Nicola Appleton
Nicola Appleton is Sleep Features Editor at Tom’s Guide, specialising in quality news content surrounding sleep and wellbeing. Nicola cut her teeth as a journalist in a busy newsroom in Bristol, UK, 15 years ago as part of a team at Britain's largest independent press agency. Since then, her job as a journalist has taken her to the States, to Sydney, and then back to Blighty, where she has written and edited features for a whole host of prominent British and international brands, including The Independent, The Sydney Morning Herald, HuffPost, Refinery29, Stylist and more. As well as tackling the vast topic of sleep, Nicola will be joining the raft of expert mattress reviewers at Tom's Guide, helping steer readers towards the very best mattresses on the market.
Latest articles by Nicola Appleton
How to survive Christmas party season without sacrificing your sleep
By Nicola Appleton published
Yes, you can cut loose at the office Christmas party without losing a wink of sleep — here’s how.
Why a weighted blanket is the perfect Christmas gift for the person who has everything
By Nicola Appleton published
A weighted blanket can ease anxiety symptoms, helping your loved one to rest easily and peacefully.
Quick! These five best eye masks for sleep make perfect stocking stuffers
By Nicola Appleton published
Looking for the perfect present for your tired loved one? These are the five best eye masks for sleep to shop now.
Is sleeping on your stomach bad for you? Yes, but you can fix that — here’s how
By Nicola Appleton last updated
Sleeping on your stomach can cause back, neck, and shoulder pain. Here’s how to fix that.
7 signs that you’re in sleep debt and don’t even know it
By Nicola Appleton published
From poor memory, low moods, and difficulty concentrating — these are the seven key signs that you could be in sleep debt without even realizing it.
What is sleep debt and can it ever really be paid back?
By Nicola Appleton published
Sleep debt, also known as sleep deficit, is when you get less sleep than your body needs. It's possible to pay back some sleep debt, but not all. Here's how.
Selling out fast! I've found the cheapest Black Friday mattress deal — it’s just $100 for a queen
By Nicola Appleton published
This Allswell starts at just $70, but you’ll have to be quick – it’s selling out fast.
7 sleep techniques to banish the Sunday Scaries and help you fall asleep fast
By Nicola Appleton published
From The Military Sleep Method to guided breathing, use these sleep techniques to banish your Sunday Scaries for good.
3 reasons to buy a mattress in this weekend's sales — don't wait for Black Friday
By Nicola Appleton published
Stock levels are high, shipping is fast and the deals are red hot. We’re calling it — now is the best time to buy a new mattress, not Black Friday weekend.
Can you use an electric blanket on a memory foam mattress? 5 do's and don'ts
By Nicola Appleton published
High heat can damage a memory foam mattress, so take these precautions when using an electric blanket to stay warm.
The 5 health risks of not cleaning your mattress properly — and how to avoid them
By Nicola Appleton published
Respiratory issues, allergic reactions and bacterial infections are health conditions that can be born from not cleaning our mattresses often enough.
7 ways you’re damaging your memory foam mattress — and what to do instead
By Rachael Phillips published
Getting it wet is just one way you could be ruining your memory foam mattress – here's why
Can you use a mattress topper as a mattress? Yes, but there are risks — here's why
By Nicola Appleton published
Thinking of skipping the mattress and just sleeping on a bed topper? Here's what you need to know before first...
Nutritionists reveal the 5 best (and worst) foods for sleep — it’s good news for carb lovers
By Nicola Appleton published
Stock up on sweet potatoes but cut out the citrus — these are the foods that are impacting the quality of your sleep.
How to dispose of a mattress with bed bugs – 3 vital steps
By Nicola Appleton published
Your options are limited, but here’s how to safely get rid of a bed-bug infested mattress.
Should you buy a mattress on finance in the Black Friday sales? A money expert explores the pros and cons
By Rachel Wait published
A mattress can be expensive, so many turn to financing. But this isn’t always the right approach, as a money expert explores here.
The clocks change this weekend – a neuroscientist shares 3 sleep tips to help you prepare
By Nicola Appleton published
Sunday 29 October marks the end of British Summer Time, so we asked a neuroscientist what changes it will bring to your sleep.