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The clocks went back on November 1, handing most of Ontario a bonus hour in bed. (British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba have retired the ritual, so they'll need another excuse to sleep in.) Was that hour a treat, or did you spend it hunting for a comfortable spot? Like testing the smoke alarms, the time change is a good reminder to think about your sleep and, at the very least, change your bedding for the new season. And while the sheets are off, even a bed that has seen you through lazy Sunday mornings and favourite books deserves a check-in.

1. Let Age Start the Conversation

When did you last replace your mattress? If the answer involves counting backwards through several family holidays, it may be time for a closer look. Many mattresses last roughly seven to ten years, although materials, everyday use and care all affect that timeline. Traditional innerspring models generally wear out soonest, often in about six years. Do you know what's inside yours? If your sleep has slipped, a better mattress or base could be a welcome first step.

2. Look for Dips, Lumps and Uneven Support

With the bedding off, inspect the surface. Notice lasting dips, lumps or much softer areas; a broom handle laid across the mattress will reveal any gap. Blame material science: springs flexed night after night gradually lose their resilience and sag, while foam softens under years of pressure.

It's said that meeting in the middle is good advice for a long marriage. But if you're physically meeting in the middle of your mattress, and not on purpose, that's usually a sign it needs replacing.

3. In the Morning, Note How Your Body Feels

Notice how you feel each morning, because our bodies, and our sleep itself, change as we age. Our sleep cycles shift toward lighter stages and less deep sleep. We wake more often as we deal with physical changes and periods of stress. Temperature, sound and light can also wake us more easily, making an uninterrupted night of sleep less common than it once was.

Yet we still need about seven to nine hours a night, says the U.S. National Institute on Aging. Are you getting them? Monitor your sleep using a sleep tracker or good old pen and paper. Pinpoint where pain or muscle soreness recurs. Persistent or severe pain deserves a conversation with your doctor.

4. Check What Your Bed Is On

What sits under your mattress matters too. Look for broken slats, uneven support or a bed frame creaky enough to wake the house on Christmas Eve. The wrong base can cause premature wear and may affect your mattress warranty.

Consider a new foundation, bed frame or adjustable base to improve your sleep. Today's adjustable bases are much more affordable than they used to be, offer more ways to support your body, and are made to last up to 20 years. But not every mattress is built to bend with one. Call us to check if yours is compatible.

5. Ask Whether It Still Suits Your Life

The bed you chose years ago suited the life you had then. Perhaps you sleep warmer than you used to, or share the mattress with a partner who snores, tosses and turns, or keeps a different sleep routine. Perhaps you now enjoy watching TV or reading in bed rather than in the living room. If your bed no longer fits your lifestyle or your partner's, you may be losing valuable sleep and missing an opportunity to enhance your comfort.

Knowing when to change your mattress or bed comes down to comfort, health, condition and lifestyle. At Ultramatic, we believe customizing your comfort is a lovely way to elevate your sleep and improve your energy.

End-of-year sales are a great time to shop, so call us for a free personalized consultation. We've been helping Canadians sleep better since 1982. Reach our sleep experts at 1-866-413-4169 for practical advice with no pressure. Or email us at info@ultramaticsleep.com. For the best experience, visit one of our three convenient showrooms.

This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional.