Ruth Jones

Ruth Jones

Senior Sleep Staff Writer

Ruth is an experienced Senior Staff writer at Tom’s Guide, covering all things sleep and mattresses. She writes to help people sleep better, from how-tos to the latest deals to mattress reviews, and has interviewed an array of experts who share her passion. She is also our specialist on memory foam — she’s flown around the world to see memory foam being made — and leads our hotel mattress content. She has a deep interest in the link between sleep and health, and has tried enough mattresses, from Helix to Nectar to Simba, to know the right bed really can make a difference to your wellbeing. Before joining the team at Tom’s Guide, Ruth worked as a sleep and mattress writer for our sister website, TechRadar.

Latest articles by Ruth Jones

Edited by Gemini, this image shows a mock up of a luxury hotel-style bedroom. At the center of the room is the Saatva Classic mattress on a bed frame, dressed in white sheets and white pillows.
Build a 5-star hotel bedroom at home with these luxury bedding finds from Marriott, Ritz-Carlton and more

By Ruth Jones Published

Everything you need to turn your bedroom into a hotel suite — the tips, tricks and products you'll find in resorts and hotels around the world.

Pillows & Bedding
Woman wakes smiling and stretching in a bed with light-coloured bedding.
I'm waking up full of energy after a doctor helped me fix this simple sleep hygiene mistake I didn't realize I was making

By Ruth Jones Published

Doctors explain how my pre-bed routine was harming my sleep and the easy changes that have me sleeping through the night and waking up before my alarm, full of energy.

Sleep
On the left, a close up of the Withings Sleep Tracker on a white sheet in our reviewer's bedroom. On the right, sleep tech writer Eve Davies sits up in bed checking her Withings Sleep App to assess her sleep score
This 'gold standard' sleep tracker is the closest I'll ever get to a real sleep study — 3 ways it has already improved my sleep, from sleeping longer to sleeping deeper

By Ruth Jones Published

My Withings sleep tracker is helping me identify and solve problems in my sleep so I can wake up with a spring in my step — here's how it's taking my sleep scores higher and higher.

Sleep Tech
On the left, a close up of mattress tester Nicola Appleton lying on her side on the Siena Signature Mattress in our sleep studio, with a laser line indicating the straightness of her spine. On the right, the Siena Signature Mattress in the bedroom of our sleep writer Ruth Jones.
I thought this cheap firm mattress would never suit side sleepers but after a week of retesting, I’ve been forced to eat my words

By Ruth Jones Published

I've changed how I sleep on the Siena mattress and discovered a new world of pressure relief — here's everything side sleepers need to know.

Mattresses
A woman sleeping on her side in a bed with all white bedding.
Vagus nerve stimulators promise to ease nighttime anxiety and prevent 3 a.m. wakeups — here's how to do it at home (without spending $900)

By Ruth Jones Last updated

An expert explains how to employ vagus nerve stimulation for free at home, to ease anxiety and improve sleep. All you need is some cold water...

Sleep
The Saatva Classic Mattress on a bedframe in our Sleep Studio, decorated like a bedroom. In the bottom left corner is a Rom's Guide Sleep Week deals graphic
Saatva's Sleep Week sale is nearly over, so don't miss this year's biggest saving so far on our favorite luxury hotel mattress

By Ruth Jones Published

Save $400 on the luxury mattress that revolutionized our editor's sleep in this last-chance Sleep Week sale at Saatva.

Mattresses
An older woman lies in bed asleep
Over 65? Doctors say spending less time in bed could increase how much deep sleep you get — here's how and why it's vital for ageing well

By Ruth Jones Published

Presented by Helix Sleep

Deep sleep declines with age, but experts explain how maximizing sleep efficiency can help seniors enjoy more deep sleep and avoid 3 a.m. wake ups.

Sleep
A woman with brown hair sits up in bed holding her lower back because she's in pain
5 signs your mattress is why you keep waking up during the night — plus, 3 quick fixes to boost your comfort

By Ruth Jones Published

Presented by Helix Sleep

Insights and hacks from a professional mattress tester

Mattresses
The main image shows a women lying on her front and snoring during her sleep. In the bottom right corner is an inset image of a close up of a sleep tracker showing the different sleep stages that have been tracked overnight
'80% of people with sleep apnea don't know they have it' — the signs and sleep tracker metrics to look for, according to a Samsung Health scientist

By Ruth Jones Published

Snoring is the 'hallmark of sleep apnea', a doctor says, but there are other signs and metrics to look for on your sleep tracker. Here's what you need to know...

Sleep
A woman sits up in bed in a sunny bedroom with with her arms raised above her head, looking ready to jump out of bed. In the top left corner is a Tom's Guide Sleep Week logo
3 doctors recommended this sleep hygiene tip and it's why I'm finally waking up with loads of energy — here's how it works

By Ruth Jones Published

Here's the simple, doctor-approved sleep hygiene tip that's finally helping me to wake up with energy

Sleep
The Plank Firm mattress on a bed frame in our reviewer's bedroom. A blue border with the word 'tested' runs around the edge while a Tom's Guide Sleep Week graphic sits in the bottom right corner
The flippable Plank Firm is unlike any hard bed I’ve tested — it’s ultra-supportive yet so comfy. Here’s why it’s still the best firm mattress online

By Ruth Jones Published

Presented by Helix Sleep

I love firm mattresses and the Plank is the firmest I've tested, delivering unyielding support like nothing else. Here's why I think it's the best firm mattress you can buy today.

Mattresses
A man sits on the side of his bed in a dark room with his head in his hands because he's experiencing distress from being unable to sleep
Research shows 53% of us only sleep well 4 nights a week and anxiety is a leading cause — an expert explains how to sleep better every night and skip the 3 a.m. wake ups

By Ruth Jones Last updated

Resmed has found only one-third of adults claim to sleep well every night — Dr. Carlos Nunez explains expert rules for beating the odds and getting good sleep, night after night.

Sleep
The image shows a woman with dark curly hair sleeping on her back on a sofa, with her arms tucked behind her head. A book lies open on her stomach. A blue Tom's Guide Sleep Awareness Week 2026 logo sits in the top left hand corner.
Naps are a great way to stave off sleep deprivation and cope with burnout and fatigue but timing is key to prevent 3am wake ups

By Ruth Jones Published

Presented by Helix Sleep

An expert explains how to nap without ruining your sleep and why siestas are so loved by people in 'Blue Zones.'

Sleep
The WinkBeds Plus mattress on a bed frame with a duvet in a brightly lit room
WinkBeds mattress deals March 2026: 30% off

By Ruth Jones Last updated

Shop this month's WinkBeds mattress sale for big savings on its entire range of hybrid and all-foam beds.

Mattresses
A woman sleeps peacefully in her bed under a white duvet, while a small stack of books can be seen on her bedside table
'You're not winding down, you're stimulating your nervous system' — expert pinpoints the nighttime routine mistake that kept waking me up at 3 a.m. and the $10 gadget that stopped it

By Ruth Jones Last updated

Can't keep your hands off your phone at bedtime? This analog alarm clock switch minimizes distractions so you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep

Sleep
woman waking up refreshed in bed
Stop waking up at 3 am — I asked 5 doctors for their best sleep hygiene tips and here’s what they said

By Ruth Jones Last updated

The experts explain the habits and lifestyle changes that can help you sleep better and how to make them work for you.

Sleep
In the left corner, a closeup of a hand adjusting the temperature on a thermostat (Shutterstock.) In the main image, a man holds his pack and shoulder while sitting on the edge of his mattress, looking in pain (Getty)
Experts reveal why over 65s with back and hip pain need a warmer bedroom for sleeping — here’s the temperature they recommend

By Ruth Jones Published

Pain experts explain how adjusting the thermostat can stop you waking up with tight, sore muscles, plus the bedding essentials to stay warm without overheating.

Sleep
A couple asleep in bed under white bedsheets, lying back to back
I asked the experts what’s the number one rule of good sleep hygiene and they all said the same thing

By Ruth Jones Published

There’s no ‘easy fix’ for better sleep — but this gold-standard rule is the best starting point if you want to fall asleep fast and stay asleep.

Sleep
On the left, a close up of sleep tech writer Eve Davis wearing a sleep tracker while sleeping in bed. On the right, a close up of the Apple Watch Sleep Tracker showing the percentage for Awake, REM, Core and Deep Sleep
I’ve been tracking the amount of deep sleep I’m getting using my Apple Watch and I thought it was nowhere near enough — I asked a doctor and their answer surprised me

By Ruth Jones Last updated

Two sleep doctors explain what deep sleep is, how much we need and the real number you should be looking for on your Apple Watch sleep tracker.

Sleep
On the left, a tired woman sits rubbing her eyes while holding a cup of coffee. On the right, a woman lies on her back in bed with a sleep mask on, sleeping well.
‘Your sleep banking account is in the red’ — an expert explains why I’m tired all the time, despite getting plenty of sleep at the weekend

By Ruth Jones Published

Are you catching up on sleep or are you stealing sleep from the week ahead? An experts explains why you're feeling tired and what to do about it.

Sleep
On the left, an overhead shot of a person using a laptop on a bed, sitting next to a cup of coffee. On the right, a woman covers her face with her hands as she lies in bed, unable to sleep
5 things I would never do after midday as a sleep writer — avoiding these stops my 3 a.m. wake-ups and helps me fall asleep fast

By Ruth Jones Published

I've spoken to the sleep experts and these are the daytime habits that were keeping me awake — plus the sleep-friendly routine I've switched to.

Sleep
This image shows a hand holding an iPhone showing the Tom's Guide best mattress page in grayscale. In the background is a bed and pillows
Forget blue light blocking for better sleep — this is the hidden iPhone feature to use instead

By Ruth Jones Published

This hidden gem iPhone feature turns my phone from a carnival of excitement to an absolute snoozefest. Here's how to do it.

Sleep
Against a purple and blue background with moon and stars, from left to right: the NextSense SmartBuds in their case, a BrownNoise white noise machine, the BedJet Cooling system with its app and remote, the Bob and Brad eye massage, an Asakuki oil diffuser, and a Jall sunrise alarm clock
Experts say getting at least 7 hours sleep a night can help you live longer — these gadgets, from $16 can help you hit that goal

By Ruth Jones Published

Good sleep is the most important health hack but many of us are missing out on vital hours. Fall asleep fast and sleep through the night with the help of this expert-chosen sleep tech, from $16.

Sleep Tech
Two mattress testers lie on their backs on the Nectar Premier Memory Foam mattress on a bed frame in our Sleep Lab. In the top right corner is a Tom's Guide Presidents' Day deals graphic
I'm done letting back ache and sore hips ruin my sleep — these are my 3 favorite memory foam mattresses for comfier sleep in the extended Presidents' Day sales

By Ruth Jones Published

These are the memory foam mattresses we rate for easing sore backs and hips, and you can save up to 66% in the extended Presidents' Day sales.

Mattresses
A collage showing (top to bottom) the Nectar Premier Memory Foam mattress, DreamCloud Hybrid mattress and Saatva Classic mattress on a bed frame against a colorful background
The best Presidents' Day mattress deals of 2026 to help you sleep better for less

By Ruth Jones Last updated

Presidents' Day is done but the best mattress deals are still live and we've searched for all the juiciest sales you can shop right now

Mattresses
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