Matthew McConaughey’s bedroom downgrade is 'best thing’ for his marriage — but mattress experts disagree

Actor Matthew McConaughey is adding 'sleep coach' to his varied resume, although his recent advice might make mattress experts (and couples) shudder. He's downsized his bed and he's recommending you do the same.

“The best thing you can do for your marriage,” writes McConaughey in his book Poems & Prayers, “is get rid of that king-size mattress and sleep in a queen-size bed.”

That's pretty bold advice. As mattress experts we typically recommend that when you're choosing the best mattress for your sleep needs, you opt for the biggest size your bedroom can handle.

That's because a bigger bed equals more room to get comfortable. But for McConaughey, closeness is key.

And due to the so-called 'cuddle hormone', he might have a point...

'Like a football field away, man' — pros of a smaller mattress

“I wake up one morning," McConaughey explained to Fox News Digital, "I’m looking over there and Camila’s [Alves, his wife] like a football field away, man. Then you go to bed at night, like you want to snuggle up … ‘Well, we’ve got to cover you up. Come about 12 feet and I’ll come 12 feet.’”

On a smaller bed, it's easier to enjoy a quick cuddle — and the associated release of oxytocin AKA the 'love hormone' AKA that contented warm glow that can help you drift off.

There are a few other benefits to a smaller bed. I've just upgraded my mattress size and, frankly, the added width and weight has made making the bed a much harder chore. Smaller mattresses have easier upkeep.

And a smaller bed gives you more space in the room, including wider walkways and more storage.

'I crave acres of undisturbed mattress' — cons of a smaller bed

I asked around and the general consensus among bed sharers was that downsizing your mattress is a bad idea.

Our Sleep Editor Nicola Appleton has been reluctantly forced to follow the McConaughey method. Rather than rejuvenating her marriage; "it's almost ruined it."

"Instead of having space to get comfortable, I’m now sleeping so close to the edge of the bed that I almost fall off," she explains. "I’m not someone who craves intimacy while I sleep, I crave acres of undisturbed mattress that I can move around on without touching another living being."

Elsewhere, answers ranged from 'no, thanks' to 'absolutely not' although a few people agreed they'd think differently if they were sharing with McConaughey (out of respect for their partners, I'll be keeping their names private.)

And McConaughey isn't entirely against the mega-space of a bed like the Alaskan King mattress noting; "it’s great when you’ve got all three kids, but all of a sudden the kids get too big, they’re out of the bed."

Nicola agrees that mattress size is often a matter of preference. "Like McConaughey, you might like cuddling up close to your partner every night," says Nicola. "Me? I’d always prefer a mattress that’s as big as your bedroom can take — I personally like waking up with my husband 20 feet away."

(And if you are after more of the cuddle hormone on a larger bed, it's worth noting a weighted blanket can induce a similar release of oxytocin.)

How to choose the right mattress size for you

If you're thinking of changing your mattress size, Matthew McConaughey might not be the best source for advice. At least, he shouldn't be the only thing you consult. Here's what you need to ask yourself before upgrading or downsizing your mattress...

• How many are in the bed? If it's just you, a twin or full size will do. If you share with a partner, kids, or pets, we recommend a queen size or larger.
• How big is your room? A large bed can overwhelm a small space and reduce walkways. For a queen size, we recommend a room at least 10' by 10', and at least 12' by 12' for a king mattress.
• What's your budget? The bigger the mattress the higher the price and you'll have to pay more for bedding and the bed frame. If you're on a tight budget, our guide to the best cheap mattresses can help you find a larger bed for less.

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