Sleep Glossary

Getting a good night's sleep is a fundamental pillar of health, just like diet and physical activity. Yet, many terms related to sleep, bedding, and nighttime comfort remain poorly understood.

Through this glossary of good sleep , Sampur helps you better understand the vocabulary of sleep , decipher key concepts and make informed choices to sustainably improve the quality of your nights.

This glossary is for everyone: people suffering from sleep disorders, mattress buyers, comfort enthusiasts or simply curious people wishing to optimize their rest.

Alphabetical navigation

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

A

  • (Mattress) comfort

    The initial feel refers to the sensation experienced in the first few seconds when you lie down on a mattress. It can be soft, balanced, or firm. At Sampur, the initial feel is often optimized thanks to the latest generation technologies in our mattresses.

    Our multi-technology mattresses
  • Sleep apnea

    Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder characterized by involuntary pauses in breathing during sleep. These interruptions lead to repeated micro-awakenings and significant fatigue upon waking. Sleep apnea is often associated with snoring and requires medical attention.

    Learn more
  • Sleep architecture

    Overall organization of sleep over a full night, composed of several cycles including different phases: light, deep and paradoxical sleep.
    A balanced sleep architecture is essential for restorative sleep.

    Learn more

B

  • Sleep well

    The term encompasses all the conditions necessary for quality sleep: sufficient duration, continuous sleep, comfortable bedding, a calm environment, and healthy habits. Sleeping well is not just about sleeping for a long time, but sleeping effectively.

    Learn more
  • Nighttime blockade

    Stiffness or pain felt upon waking, often linked to poor sleeping posture or an unsuitable mattress.

    Our ergonomic mattresses
  • Bruxism

    Involuntary teeth grinding during sleep, often linked to stress. It can disrupt sleep quality and cause muscle or dental pain.

    Learn more

C

  • Chronotype

    Biological profile that determines whether a person is more of a morning person (“lark”) or an evening person (“owl”).
    Knowing your chronotype allows you to adapt your bedtime and wake-up times for better sleep.

    Learn more
  • Sleep cycle

    A sleep cycle lasts on average 90 minutes and repeats 4 to 6 times per night. Each cycle includes light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep. Sleep quality depends on the proper sequence of these cycles.

    Learn more
  • Bedding comfort

    The overall feeling of well-being provided by the mattress, bed base, pillow, and accessories. Comfort is subjective but based on objective criteria: ergonomics, breathability, support, and morphological adaptation.

    Our bedding packages
  • Comforter

    The duvet is an essential element of bedding designed to provide warmth, comfort and a feeling of well-being during sleep.

    Our Sampur duvets

D

  • Sleep debt

    Accumulation of sleep deprivation over several days or weeks. This results in chronic fatigue, decreased concentration, and a weakened immune system.

    Learn more
  • Foam density (mattress)

    Key indicator for foam mattresses, expressed in kg/m³.
    High density ensures better durability and more stable support over time.

    Our foam mattresses
  • Restless sleeper

    A person who moves frequently during the night. A mattress offering good motion isolation is recommended to limit micro-awakenings.

    Learn more

E

  • Falling asleep

    The transition phase between wakefulness and sleep. Falling asleep quickly is often a sign of good sleep hygiene and suitable bedding.

    Learn more
  • Sleep ergonomics

    Science aimed at adapting bedding to the human body in order to respect the natural curves of the body during sleep.

    Our relaxation bedding

F

  • Chronic fatigue

    A state of persistent fatigue despite seemingly sufficient nights of sleep. It can be linked to poor sleep quality, micro-awakenings, or unsuitable bedding.

    Learn more
  • Mattress firmness

    Mattress resistance level to sinking. Contrary to popular belief, a mattress that is too firm is not always better for your back.

    Learn more

H

  • Sleep hygiene

    All the habits that promote good sleep: regular schedules, a calm environment, limiting screen time, comfortable bedding.

    Learn more
  • Hybrid (mattress)

    A hybrid mattress is a mattress that combines several sleeping technologies within the same mattress. It generally combines a core of pocket springs with layers of foam (memory foam, high-resilience foam or latex).

    Our hybrid mattresses

I

  • Sleeping independence

    A mattress's ability to absorb the movements of one sleeper without transmitting them to the other.

    An essential criterion for couples.

    Our mattresses for couples
  • Insomnia

    A sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, waking up during the night, or waking up too early.
    Inappropriate bedding can worsen insomnia.

    Learn more

L

  • Sleep latency

    Time taken to fall asleep after going to bed. A latency greater than 30 minutes may indicate a sleep disorder.

    Learn more
  • Bedding

    All the elements that make up the bed: mattress, bed base, pillow, mattress topper, duvet and bed linen.

    Our Sampur bedding
  • Children's bedding

    Children's bedding includes all sleeping elements specifically designed to meet the physiological needs of children.

    Our Sampur children's bedding

M

  • Shape memory

    Bedding made with viscoelastic foam that conforms to the body's shape and reduces pressure points. Highly valued for comfort and back pain relief.

    Our memory foam pillows
  • Melatonin

    The sleep hormone is naturally secreted by the body in the absence of light. Excessive exposure to screens can disrupt its production.

    Learn more
  • Micro-alarm clocks

    Short, unconscious awakenings that fragment sleep.
    They reduce the feeling of rest upon waking.

    Learn more

O

  • Ergonomic pillow

    Pillow designed to maintain the head and neck in optimal alignment.
    A good pillow is essential to prevent neck pain.

    Our ergonomic pillows
  • Travel pillow

    A travel pillow is a small cushion designed to provide support while travelling (plane, train, car) or for occasional naps.

    Learn more

P

  • Bedding set

    A bed linen set refers to the complete coordinated bed linen intended to dress the bed. It includes a duvet cover, pillowcases, and a fitted sheet.

    Our bed linens
  • Sleeping position

    Sleeping position: on your back, on your side, or on your stomach. Each position requires a specific type of mattress and pillow.

    Learn more
  • Pressure points

    Areas of the body that experience excessive pressure during sleep (shoulders, hips, heels). A good mattress distributes pressure evenly.

    High-end mattress

R

  • Physical recovery

    The process by which the body regenerates during sleep, particularly during deep sleep.

    Learn more
  • Relaxation (bedding)

    Relaxation bedding creates an environment where the body can completely relax, reducing stress and promoting physical and mental recovery.

    Our electric bed bases
  • REM (Rapid Eye Movement)

    Another name for paradoxical sleep, the phase during which dreams are most intense.

    Learn more
  • Snoring

    Respiratory noise caused by vibration of the airway tissues. Can be aggravated by poor sleeping position.

    Our Sampur pillows

S

  • Deep sleep

    This phase is essential for muscle and immune recovery. A comfortable mattress promotes deep, quality sleep.

    Learn more
  • REM sleep

    Sleep phase associated with dreaming and memory consolidation.

    Learn more
  • Restful sleep

    Sleep allows for complete recovery, both physical and mental.

    Learn more
  • Light sleep

    Phase during which the sleeper can be easily awakened.

    Learn more
  • Mattress topper

    A bedding accessory placed on the mattress to improve comfort or support without changing the bedding.

    Our Sampur mattress toppers

T

  • Sleep temperature

    The ideal bedroom temperature for a good night's sleep is generally between 16 and 19°C.

    Learn more
  • Headboard

    The headboard is a bedding element placed at the upper end of the bed, against the wall. It plays both a functional and an aesthetic role.

    Our Sampur headboards
  • Bolster

    A bolster is a long, cylindrical cushion placed at the top of the bed, usually spanning the entire width of the sleeping area. It complements or replaces a pillow.

    Our Sampur bolsters
  • Sleep disorders

    All disturbances affecting the quality or duration of sleep: insomnia, apnea, restless legs syndrome, etc.

    Learn more

V

  • Mattress ventilation

    The mattress's ability to wick away moisture and heat is essential for healthy sleep.

    Our spring mattresses
  • Viscoelastic (foam)

    Viscoelastic, often called memory foam, is a bedding material that precisely adapts to the shapes of the body under the effect of heat and weight.

    Our memory foam mattress toppers

Sleep better thanks to knowledge

Understanding the vocabulary of sleep is already a first step towards more restful nights.

Thanks to this glossary of good sleep and our information blog, Sampur supports you in a comprehensive approach to comfort, health and nighttime well-being.

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