College isn’t usually known as a time for getting the best sleep, as students are busy studying, socializing, and working — so finding the best mattress for college students can be an important, yet sometimes daunting task. Sleep is essential to help students recharge and thrive throughout their days both in and out of the classroom. However, I know buying a new bed can be expensive and not part of the typical college budget. For this reason, I wanted to put together a list of my picks for the best mattresses for college students. These beds should work for a variety of students and their priorities.
Best Mattress For College Students 2024
- Best Overall – Nectar
- Best Value Mattress – Helix Midnight
- Best Mattress For Durability – DreamCloud
- Best Organic Mattress – Nolah Natural
- Best Mattress For Back Sleepers – The WinkBed
- Best Mattress For Active Students – Bear
- Best Mattress For Combination Sleepers – Saatva
- Best Budget Mattress – Brooklyn Bedding Essential
- Best Mattress For Heavier Students – Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm
Compare Best Mattresses For College Students
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Nectar Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | Nolah Natural Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Essential | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options |
| Material | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Latex | Hybrid | Foam | Innerspring | Hybrid | Foam |
| Cooling | — | — | — | ||||||
| Best For |
Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples
|
Couples,
Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain
|
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers
|
Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain,
|
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors
|
Back Sleepers,
Side Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Stomach Sleepers,
Back Pain, Seniors |
Best Overall – Nectar
The Nectar delivers a balance of comfort and support: it’s definitely contouring, but still provides a firm enough foundation for most light to average weight sleepers, especially if they sleep on their back or stomach. Plus, a lengthy trial period, lifetime warranty, and affordable price make the Nectar a reassuring choice for many. Watch our video review to learn more.
What our tester says:
“I think back sleepers would be especially happy on this bed. They’ll get plenty of support from the firm memory foam in the Nectar Classic, which should translate to great pressure relief and a good night’s sleep. Hot sleepers who have to have a memory foam mattress should also have no trouble at all falling asleep on this bed.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
The original Nectar mattress is my Editor’s Pick because it has a lot of appealing components for college students. It’s a comfortable, quality bed-in-a-box mattress that doesn’t break the bank. At full retail, it’s already a good budget buy at around $1,000 for a queen size, but I have plenty of Nectar coupons to help you save even more. The company also often runs deals where sleep accessories are included with the purchase of your mattress.
Overall, the Nectar has a medium-soft to medium-firm feel with cushiony foam layers. The foam layers are pressure-relieving, but also pretty responsive — so you won’t feel stuck in the bed. The Nectar’s especially great for back and side sleepers. The top gel memory foam layer will contour these sleepers’ bodies, while the soft conventional foam and high-density support foam below will keep them supported.
Another reason I love the Nectar? It comes with a 365-night trial period and a lifetime warranty, which is as good as it gets in the mattress world.
Read our full Nectar Mattress Review.
Best Value Mattress – Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight is amongst Helix’s line of six standard mattresses. It’s known for its more balanced feel, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of sleepers. We also recommend it for couples, as it scored well on our motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and cooling tests. For a plusher and more cooling version of this mattress, see the Helix Midnight Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I would recommend this mattress for side or back sleepers because it’s supportive, without putting pressure on your joints.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
The Helix Midnight is Helix Sleep’s most popular bed from its standard line of six mattresses, and is also one of my favorites here at Sleepopolis. The reason being, it’s a hybrid bed (so it combines both foams and coils) with a medium-firm feel, which works for a wide variety of sleepers.
I think it’s a great value for college students because it’s a good match for many types of sleepers, it’s supportive, it features high-quality materials, and it’s affordable. It utilizes a soft, breathable cover, memory foam, high-grade poly foam, individually wrapped coils, and a final layer of foam for extra support. Two sides of the Midnight also have reinforced edges, so you can sprawl out and use the full surface of the bed.
The base model is a nice pick, but you can also upgrade to a cooling cover and/or a luxurious pillow top, which is the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress. Be sure to check out our Helix coupons to save more.
Read our full Helix Midnight mattress review or our review comparing all the standard Helix models.
Best Mattress For Durability – DreamCloud
With soft foam and a sturdy layer of innerspring coils, the DreamCloud strikes a balance between comfort and support — a little bit of contouring up top and on-top-of-the-bed feel that comes from the bottom. It’s a fairly firm mattress that we think is most comfortable for back sleepers. It also has some luxury touches such as a cashmere-blend cover that are reminiscent of a high-end hotel. Learn more in our DreamCloud video review.
What our tester says:
“I really like how luxurious this mattress feels and how it could work for a variety of sleepers. Along with that, I found that the breathable cashmere cover helps the DreamCloud sleep cool throughout the night. Thanks to its medium-firm to firm support, I think the DreamCloud is a durable mattress. It balances support with plenty of pressure relief for back sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor
The DreamCloud mattress is another dreamy pick for college students — and a very high-quality one at an affordable price. Mattresses can be a big investment, so it’s essential to get the most out of your money with a bed that will last a long time. The DreamCloud is extremely durable due to its pocketed coil section and great edge support. It also features some luxurious materials, like its special cashmere blend cover and gel-infused memory foam comfort layer. A lot of students (looking at you, hot sleepers) will also appreciate how cool these materials help you sleep.
I think it’s a touch firmer than average. Back sleepers, combination sleepers, and couples could all like the gentle pressure relief and supportive feel the DreamCloud offers. The mattress ships for free and comes with an impressive 365-night trial and lifetime warranty.
Read our full DreamCloud mattress review.
Best Organic Mattress – Nolah Natural
The Nolah Natural is made with eco-friendly Talalay latex and supportive coils. This mattress has GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) organic wool, cotton, natural latex, and recycled steel. The latex makes this mattress responsive, which is great for couples and combination sleepers. This material is also naturally hypoallergenic and cooling, which can help hot sleepers prevent overheating. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“It has a very soft, plush feel that provides you some cushioning as well. I’d say you’re going to feel more “on top” of this bed than “in it” — thanks to its bouncy latex.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor.
It’s important to a lot of college students to support products that are made with organic materials. The Nolah Natural is a nice pick, as it has some hypoallergenic and high-quality, eco-friendly materials. Along with having third-party certifications for being free of harmful chemicals and substances, the Nolah Natural also has organic cotton and wool, Talalay latex, and recycled steel coils.
It’s medium-soft feel could work great for back sleepers, side sleepers, and hot sleepers, since its materials are naturally cooling. Combination sleepers could also enjoy this bed since it’s easy to move around on and feel comfortable.
Organic materials tend to come with a higher price tag, but Nolah often runs stellar sales, plus Sleepopolis has Nolah coupons to help you get the best price. This high-quality mattress comes with a lifetime warranty, so you should be able to get your money’s worth.
Read the full Nolah Natural mattress review.
Best Mattress For Back Sleepers – The WinkBed
The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid mattress. It has a similarly supportive and sturdy feel to a traditional innerspring mattress, but upgrades like a Euro top and cooling Tencel cover give it a touch of modern luxury. Available in three firmness levels, there is a WinkBed for just about every sleeper. And a responsive and bouncy feel makes it a great pick for combination sleepers. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“If you like the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed could work for you. Since this bed offered great pressure relief around my lumbar region, I’d also recommend it to folks who suffer from lower back pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
After a long night of studying in your dorm, there’s nothing better than getting up from your seat and lying down on your bed. Ideally, you’ll want to lay on something that erases all the tension in your back after sitting upright for so long. The WinkBed offers a combination of comfy gel foam and supportive coils to provide cushioning and support. In other words, if you wake up with back pain after pulling all-night study sessions, you might want to give the WinkBed a shot.
The WinkBed also helps keep your room cool at night, which is great news if the air conditioning in your dorm is less than stellar. When trying out this mattress for myself, I used a heat gun to measure how much body heat it trapped after 5 minutes. The WinkBed’s surface only went up by 7 degrees, indicating that it offers good temperature regulation.
The WinkBed also comes with a 120-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty, so you can buy with confidence when ordering online.
Check out our full WinkBed mattress review.
Best Mattress For Active Students – Bear
Even though it’s made entirely of foam, the Bear has a firm, supportive feel that should be sturdy enough for back sleepers and stomach sleepers alike. Additionally, combination sleepers should be able to easily move around on its surface. You can also pay extra for a Celliant cover that may help with cooling and muscle recovery. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I found the double poly foam construction produced a firm, supportive feel. Though you’re likely to sink into its top layer of memory foam, this sinkage is somewhat curbed by the taut poly foam transition layer. This means most folks are going to be positioned more “on top” of the structure than “in” it.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Whether you’re a college student who loves to hit the gym or one who plays sports, Bear is a great mattress company to look at for your sleep needs. Bear designs beds with the goal of helping active folks get better sleep. They have sponsored athletes, medical professionals, fitness enthusiasts, and more on their team.
The Bear Original is an all-foam mattress with a medium-firm to slightly firmer feel. It offers an additional Celliant cover, a material which some studies suggest could help with post-workout recovery while sleeping by promoting blood flow. Celliant is also a cooling material, which is great for active students and hot sleepers. However, this cover does cost $130, in addition to the price of the Bear mattress itself. The good news is, even if you opt of off this cover, the Bear also includes gel-infused memory foam, responsive transition foam, and high-density foam in its construction.
The Bear Original is a great budget buy and also comes with a lifetime warranty, which can be really comforting for students.
Read our full Bear mattress review.
Best Mattress For Combination Sleepers – Saatva
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It’s a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. The white glove delivery Saatva provides is an added perk and will save you the headache of getting rid of your old mattress (they take it away for free!). For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Saatva is a great option for back sleepers, as the Luxury Firm model provides enough cushioning for their lumbar region, but also lots of support to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
I’m a big fan of the Saatva Classic at Sleepopolis because it’s a luxury innerspring bed that doesn’t have an extreme luxury price tag. It also is offered in three different firmness levels, so you can choose the right firmness level for your sleeping position. The coil-on-coil construction in this mattress allows it to be bouncy and responsive, which is important for college students who are combination sleepers and need to easily switch sleeping positions throughout the night.
The Saatva Classic comes in a Plush Soft, a Luxury Firm, and a Firm model. It also comes in two height options: 11.5 inches and 14.5 inches. Back sleepers can be happy on any model. I generally recommend the Plush Soft version for side sleepers and the Firm model for stomach sleepers. You can read our comparison of the three firmness options here for more information.
Another major perk of ordering from Saatva? Their mattresses come with free white glove delivery. This means moving specialists will deliver the bed fully expanded to you, set it up in your room of choice, and take away your old mattress if needed — all for free. The Saatva is never compressed in a box, like most other online mattresses. Be sure to check out our Saatva coupon page to get the best price.
Read our full Saatva mattress review.
Best Budget Mattress – Brooklyn Bedding Essential
The Brooklyn Bedding Essential mattress is a hybrid mattress, meaning it is made of one layer of foam and one layer of coils. The coils keep the mattress breathable and cool while still being supportive, while the foam keeps the bed comfortable and pressure relieving. It has great motion isolation, thanks to the foam top layer, and is firm enough for back and stomach sleepers.
What our tester says:
“Back sleepers of all weights should find the Brooklyn Bedding Essential provides a pleasant mix of comfort and support.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
I’ve mentioned a few times that I’m keeping college students’ potential budgets in mind with all these picks, but Brooklyn Bedding’s Essential model is my choice for the best budget mattress. That’s because it’s not only affordably priced — the brand also regularly has deals for even more savings.
The Brooklyn Bedding Essential is a hybrid mattress that features a layer of high-density memory foam and 8 inches of individually wrapped coils to give sleepers the perfect blend of support, pressure relief, and responsiveness. Back sleepers and light to average weight stomach sleepers should find the Brooklyn Bedding Essential provides a pleasant mix of comfort and support.
Like many of the other models on my list, the Brooklyn Bedding Essential comes with an impressive 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty to offer customers peace of mind.
Read the full Brooklyn Bedding Essential mattress review.
Best Mattress For Heavier Students – Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm
The Plank Firm more than lives up to its name with its ultra-sturdy foams and supportive feel. While this bed certainly isn’t for everyone, it should be an ideal fit for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers who want to feel more on top of their mattress than in it. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Plank Firm is one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress, the firm side and extra firm side, should give these sleepers the support they need to keep their hips in line with their shoulders. Back sleepers who like a firmer feel should also be happy on the firm side of the Plank.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
With “Plank” in its name, you already know the Plank Firm mattress from Brooklyn Bedding is going to be supportive for heavier college students weighing over 250 pounds. The Plank Firm is a flippable mattress, so it has two different firmness levels you can choose from. One side is firm and the other is extra firm. This supportive feel allows it to be great for heavier sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers.
The Plank Firm consists of five layers. When the logo is right side up, then the extra-firm side is on top. When it’s on this side, there’s a quilted cover with foam that you can opt to add an extra cooling panel to with Phase Change Material. Then there’s high-density base foam, TitanFlex foam (a latex alternative), and another similar firm cover with less foam in the quilting.
Brooklyn Bedding says this bed was inspired by the “minimalist approach to sleep in parts of Asia,” so the firmer, flatter surface of the bed helps promote spinal alignment. Along with being a firm, supportive option, you can also use our Brooklyn Bedding coupons to help make the Plank Firm an affordable option.
Read our full Plank Firm mattress review.
How to Find An Affordable Mattress
Here are some good ways to find the best deal on a mattress.
- Shop Online: When price is a deciding factor, shop for the best mattresses online. Without the expense of showrooms, salespeople, and other overhead costs, online mattress companies are more cost-competitive. Mattress websites offer in-depth descriptions, reviews, and pictures of their products. I’ve compiled more of my favorite affordable online mattresses in this best cheap mattress roundup.
- Go for a Bed-in-a-Box: A lot of the best bed-in-a-box brands are only available online. Low overhead costs, simpler mattress designs, and direct-to-consumer shipping help bed-in-a-box companies keep their mattresses extra affordable.
What to Consider When Buying the Best Mattress For College Students
I know college students are at a pivotal time in their life with busy schedules and personal development, which makes it even more crucial to get high-quality sleep. That said, not everyone sleeps the same or has the same sleep style, so it’s important to look at your personal needs and preferences when picking a new mattress.
I’ve listed some factors below that you should consider when finding the best mattress for college students, including different mattress types, budget buys, and sleeping positions. You can also learn more in our guide on how to choose a mattress.
Mattress Types And Materials
As you may have noticed in my selection of mattresses, there are different types of mattresses out there. Here are their main differences.
Memory Foam
All-foam mattresses tend to offer a lot of pressure relief. Of all the different mattress types, foam beds are often the least expensive. However, there are high-quality foam materials that can get pricier. The downside of foam mattresses is they’re not always as supportive and durable as other types of mattresses.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are more old-school compared to the other types and used to incorporate springs and not much else into their build. Modern-day innerspring mattresses usually have a good bit of foam in the construction as well. They’re usually very responsive and supportive. They tend to last longer, but they also tend to be more expensive.
Hybrid
A hybrid mattress is kind of the best of both worlds. These beds are made with a combination of materials — typically both foams and coils. This allows them to work for a wide range of sleepers since they have a balanced, medium-firm feel. They also tend to last longer and be more durable. There are a lot of competitively priced hybrid mattresses in today’s market.
Latex
A latex mattress is made with latex foam derived from either Talalay or Dunlop latex, resulting in a mattress that’s bouncy, responsive, and naturally cooling. Latex is extremely durable, and is often paired with coils and other types of foam. They usually last seven to 10 years. Like hybrid and innerspring mattresses, they tend to be on the pricier end.
Our Advice When Picking a Mattress Material
Mattresses with higher-quality materials often cost more than cheaply made beds. Organic mattresses with natural materials, such as wool, mohair, and latex, typically cost more than synthetic or mass-produced materials, like poly foam and memory foam. The type of wood and gauge of the metal used in coils can also affect the cost of a mattress.
Best Mattress Size for College Students
Mattresses will typically be available in a handful of different sizes:
- Twin – 38” x 75”
- Twin XL – 38” x 80”
- Full/Double – 54” x 75”
- Queen – 60” x 80”
- King – 76” x 80”
- Split King – 38” x 80” (each mattress)
- California King – 72” x 84”
I usually recommend that college students check out twin XL– and full-sized mattresses. That’s because oftentimes students (especially freshmen) are sleeping in dorms or apartments with limited space. However, the right size for you will depend on your room dimensions, body type, sleep style, and whether or not you share the bed with a partner or a pet. Check out our mattress sizing guide to narrow in on the best fit for your space.
Sleeping Positions
Here’s a brief overview of the different sleeping positions and what type of bed is usually best for them.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers tend to be the easiest to please. They need a combination of comfort and support. They’ll do best on a bed that helps promote spinal alignment while also offering pressure relief. Back sleepers usually do best on hybrid or innerspring mattresses.
Side Sleepers
Like back sleepers, side sleepers need a mix of comfort and support, but it usually takes a softer bed to provide that for them. A softer mattress will offer them contouring around their pressure points. Side sleepers can do well with foam and hybrid mattresses.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers need a supportive and firm bed. That’s because they want their hips to be elevated and in line with their shoulders to help prevent back pain. There are some all-foam beds designed to be extra firm, but I usually recommend hybrid or innerspring mattresses for stomach sleepers.
Combination Sleepers
Combination sleepers switch between multiple sleeping positions at night, so they need a responsive bed that allows them to easily move around. They can usually find comfort in latex mattresses, hybrid mattresses, and innerspring mattresses.
Firmness
Firmness is a very important factor when it comes to buying a new mattress. When testing mattresses, I place each mattress on our firmness scale which rates each mattress from 1–10, 1 being the softest mattress and 10 being the firmest bed I have ever tested. Keep in mind, a 6.5 is considered a true medium-firm.
What firmness level you go for has everything to do with your sleeping position. A side sleeper needs a softer mattress to cushion their shoulders and relieve any pain, whereas a stomach sleeper needs a firmer bed to keep their hips and back aligned and to avoid any sinkage.
Advice for Heavy College Student Mattresses
Heavier sleepers weighing more than 250 pounds need a bed that’s going to be durable, supportive, and comfortable. There are a lot of beds specifically designed for these sleepers (see some of my favorites in the roundup of best mattresses for heavy people). Generally, I recommend hybrid or innerspring beds for them as well.
Cooling
College dorms or apartments are known for being extremely hot. When I was living in my dorm, I had zero AC and I had a tiny little fan attempting me to cool down. There are many ways to keep you cool as you sleep but the main one I recommend is investing in a mattress with specific cooling abilities. Look for words like gels, coils, phase-changing materials, cooling covers. Hybrid and innerspring mattresses can be great for hot sleepers since the coils naturally promote airflow as well.
I test for cooling using a thermal gun. This device uses thermal imaging to show how much heat has built up in the bed after I’ve laid on it for five minutes. I consider an 8 degree change or under to be good cooling, and a change of 5 degrees and under to be great cooling.
Edge Support
Edge Support relates to the amount of support and reinforced edges your mattress has. Edge support allows you to use more of the mattress so if you think you might be sharing this bed with anyone, this should be a priority. To objectively test edge support, I use a yard stick or tape measure how deep I sink when lying and sitting on the edge of the bed.
How Much You Should Pay for a College Mattress?
The price of a mattress depends on its size, brand and mattress type. Twin mattress should cost between $250 and $550 for a memory foam bed and $400–$600 for a hybrid bed. Twin XL beds are a little larger and usually what you’ll find in dorms therefore a little more expensive, so expect to pay $450–$800 for a memory foam mattress and $550–$900 for a hybrid or innerspring.
When to Buy a Mattress
- Presidents’ Day (February)
- Memorial Day (May)
- Labor Day (September)
- Cyber 5 (November)
- Christmas (December)
Company Policies
Shipping
If you’re on a tight budget, paying extra for shipping might not be possible. That’s why I tried to only include brands that offer free shipping. If you’re living in a dorm or apartment, some brands offer a service called white glove delivery where they hand-deliver the mattress, bring it to your room, set it up, and even remove your old mattress if needed. This is especially helpful if you know you have a lot of stairs.
Sleep Trials
Many brands offer sleep trials where you can test the mattress in your dorm or apartment for an extended period of time so you can see if the bed is truly the right fit for you. I recommend looking at sleep trials that over 30 days so you get your money’s worth.
Warranties
Even if this mattress is just for a short time in your life, having a warranty can give you peace of mind. For instance, it might give you a full exchange or refund in the event of a product getting ruined or a mattress not off-gassing correctly. I recommend looking at brands that have a 5 year-plus mattress warranty.
Mattress Accessories for College Students
A good night’s rest doesn’t stop with the mattress. It’s also important to get the right accessories for your bed. See some of my favorites below.
Twin vs Twin XL
A twin has dimensions of 39”W x 75”L, whereas a twin XL measures 39”W x 80”L. Taller or larger students should select a twin XL for extra legroom. At a stretch, a twin XL could fit two people. However I don’t recommend trying to fit two people for a standard twin. If you think you might use this mattress for more than a year, I recommend going for a slightly more durable, longer-lasting bed like a twin XL.
Expert Tips to Sleep in College
- Create a routine: Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps regulate your internal clock.
- Set up a comfortable sleep environment: Make your dorm room or apartment conducive to sleep by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet. Use earplugs, an eye mask, or a white noise machine if needed.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol: Avoid consuming caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime, as they can disrupt your sleep patterns.
- Manage stress: College can be stressful, so practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga before bed to help calm your mind.
- Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep, but try to finish exercising at least a few hours before bedtime.
- Limit naps: While naps can be refreshing, excessive napping during the day can interfere with your nighttime sleep. If you need to nap, keep it short (20–30 minutes) and earlier in the day.
- Optimize your study schedule: Plan your study sessions to avoid last-minute cramming that can lead to late nights. Good time management can reduce stress and help you get better sleep.
- Stay hydrated, but not right before bed: Drink enough water throughout the day, but reduce intake in the evening to avoid frequent trips to the bathroom during the night.
- Seek support if needed: If you’re consistently struggling with sleep despite trying these tips, consider talking to a healthcare professional or a counselor at your college for additional support and advice.
How Much Sleep Should College Students Get?
College students should aim for about 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. This amount is recommended by doctors and sleep experts for adults and helps support optimal cognitive function, and overall health. Of course, I know this isn’t possible every night but trying to find a consistent routine and prioritizing sleep will help with all aspects of one’s wellbeing.
What are the Common Causes of Sleep Problems for College Students?
- Academic stress: The pressure of exams, assignments, and deadlines can lead to anxiety and extra stress, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.
- Irregular sleep schedules: Late-night studying, social events, shift work, and varying class times can disrupt a consistent sleep routine, leading to inconsistent sleep patterns.
- Electronic device use: The blue light emitted by phones, laptops, and tablets before bed can interfere with the production of melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep.
- Caffeine and stimulant consumption: Drinking coffee, energy drinks, or other caffeinated beverages, especially later in the day, can disrupt sleep by over stimulating your body.
- Living in the dorm: Noise, light, and uncomfortable living conditions in dorms can negatively affect sleep quality and make it harder to get restful sleep.
FAQs
What is the best time of year to buy a mattress?
The following weekends tend to have the best sales: Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday. That said, a lot of companies have deals going on all the time, so check out the coupons page on Sleepopolis to find exclusive discounts.
How can I extend the life of my mattress?
We recommend rotating your bed 180 degrees every six to eight months to make it last longer.
What’s the cheapest kind of mattress available?
A basic innerspring bed or a no-frills memory foam mattress tend to be the least expensive options. However, there are a lot of competitively priced hybrid mattresses online these days. You can also usually upgrade the mattress you’re looking at for not a ton more money to include higher-quality materials that will make it last longer.
Recap: The Best Mattresses for College Students
| Mattress | Best For | Full Retail Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
| Nectar | Best Overall | $1,563 | Nectar Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Helix Midnight | Value | $1,373 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
| DreamCloud | Durability | $1,613 | DreamCloud Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nolah Natural | Organic | $2,099 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| The WinkBed | Back Sleepers | $1,799 | WinkBeds Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Bear | Active Students | $998 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Saatva | Combination Sleepers | $2,095 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Essential | Budget | $932 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm | Heavier Students | $1,332 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
Our Methodology
We’ve reviewed more than 300 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
As mentioned, we know shopping on a budget can be a big part of being a college student. For this reason, we wanted a lot of these mattresses to be affordable options, but also ones that will last through the years of moving, late-night studying, and be applicable to different hobbies or lifestyles. Click here to learn more about our methodology.
Bridget Chapman
Former Senior Product Editor
About Author
Bridget is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and senior editor here at Sleepopolis. From testing mattresses to writing about various sleep health topics, her goal is to help you get a good night’s sleep. You can also find her in videos on our YouTube channel. Bridget graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in English. Before joining the Sleepopolis team, she was a TV news reporter and worked in cities across the country. She loves spending time outdoors, checking out new restaurants, snuggling with her pets, and of course — getting some quality Zzz’s.
Combination Sleeper