Steve Maddox is the director of sales for Paramount Sleep and has been in the bedding industry since 2010. He joined Paramount in 2017 as a territory sales rep in North Carolina and Virginia and has held various roles, such as key account manager and sales manager. Prior to joining Paramount, he spent a combined six years with Sleepy’s and Mattress Firm. In his free time, he enjoys competitive sports. “Golf has always been a favorite, but I also like disc golf, baseball, bowling, Ping-Pong, etc.,” he says. “There are not many activities that I would not find a way to compete.”
BedTimes: Tell us about your bedtime routine. What do you do before bed?
Steve Maddox: My bedtime routine somewhat fluctuates depending on my travel schedule but there are a few things that I try to be consistent with every night. When I am home, I start getting my son, 2 ½-year-old Beau, ready for bed around 7:45 p.m. for his 8:30 p.m. bedtime. Our bedtime temperature is set at 68 degrees. We shower, brush our teeth, put away toys and electronics, change into sleep clothes and read a book in the rocking chair. Currently, Beau’s favorite book is “Goodnight Moon.” When I am traveling the consistencies are setting the temp to 68 degrees, a nighttime shower, brushing my teeth and shutting down my computer or TV 30 minutes to an hour before bed. Being in sales and traveling different time zones, the actual bedtime seems to be what is most inconsistent, but I find if I have similar habits before bed, whether at home or on the road, I always sleep a little bit better.
BT: What do you never do before bed?
SM: I try not to work out late at night. I enjoy going to the gym in the evenings, but I have found that if I work out too close to bedtime, I have more difficulty shutting down and falling asleep. I try to keep my workouts between 6 and 8 p.m., depending on what I have going on that day, so that I have time to wind down and go through my nightly routine.
BT: How many hours do you typically sleep?
SM: I know we strive for eight hours a night, but I find that I am much groggier if I hit the eight-plus hour mark. Getting between six and seven hours helps me wake up refreshed and early enough to tackle my daily to-do list.
BT: Pets in the bed – yay or nay?
SM: Nay for now — but Beau is growing up quickly (too quickly) and loves dogs. I see a puppy in the near future, and I can see my stance changing on this once a dog is a part of the family.
BT: What’s on your nightstand?
SM: An air purifier, a bottle of water, adjustable base remote and my cellphone on the charger.
BT: Are you a napper?
SM: I would love to be, but no. Once I am up, accomplishing my daily tasks becomes my focus, whether it is work or personal, with one exception. The nap after a big Thanksgiving Day meal may be one of my favorite times of the year!
BT: What are your secrets for getting a good night’s sleep while traveling?
SM: When I am traveling, consistency in routine (which we discussed earlier), plays a major part in getting a good night’s sleep. It provides familiarity in a new environment. I also like to review my checklist for the day and compose my checklist for the next day. This gives a sense of completion for today and preparation for tomorrow, both of which help me sleep better.
BT: What are your best sleep tips?
SM: Sleep in a cool, comfortable environment. I personally like it to be 68-69 degrees in my house. This is the perfect temperature to fall asleep. Shut down electronics before bed; they stimulate the mind and will keep you from falling asleep. And finally, I will always believe it is most important to have a mattress that is luxuriously comfortable and tremendously supportive. Your mattress will always have a major impact on your quality of sleep and is worth the investment.
BT: Is there anything else you would like to add?
SM: Consistency is key. I have not always been great about bedtime routines. Being in the mattress industry, I knew all the tips for better sleep but when it came to execution, I would try for a couple days and then go back to old habits, or I would have one routine at home and a completely different one on the road. Consistency in routine is gained through forcing yourself to do the things that impact your quality of sleep and before you know it, they will become your new habits.
