Nicola Appleton
Nicola is the Sleep Editor at Tom’s Guide, where she helps steer the mattress and sleep content published on Tom’s Guide, including our Best Mattress for Back Pain buying guide. With a career in journalism spanning the best part of two decades, Nicola brings experience to the team and the knowledge of what makes a great article, whether that’s a how-to mattress cleaning feature, a deep dive into melatonin gummies, or an in-depth mattress review. As a sleep editor, few better understand how important a decent mattress is to the overall quality of our sleep, and precisely how our sleep impacts our physical and mental health. As well as tackling the vast topic of sleep, Nicola joins the raft of expert mattress specialists at Tom’s Guide, who test and compare a wide range of mattresses in order to guide readers towards the very best options on the market.
Latest articles by Nicola Appleton
Why you shouldn't panic if it takes you 20 minutes to fall asleep at night
By Nicola Appleton last updated
This is how long it should take to fall asleep, according to a doctor. Plus why you shouldn't panic if it takes you 20 minutes.
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress review 2024
By Alison Barretta last updated
The Tempur-Adapt comes at a premium price, and with it, a promise of top notch pressure relief — we tested it out to see if it delivers.
How to buy a mattress online — 5 pro tips
By Nicola Appleton published
A mattress editor's tips for how to buy a mattress online and get it right, first time
Best mattress protector 2024: waterproof, cooling and zipped covers compared
By Cynthia Lawrence, Grace Franks, Nicola Appleton last updated
Keep your mattress clean, dry and allergen free. Here's our guide to best mattress protectors for every bed, lifestyle and budget.
What is obstructive sleep apnea and how do you know if you have it?
By Nicola Appleton published
We explore the common symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, plus outline what to do if you think you might have it.
The best mattresses on Amazon 2024: Our 7 top-rated picks
By Nicola Appleton last updated
Find the best Amazon mattress for your budget and sleep needs, courtesy of our expertly-curated list.
I asked AI to curate the perfect nighttime routine — here’s how it compares to my advice as a sleep editor
By Nicola Appleton published
I asked AI to create the perfect nighttime routine. Here’s how it compares to my own advice as a sleep editor.
Two nights of bad sleep makes you feel four years older, study shows
By Nicola Appleton published
According to a study by Stockholm University, quality sleep is a key factor in feeling young.
Will putting your mattress on the floor help you sleep cooler? I'm a sleep writer, here's what I think
By Nicola Appleton published
Will putting your mattress on the floor help you sleep cooler? Yes, but I don't recommend it — here’s why, plus 3 pro tips to sleeping cooler tonight.
Consistently good sleep reduces your risk of Type 2 diabetes, new study shows
By Nicola Appleton published
Consistently good quality sleep reduces your risk of Type 2 diabetes, new study shows. Here’s how to fix your sleep schedule, starting from tonight.
Doing this before looking at your phone each morning helps you fall asleep fast at night
By Nicola Appleton published
Doing this one crucial thing before you check your phone in the morning helps you fall asleep faster at night, say experts.
7 signs of bed bugs in your mattress — and whether it can be saved or not
By Nicola Appleton published
Think you have bed bugs in your mattress? Learn the telltale signs and symptoms, plus when a mattress can be saved and when it's time to buy new.
This is the worst sleep position for back pain, according to a chiropractor
By Nicola Appleton published
Sleeping in this position is ‘almost guaranteed’ to make your back pain worse, says a chiropractor. Here’s how to stop.
I've slept on a pillow-top mattress for the last three weeks — here's why I'll never sleep on anything else again
By Nicola Appleton published
Now that I’ve slept on the Helix Midnight Luxe and its sumptuously plush pillow top, I can’t ever go back. Here’s why.
5 signs your mattress is too firm, plus how to make it softer
By Nicola Appleton published
A mattress that is too firm can cause hip, shoulder and neck pain, plus tingling in the hands and feet. Here’s how to make your firm mattress softer.
I tried TikTok’s viral sweater sleep hack — here’s what happened
By Nicola Appleton published
The viral TikTok sweater sleep hack is a DIY version of the Sleep Crown pillow — but is it just as good? I tried it and here’s what it did for my sleep.
I've swapped my cheap microfiber pillow for a luxury memory foam — here's how it's changing my sleep
By Nicola Appleton published
Is the $120 Ostrichpillow worth its luxury price tag? I’ve been sleeping on for weeks — here’s what I think.
Why have I started snoring — and how can I stop? A doctor responds
By Nicola Appleton published
If you’ve recently started snoring, the first thing to do is to rule out sleep apnea, advises a board certified physician.
Why do I grind my teeth in my sleep? A leading neuroscientist answers
By Nicola Appleton published
A dental guard can help protect your teeth from grinding them in your sleep, but that only solves part of the problem, explains a leading sleep expert.
How do I know if I have sleep apnea? A leading sleep apnea expert answers
By Nicola Appleton published
What is sleep apnea and how to tell if you have it
Why do I sweat so much in my sleep? A sleep scientist answers
By Nicola Appleton published
A sleep scientist explains why you could be sweating more than normal during your sleep, plus 5 things you can do to stay cooler at night.
Why do I need so much sleep? An expert shares why you might need more sleep than normal
By Nicola Appleton published
If you're sleeping over nine hours a night and still feel tired every day, it could be time to see a professional. Here's why...
This is the best sleep position for back pain, according to an orthopedic surgeon
By Nicola Appleton published
This is the best (and worst) sleep position for back pain, according to an orthopedic surgeon. Plus, they reveal how to soothe your tech neck come bedtime.
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