in a new mattress, why not test drive the very best and discover the Science of Comfort? You find your nearest stockist using our retail finder here.

The post Which weeknight is worst for insomnia? appeared first on Mammoth Perks.

Since then, Joe has not only continued to represent his country in the men’s kayak singles (K1), he has even appeared on Strictly Come Dancing.

As one of Mammoth’s early adopters, Joe has slept on our mattresses for more than four years. When Joe recently moved house he decided it was time to update to one of the latest Mammoth models – and we were only too happy to help him again.

We took the opportunity to catch up with Joe for a chat and see how things have changed in the time that he has been sleeping on a Mammoth. We talked to him about the long road to success on the biggest stage.

Here he is in his own words…

I got into elite sport by chance really. I was always very sporty growing up but never particularly “elite” at anything. I tried canoeing and absolutely loved it and progressed through the divisions very quickly. Before I knew it, I was representing Great Britain on the junior team. Really, it has all spiralled from there.

Since then I’ve been fortunate enough to win 4 UK Championships, a World Cup silver and, of course, gold at Rio 2016. It’s been an incredible journey for me, but that success has come from a lot of hard work.

A typical day for me would involve multiple training sessions. I’ll be out on the water in the morning and again in the afternoon. I also have to make sure I get in plenty of weight sessions in the gym and go for regular runs to keep my aerobic fitness levels high.

Performing on the biggest stage

Sitting on the start line at an Olympic Games is a very surreal experience. The crowd was much bigger than I’d ever experienced before and the media attention before was just as big! But strangely I felt really calm and collected and ready to go about my business as I had done in training. I saw it as an opportunity to show the world how good I am and to enjoy the experience – it’s something that’s so unique and I wanted to embrace every second.

I still struggle to put it into words what it was like to win a gold medal. I was in shock and couldn’t quite believe it was happening to me. It’s something that I had allowed myself to dream about beforehand but you never really think it could become a reality. I’d actually done it; I was Olympic champion! It still makes the hairs stick up on my arms now!

How life has changed and the future

My life has changed significantly over the last 12 months. When I go back to my hometown I started to find that I was being recognised by lots of people and they were all showing lots of support and respect, which is lovely. I believe it’s put canoeing more in the limelight, which is absolutely fantastic. Collecting an MBE for services to canoeing was an absolute honour and something that I never expected to happen.

What next? My eyes are clearly set on trying to repeat my Rio success in Tokyo. Nobody in my category in the sport has ever won 2 Olympic gold medals so that’s my motivation. Before then there are World and European championships and World Cup events to focus on. I hope to use these opportunities to gain more experience and build my medal count and consistency.

Sleep and me

I think rest and recovery is every bit as important as the training. When I’ve had a bad night’s sleep I can really notice the difference when I’m training the following day. My energy levels are lower, which reduces my power output, but the biggest thing I notice is a difference in is my mood. When I haven’t had a good night’s sleep to recover, I have to work much harder to focus on training and staying in the zone.

I try to aim for 9 hours per night in general. This means going to sleep early but if I don’t get at least 8 hours’ sleep my training quality is hindered. I struggle to deal with fatigue, so that’s why I try to get a good block of sleep each evening.

When I’m away at a training camp or competing around the world, maintaining my sleep pattern can be hard. I think it’s essential to take your own pillows. Ideally you’d take your own mattress too but that just isn’t realistic. Pillows can vary so much and without my own pillow I struggle to get comfortable. This impacts on my sleep quality . . . which impacts on my training and racing quality. I like it to be warm and cosy to try and replicate that feeling of my own bed at home.

Discovering Mammoth

I found out about Mammoth through the British Athletes Commission and what attracted me to the brand was a company that shared the same passion for sleep as I do. When I read more about the company and reviews it was a no brainer that I needed to try one. Once I’d test driven a floor model I knew there was no turning back and I’ve been having a solid 9 hours every night since.

I just know when I get into bed I’m going to be comfortable, it’s firm enough to give me the necessary support but not too stiff. It’s perfect for what I need after a hard day of training to help me recover. I notice the biggest difference when I sleep on a different mattress as it takes me a lot longer to get settled and softer mattresses leave me with a stiff lower back after a few hours.

I owned one of the first Mammoth mattresses, when I bought it I think there were only 3 in the range. Since then it’s clear the brand has gone from strength to strength and the range has grown massively. I have now got the SuperSoft 270, which I absolutely love, and I look forward to getting into bed every evening!

Joe Clarke purchased his SuperSoft 270 from Alan Ward in Shrewsbury.

The post Better sleep case study: Joe Clarke, UK and Olympic Canoe Champion appeared first on Mammoth Perks.

We sat down with Meghan to talk about training 6 days a week, eye masks and optimum sleep temperatures.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you got into athletics?

I live in Loughborough and have been here since 2008 when I came to University here to Study Maths and Sport Science. I graduated in 2012 and have been an athlete ever since (initially with various part-time jobs to support running).

I started athletics as I loved to run and won a year’s free membership to my local club. One day I was training for the triple jump when my training partner got them out for practising. I asked my coach if I could try it and it just felt very natural. Four weeks later I had won a medal at the English School Championships and I never looked back.

Can you describe the event you compete in and the kind of competitions you are involved in and what your typical fitness regime involves?

I compete at Diamond League races around the world in the 400-metre hurdles. I also compete at World Challenge events, which are the next level down and European Permit meets. I tend to race 15-20 times throughout the summer. I train 6 days a week, 2 weights sessions, 3-4 running sessions (such as 300m or Starts to the final hurdle), conditioning circuits x2, technical hurdles/ running x2 a week.

What is the hardest thing about your sport?

Training hard 6 days a week 11 months a year and not performing at my best on some occasions can be hard.

Mammoth mattresses are known for their health benefits, particularly for people recovering from injury or looking to make performance gains. How important do you consider rest time and recovery as part of your training regime, do you notice the benefits of good sleep and how many hours of sleep do you aim for a night?

Rest and Recovery has always been very important to me. I love to sleep in silence and complete darkness, so I wear ear plugs and use an eye mask each night. I aim to have 8-9 hour of sleep whenever possible. If I don’t achieve this, I do feel tired and I find training more challenging.

As you have travelled to a lot to competitions in your sport, what do you consider to be a must-have to ensure a good night’s sleep away from home, and do you have an optimum environment to sleep in?

Cool 18-20 degrees is optimum for me. I love a quiet environment and a comfy bed.

How did you find out about Mammoth mattresses and what attracted you to the brand in the first place?

My mattress wasn’t very firm and I wanted something firmer to suit my body. I found Mammoth mattress was endorsed by many athletes and I liked what I read about them. So I tried one out in-store and thought it was extremely comfortable.

Can you tell us which mattress mode you own and what you think of your Mammoth?

I have a Mammoth Performance 220 Firm and I’ve loved every minute I’ve spent on it. It’s great to have firm support for my back and have really great quality sleep. Recently I have been recovering from a lot of jetlag and travel so it has been especially helpful.

If you could have a (purely platonic) late night chat with anyone, dead or alive, who’d be worth losing sleep over – and why?

Tom Bosworth – Britain’s top race walker. Love him and can just spend all night talking.

Meghan Beesley bought her mattress from Colourbank Carpets and Beds in Leicester.

The post Better Sleep Case Study: Meghan Beesley, GB 400m Hurdler appeared first on Mammoth Perks.

The physical challenges of a tough domestic and international fixture list can be significant, requiring a close attention to recovery and rest. We caught up with Darren to find out how he is making his new Mammoth part of that regime.

What made you decide to become a rugby player?

I have always been a big rugby fan and by the time I finished school it definitely seemed like a better idea than getting a proper job. I get to do something I love every day for a living.

If you had to describe your rugby career in three words, what would they be?

Enjoyable. Exhausting. Rollercoaster.

And how would your rugby teammates describe you?

I’m not sure I’d like to publicise what they would say about me! Hopefully there would be something nice in there, though.

What would class as your proudest moment – either in sport or outside of it?

Playing for Ulster in a Heineken Cup Final would have to be right up there. And, of course, playing for Ireland in a Rugby World Cup is a very special thing.

If you weren’t playing rugby, what job do you think you’d be doing?

When I was younger, I always wanted to be a vet. I’d like to think if things hadn’t turned out the way they have that I could have been successful in that line of work.

Do you ever get star-struck – if so, who has left the greatest impression on you?

Usain Bolt was invited to be a guest in the Ireland camp once. I wouldn’t say that I often get star-struck, but that was definitely a day when I was in awe of someone.

What does your typical fitness regime involve?

There’s too much to write down. Particularly during a time like pre-season. There’s lots of weight training in the gym as well as many running drills. Rugby is both a very physical sport and one that requires immense stamina, so we have to try to be as explosive as possible, whilst also keeping our cardio levels high.

As I’ve become older I have also paid a lot more attention to training my core and stretching before and after sessions.

Can you tell us what you are looking forward to in the next 12 months and your hopes for the club?

Winning a trophy with Ulster is certainly a career goal of mine. We’ve given ourselves some good opportunities in the last few years so it would be nice to get across the line.

Injuries

Mammoth mattresses are known for their health benefits, particularly for people recovering from injury or taking preventative steps to maintain condition. Have you suffered any injuries during your career?

Earlier in my career it was always my back and hamstrings that I had the most problems with. Over recent seasons the hits to the shoulder have also taken their toll and I had surgery on it not too long ago.

The back issue is always a bit of a hindrance as it can easily stiffen up. Before training and matches I also take the time to strap my shoulder up nowadays and get plenty of attention from the physio on this problem area.

What’s the worst injury you’ve seen someone suffer whilst playing rugby?

I’ve seen plenty of nasty injuries in my time but I think the more important aspect to bear in mind is the impressive drive and determination of players to come back stronger, more athletic and healthier.

Would you consider rest time and recovery an important part of your training regime?

It’s quite strange because rest time and recovery is actually considered to be part of the job nowadays rather than “days off”. We have to be as professional about “down days” because our strength and conditioning teams have identified just how important rest, recovery and rehabilitation can be.

Sleep 

Ideally, how many hours of sleep do you aim for a night? Do you usually reach your target?

I like to aim for 9 hours sleep a night. But it is 8 hours as a minimum. I would honestly say the more you can get the better, so on days when I’m particularly tired at 8pm I won’t stay up just for the sake of it. If I feel the need for 11 or 12 hours then I’ll go for it.

What impact does it have on you if you feel you’ve not had a good night’s sleep?

From a physical point of view, I don’t think that the body is able to produce the levels of performance needed to progress physically during training or perform on the field in a game. From a mental point of view, missing sleep probably leaves you less sharp and even a bit lethargic.

What kind of a sleeper are you? Perhaps a light and restless sleeper, or do you sleep like a log, as the saying goes?

Once I get started there is no stopping me!

With touring a lot, what’s a must have to ensure a good night’s sleep away from home?

I actually bring my Mammoth pillow with me when I’m away from home. I’ve taken it to Ireland camps in Dublin and even took it to the World Cup with me!

Do you have an optimum environment to sleep in – e.g. warm and cosy, cool and clean?

Cool and clean for me. I hate being warm in bed and, like most people, I love a freshly cleaned room with new bed sheets to sleep on.

What is your typical bedtime routine? Do you like to relax in bed with a DVD? Read a book or magazine? Or is it straight to bed and lights out after you’ve brushed your teeth?

I try not to mess around on tablets, laptops or phones too much in bed as I think it stops the body from starting to unwind with the eyes staring at these screens. Once I start getting ready for bed I just try to get my head down quickly.

How did you find out about Mammoth mattresses?

I first heard about Mammoth through the Irish Rugby Union Players Association. Mammoth is an official benefits provider to the IRUPA because of the associated health benefits of the brand, and it came highly recommended. I had heard good things from other players both at Ulster and Ireland and my old mattress was definitely on the way out.

Which Mammoth model did you purchase?

I’ve got a Mammoth Performance Pocket King Size and I have to say it’s really fantastic. Works a treat for me. As I say, the Mammoth pillows have also become an essential for me.

Darren bought his Mammoth Performance mattress from Dreams Boucher Road in Belfast.

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