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
The best mattress for back pain 2024: With expert advice from chiropractors
By Alison Barretta last updated
Our roundup of the best mattresses for back pain, featuring beds our expert testers have slept on themselves while experiencing back pain.
Two nights of bad sleep makes you feel four years older, study shows
By Nicola Appleton published
According to a study by Stockholm University, quality sleep is a key factor in feeling young.
Will putting your mattress on the floor help you sleep cooler? I'm a sleep writer, here's what I think
By Nicola Appleton published
Will putting your mattress on the floor help you sleep cooler? Yes, but I don't recommend it — here’s why, plus 3 pro tips to sleeping cooler tonight.
Helix Dusk Luxe Mattress review 2024
By Alex Temblador last updated
We slept on the Helix Dusk Luxe to see if it’s worth its premium price tag. Spoiler alert, it is — we explain why in our review.
Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review 2024
By Nicola Appleton last updated
Does the Helix Midnight Luxe provide better side sleeping support than its predecessor? We slept on it for seven weeks to find out...
Consistently good sleep reduces your risk of Type 2 diabetes, new study shows
By Nicola Appleton published
Consistently good quality sleep reduces your risk of Type 2 diabetes, new study shows. Here’s how to fix your sleep schedule, starting from tonight.
The best firm mattress 2024, approved by sleep experts
By Alison Barretta last updated
The best firm mattresses for proper spinal support, rated by our top sleep testers and with advice from a chiropractor.
The best luxury mattress 2024: Tested by sleep experts
By Sarah Finley last updated
Bring five-star hotel luxe into your own bedroom with our expert guide to the best luxury mattresses on the market.
The best cooling mattress 2024: cool beds for hot sleepers
By Claire Davies last updated
Our expert guide to the best cooling mattresses to stop overheating and ensure you get a refreshing night's sleep.
Save up to $919 on the best Helix mattress for side sleepers with hip pain in huge rival Prime Day deal
By Nicola Appleton last updated
Forget the Prime Day mattress deals — the Helix Midnight Luxe just dropped to its lowest ever price in an epic 32% off flash sale.
I’m a sleep editor with a budget of $200 — here's how I'm updating my guest bedroom this Prime Day
By Nicola Appleton published
I’m a sleep editor with a budget of $200 — here's how I'm updating my guest bedroom with bed sheets, pillows, weighted blanket and a mattress topper this Prime Day.
3 top-rated mattresses I'd buy in today's Amazon deals and not wait for Prime Day
By Nicola Appleton published
These are 3 top-rated mattresses I'd buy in today's Amazon deals and not wait for Prime Day, with prices starting at under $200 for a queen.
5 early Prime Day back to college bedding deals I'd buy for my kids — toppers, sheets, pillows and more
By Nicola Appleton published
I’m a sleep writer and a parent — here’s 5 early Prime Day back to college dorm bedding deals I’d buy for my kids, including toppers, sheets, pillows and more.
Amazon isn't just the land of cheap mattresses — 5 top-rated beds I've found in pre-Prime Day deals that are worth the price
By Nicola Appleton published
DreamCloud, Nectar, Tempur-Pedic and more — 5 top-rated mattresses I've found in pre-Prime Day deals that are worth it.
The best mattresses on Amazon 2024: our top 7 recommendations
By Nicola Appleton last updated
Find the best Amazon mattress for your budget and sleep needs, courtesy of our expertly-curated list.
Are hybrid mattresses better than other types of bed? I'm a mattress tester — here's my take
By Nicola Appleton published
Many of our top-rated mattresses are hybrids — but are they better than other bed types? I'm a mattress tester, here's my take.
I’m a sleep writer with back pain — here’s why the Nolah Evolution 15” is worth it at up to $1,000 off
By Nicola Appleton published
I’m a sleep writer with back pain — here’s why the Nolah Evolution 15” is worth it at up to $1,000 off. Plus, get two free pillows.
The best mattress for side sleepers 2024: Expert tested and reviewed
By Nicola Appleton last updated
We review 2024's best mattresses for side sleepers at a range of prices, from affordable to luxury.
The best organic mattress 2024: Natural beds for a non-toxic sleep
By Jo Plumridge last updated
The best organic mattresses and all natural beds to buy online, as rated by certified sleep experts.
4th of July mattress sales 2024: Our top picks, plus the best deals on bedding
By Nicola Appleton last updated
Our deals experts have found the best mattress sales live today, including an exclusive 4th of July discount that saves you up to 60% on a super-popular memory foam bed-in-a-box.
Which Helix mattress should you buy in the 4th of July sales? I’m a mattress tester, here’s my take
By Nicola Appleton published
Helix's 4th of July mattress sale knocks up to 30% off their top-rated beds - but which one should you buy? I'm a mattress tester, here's what I think
Best cheap mattress 2024: quality budget beds under $500 for a queen
By Claire Davies last updated
We've found the best cheap mattress for every sleeper, with affordable queen size mattresses for under $500.
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress review 2024
By Alison Barretta last updated
Is the Tempur-Adapt mattress a worthy investment for back sleepers looking for premium pressure relief? We slept on it to see