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
Loved the Scandinavian Sleep Method? Try these 7 hacks for cleaner, better sleep
By Nicola Appleton published
From airing your duvet in freezing temperatures to hot baths before bed, there's more to Scandi sleep hacks than separate blankets.
There’s only one real benefit of sleeping naked — but it’s a big one, even in winter
By Nicola Appleton published
It might go against your natural instinct to stay warm, but sleeping naked in winter can benefit your sleep in a big way — here’s how.
Can an apple really wake you up faster than a cup of coffee? A nutritionist responds
By Nicola Appleton published
Some say an apple is better at waking you up than a cup of coffee, but is that true? Here’s what the nutritionists say...
DreamCloud has launched its early Presidents' Day sale, but is it any good?
By Nicola Appleton published
Prices start at $449 for DreamCloud's best-selling hybrid mattress this weekend, but should you buy now or wait for the Presidents' Day sales?
Should you take melatonin gummies to fall asleep fast? Here's what a doctor thinks
By Nicola Appleton published
Two sleep doctors answer everything you need to know about melatonin gummies, including the side effects, how long they last and how many you should take.
Not all mattress covers can be removed for washing — here's why
By Nicola Appleton published
Only remove your mattress cover for washing if the manufacturer explicitly states its safe to do so. Here’s why...
Save up to $1,119 on Nolah's best hybrid mattress for back pain — ends Monday!
By Nicola Appleton published
Buy a Nolah Evolution 15 from just $974 in rare 35% site-wide flash sale, and get two free pillows thrown in — that’s as good as Black Friday sale.
What is a nighttime routine for adults and how do they help you fall asleep faster?
By Nicola Appleton published
A nighttime routine can help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling energized — here's what you need to do.
This Helix Midnight Luxe mattress sale is epic — 25% off plus free luxury pillows
By Nicola Appleton published
A site-wide 25% off Helix flash sale means Black Friday levels of savings on the Helix Midnight Luxe, plus you'll get two free pillows worth $150.
This is why doctors drink coffee before taking a power nap
By Nicola Appleton published
A doctor on TikTok explains how combining your coffee with a daytime power nap maximises your energy levels post-sleep.
Game-changing new wearable detects obstructive sleep apnea symptoms at home
By Nicola Appleton published
People with obstructive sleep apnea symptoms can now get a diagnosis and treatment much sooner, thanks to a pioneering sleep apnea detection device.
7 things in your bedroom that are keeping you awake at night — and how to fix them
By Nicola Appleton published
Longing to stay asleep all night? A certified sleep coach reveals the common bedroom mistakes that could be behind why you keep waking up.
Five mistakes people make when buying a mattress topper for back pain
By Nicola Appleton published
Avoid these five common mistakes people make when buying a mattress topper for back pain.
Quick! There’s 25% off the Helix Midnight in new year sale — plus you’ll get two free pillows
By Nicola Appleton published
The best mattress for side sleepers has been slashed by 25%, plus Helix will throw in two free pillows with every purchase.
7 tips for sleeping better in 2024 — get the best sleep of your life this year
By Nicola Appleton published
I'm a sleep writer and these are the seven tips I'm following to get the best sleep of my life in 2024.
Expert reveals the best position to help you stay asleep all night if you keep waking up
By Nicola Appleton published
A sleep posture expert reveals the two ideal sleep positions to help you stay asleep all night – and it's bad news for stomach sleepers.
Bear vs Helix: Which mattress will best suit your sleep?
By Jo Plumridge published
We explore the key differences between the Bear Elite Hybrid and the Helix Dusk Luxe to help you decide which mattress you should invest in.
Cold shower vs warm bath: Which is best for sleep?
By Nicola Appleton published
Let’s take a closer look at whether a warm bath or a cold shower is best for promoting quality sleep.
Dakota Johnson sleeps 14 hours a night — what is oversleeping and is it bad for you?
By Nicola Appleton published
Sleep is important to our overall health, but oversleeping can make you feel more tired and increase you risk of disease – here's why...
I'm a sleep writer — this is how I help my kids to sleep well on Christmas Eve and not wake up super-early
By Nicola Appleton published
My failsafe guide to getting excited kids to sleep on Christmas Eve and to avoid them waking up at the crack of dawn.
Emma vs Casper: Which is the best hybrid for your sleeping style?
By Jo Plumridge published
Which mattress will give you the best night's sleep, the Emma Hybrid Comfort or the Casper Original Hybrid? Let's explore their key differences.
The 3 best mattress deals to improve your sleep in 2024
By Nicola Appleton published
Invest in your rest with one of these three best mattress sales — buy now and get it for New Year.
Nectar vs Emma: Which hybrid mattress will suit your sleep?
By Jo Plumridge published
From price, design, comfort and more, we explore the key differences between the Nectar Hybrid and the Emma Hybrid Comfort.
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