BedTimes January 2026Nightcap Q&A

Susan MathesSusan Mathes is executive vice president for Therapedic Worldwide and chair of the Better Sleep Council. In September, she marked her 16th year in the mattress industry—all of them with Therapedic. Outside of work, she spends as much time as she can with her family, especially her granddaughter, Neve, who lives in Boston—a four- to five-hour drive (without traffic) from where she lives in New Jersey. Mathes makes it a point to meet a friend each week for dinner or drinks so they can stay connected amid busy schedules. Monday nights are Mahjong nights in her neighborhood—she loves both the game and the friendship that’s grown within their group. On weekend mornings, she enjoys taking long walks while listening to a book or a podcast to unwind and enjoy a little time to herself.BedTimes: Tell us about your bedtime routine.Susan Mathes: Comfort is key for me at the end of the day. I like to be cozy in what I’m wearing and in the bed I’m getting into. I settle in before I’m truly tired—usually with a show on my iPad—and then give myself a little buffer to put it away, turn off the lights, and ease into sleep mode.BT: How many hours of sleep do you typically get? SM: I hate to admit it, but five to seven hours is usually the best I do.BT: Pets in the bed—yea or nay?SM: Love pets, but not in my bed. All our snuggle time happens before bedtime. After that, they’re on their own.BT: What’s on your nightstand? SM: Water, iPad, a book, reading glasses, and a framed photo of my granddaughter, Neve, and my granddog, Gibbs—it’s the same photo, and I love seeing their faces before bed.BT: What are your best sleep tips?SM: Keep your routine consistent and create a space that feels cozy. Comfort really does make a difference—the right mattress, pillows, and sheets can help you unwind more quickly. Also, give yourself time to transition from your daytime pace to nighttime rest; I’m learning to be intentional about that. It’s harder for me than it sounds.BT: What is the best sleep product you own and why? SM: I’m admittedly biased—I’m a Therapedic girl through and through. My Tommy Bahama mattress (from the Therapedic factory, Sleep International, in Florida) is truly the best bed I’ve owned. I pair it with down pillows from a Therapedic top-of-bed partner and Therapedic sheets. For me, it’s a winning combination, and I genuinely look forward to climbing into bed at the end of the day, even if I’m not quite ready to go to sleep. (Oops, is that another rule I’m breaking?)BT: What do you do when you have insomnia? SM: I’m normally a rule-follower but not in the middle of the night—I usually end up scrolling on my iPad. I’m trying to be better about that. Ideally, I just lie there with my eyes closed and try to relax. Even if I can’t sleep, I want to at least feel like I’m resting my mind and my body.BT: Now for a game of “Would You Rather?” Sleep mask or sound machine?SM: Sound machine for sure. BT: Physical book or Kindle?SM: Physical book at home; audiobook while I’m walking or driving. BT: Before bed: Read a book, watch a show, or listen to a podcast?SM: Watching a show—I know it’s not the “right” choice, but I’m guilty as charged. (Oh boy, I guess I am actually a rule-breaker.) BT: Is there anything else you would like to add?SM: As I get older, I’m noticing how my sleep is changing. I’ve never been someone who needs a lot of sleep to function well, so I have to be intentional about getting enough. I know how important sleep is for overall health, so I’m working on it—and I’m hopeful I still have many great nights of sleep ahead!

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