Nicola Appleton
Nicola is the Sleep Editor at Tom’s Guide. With a career in journalism spanning 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

By Nicola Appleton Published
Sleep doctors outline the common causes of your 3 a.m. wake ups, plus how to fix them so you can stay asleep all night.

By Nicola Appleton Published
I credit the Dreamegg sunrise alarm clock with helping me wake up with more energy all last winter, and it's currently $20 off in a new Amazon sale.

By Nicola Appleton Last updated
Our expert team have tested the best luxury mattresses of the year. These are the 8 we recommend for high-quality comfort, support and durability.

By Nicola Appleton Published
I tested the Sensate vagus nerve stimulator for a week to see if it could reduce my daily stress levels. It works, but is it worth its £299/$299 price tag? Here's what I think.

By Nicola Appleton Published
Sleep medicine physician Dr. Jeffrey Durmer explains how a simple 10-minute daily habit can boost deep sleep and stop stress from triggering 3 a.m. wake-ups.

By Nicola Appleton Published
As global travel triggers widespread bed bug outbreaks, pest control expert Lyuben Kiryakov reveals the 4 key factors that increase your risk of an infestation — and how to protect your mattress.

By Nicola Appleton Published
We unpack how mattress warranties work, what they cover — plus the 10 actions that could accidentally void your warranty.

By Nicola Appleton Published
Sleep doctors break down why middle age can disrupt our sleep and share the expert-backed habits to help you sleep soundly through the night.

By Frances Daniels Last updated
October's Brooklyn Bedding sale takes 30% off all beds, as well as as cooling pillows, bedding and toppers. Here's our expert guide on how to buy the brand's mattresses for the lowest prices

By Nicola Appleton Published
The Sleepbuds 2 are comfortable for side sleeping and drown out unwanted sound — now $40 off in the final hours of the Amazon Prime Day deals

By Nicola Appleton Published
This cordless mattress vacuum is my secret weapon against bacteria this flu season. It's down to $75 (was $109) for Prime Day, but you'll have to be quick — this Amazon deal ends tonight.

By Nicola Appleton Published
RecommendedWinter is coming and the Dreamegg Sunrise 2 alarm clock is my new secret sauce for waking up with more energy during the darker months. After a week of testing, here's why it's my top sleep tech pick in October's Prime Day sale

By Nicola Appleton Last updated
In the October Helix mattress sale you can save on luxury hybrid beds for every sleep style — our experts help you find the right bed at the right price.

By Claire Davies (CSSC) Last updated
We've slept on and tested the latest firm mattresses to bring you our guide to the very best options on the market in 2026.

By Nicola Appleton Published
This $3 treatment lifted ugly yellow stains and made my mattress look brand new

By Nicola Appleton Last updated
Don't shop for a mattress in the Amazon Prime Day sales before browsing our guide to the best ones — all tested and reviewed by our expert sleep team.

By Nicola Appleton Published
Why polyester bed sheets in particular fall foul to 'permastink', plus the one thing you're doing that makes the problem worse.

By Nicola Appleton Last updated
Our complete guide to the four main mattress types, including cost, comfort and durability. Everything you need to know before buying a mattress

By Nicola Appleton Published
I thought I'd fixed my middle insomnia, but a change I made to my pre-bedtime routine has been causing a new wave of 3 a.m. wake-ups

By Nicola Appleton Published
I restored it to bright white after just one treatment

By Nicola Appleton Published
Surprise! A queen Helix Midnight Luxe drops to $1,824 from $2,498 in a new flash 27% off sale — here's how to unlock the extra savings.

By Nicola Appleton Published
The actor credits dark showering with helping him fall asleep faster and stick to a consistent sleep schedule. I tried it and it works for me. Here a doctor explains why...

By Claire Davies (CSSC) Last updated
The Labor Day mattress sales are over. Here's how you can save on the best mattress for your sleep needs instead.
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