You’ve been very open and vulnerable about your battle with burnout, stress, and anxiety. When did you know to seek help and how did you first seek help?
My initial battle with stress and anxiety started like most kids: in high school. Figuring out life, friends, and interests is already incredibly difficult on young people; I then added another layer of stress when I reached unexpected success in the Olympics at 16. I became way more conscious of my surroundings, the expectations I placed on myself, the expectations of other people, the pressure to succeed and have continuous gradual success, and how I had to do it all with
Q&A WITH Penny
Oleksiak
Mediaplanet sat down with Canada’s all-time most decorated Olympian, competitive swimmer, and mental health advocate, Penny Oleksiak, to reflect on her sudden rise to fame at a young age, the pressures of being an athlete on the international stage, and how she manages stress and anxiety.
grace. It all became a lot of weight for a 16-yearold to bear and I think it took a couple of years for anyone to realize how much I was truly struggling. I started seeking help around 17 through the doctors I worked with at the centre I swam at, and I still use those people for assistance today.
What are the sources of stress and anxiety that you face as an athlete/role model?
There are constantly different stressors we all face day to day in life. As an athlete, this manifests in many ways, whether it’s dealing with external pressure of what a country is expecting of me, to internal pressures of what I’m expecting of myself. I think the biggest challenge you face as an athlete is the challenge of dealing with setbacks and injuries. Injuries are a part of the lifestyle, and they can determine an athlete’s whole fate. Knowing that it’s not going to always be a smooth ride,
that you need to learn to roll with the setbacks and keep trying to push yourself forward, is the biggest source of stress any athlete deals with.
What’s been the most effective source of stress/anxiety relief for you in particularly hard times?
Do you have a specific hobby you engage in, a supportive social circle you rely on, etc.?
The most effective source of stress/ anxiety relief for me has been surrounding myself with good people. Whenever I’m struggling or just feel anxious about where I’m at, I tend to lean on those around me for support. I am beyond lucky to be surrounded by so many insanely strong and supportive people in my life who have also dealt with their own trials and tribulations. They provide an immensely impressive outlook on life from so many different perspectives, which I actively try to implement into my own life.
Dr. Marjorie Dixon
Mediaplanet sat down with CEO, Founder, and Medical Director at Anova Fertility, Dr. Marjorie Dixon, to discuss the importance of proactive family planning and how making informed choices today can provide peace of mind for your future!
What steps can individuals take if they want to ensure their fertility for the future but are not ready to have children right now?
In my conversations with patients at Anova Fertility, I emphasize the importance of looking ahead and making informed choices. Egg freezing stands out as a powerful option for those not yet ready to start a family. It’s about giving yourself the freedom to choose when you want to embark on the journey of parenthood. By freezing your eggs at a younger age, you’re essentially capturing your fertility at its peak, allowing you to plan your future without the ticking clock of biological constraints. This foresight can be especially empowering for women focused on their careers or personal development in their younger years. Alongside egg freezing, maintaining a balanced lifestyle is crucial. A nutritious diet, regular exercise, and avoiding detrimental habits like smoking and excessive alcohol use are all part of nurturing your fertility. These proactive steps today are not just about good health; they’re about preserving your options for the future, so that when you're ready, your fertility is too.
At what age should individuals start thinking about fertility?
It’s important to start considering your fertility earlier than many realize, ideally in your early 20s. This is the prime time to become informed about your reproductive health. I often recommend connecting with your doctor for fertility assessments as a first step. In my practice, these assessments are akin to getting a 'fertility report card'. They provide a comprehensive overview of your reproductive health, much
like a diagnostic tool. Gaining this early insight is essential. It allows you to make informed decisions and effectively plan for your future, understanding the best timeframes and options available to you based on your individual fertility status.
How can individuals balance career and family planning without compromising either?
In today's world, achieving both a fulfilling career and a family is entirely possible. The key lies in strategic planning and understanding your biological timeline. For those with ovaries, it's important to be aware that the number of eggs is finite and depletes over time. It’s crucial to be mindful of this timeline. This understanding empowers you to plan your life in a way that aligns with both your career goals and family aspirations. In my practice, I work closely to map out this timeline, providing clarity on when might be the best time to start a family, in harmony with their professional life. On the other hand, those with testes are on less of a time crunch in this regard, as they produce a new batch of sperm every three months. Recognizing these biological differences allows us to tailor family planning strategies to each person or couple’s unique situation. It's essential for everyone, regardless of gender identity, to get assessed and understand their fertility health. With the right information and support, it's possible to plan a future that includes both a fulfilling career and a family, making informed choices that reflect one’s personal and professional aspirations.
Affordable Products, Real Results: Olay Puts Science Over Trends
Olay’s ingredient-driven skincare offers real results at accessible prices. Because in a sea of trends, results are what really matter.
Veronica Stephenson
Modern-day skincare suffers from a serious case of information overload. From TikTok "hacks" to skincare trends that disappear as quickly as they come, there’s never been such an overabundance of advice from the beauty industry. Fortunately, time-tested brands backed by over 70 years of industry research like Olay keep their focus centered on results over trends. In a sea of recommendations, it can be hard to tell the signal from the noise — but when it comes to achieving effective results, there's a simple truth as relevant today as ever.
Results — not shiny packaging, sky-high price points, or flashy brand names — are what really matter.
Healthy aging with comprehensive skincare from Olay
When it comes to aging skin, wrinkles and fine lines are a common focal point, but they’re just one piece of a complex puzzle. Women increasingly point to a lack of firmness and elasticity as key concerns for their aging skin.
A comprehensive approach to skincare means addressing the collagen and volume loss that underpins these issues. Even though pronounced effects on the appearance of your skin may not appear until your late 30s or early 40s, these changes start well before they’re visible to the naked eye.
Losing collagen and volume in your skin is a natural part of aging, but fortunately, there is a lot you can do to mitigate these concerns. With Olay’s time-honored legacy and focus on evidence-based, resultoriented formulations, effective beauty treatments — minus the exorbitant price tags — have never been more accessible. Skincare science has identified a handful of key ingredients that specifically target aging skin.
Well-rounded skincare, day to night Olay’s comprehensive range of products is designed to support aging skin around the clock. For daytime use, there’s the Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Day Cream. With moisturizing hyaluronic acid, an amino peptide complex, and potently antioxidant niacinamide, it firms and sculpts for a lifted look — and hydrates better than ten top luxury creams (as tested by Good Housekeeping). With over 16,000 five-star reviews, Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Day Cream is a fan favourite for a reason.
At night, try Olay’s retinoid complex, the Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer. Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A, an ingredient clinically proven to stimulate collagen production and smooth, brighten, and firm the skin. Olay’s Regenerist moisturizer is free of fragrance and dyes, and formulated with soothing vitamin B3 to mitigate the irritation retinol can sometimes cause, making it safe for daily use. It’s particularly effective for use while you sleep — that’s when the skin barrier rests, making it more receptive to retinoids.
And for both day and night use, there’s Olay’s Super Serum — an innovative formula that delivers the benefits of five separate serums in one. Providing effective results to improve skin texture, give a more even-looking skin tone, firmer feeling skin, smoother visible lines, and long-lasting hydration. It’s a versatile powerhouse with myriad benefits all skin types.
Whether you're addressing colla gen loss, firmness concerns, or fine lines, Olay has a well-rounded skincare solution for your best skin yet. Elevate your skincare routine with Olay, where time-hon ored excellence meets the ever-evolving needs of modern beauty.
Treat and Protect Against UTI’s with Natural Solutions
Along with making proactive, healthy choices, herbal formulas can also reduce the chances and severity of a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Katherine Cappellacci
Despite how common they are, discussing UTIs can be as uncomfortable as the infection itself. Women have a higher risk of developing one and they’re likely to reoccur. Since there are many ways to trigger infection, taking preventative measures is key.
Avoiding scented soaps and other irritating feminine products and practicing proper hygiene techniques will help reduce infection risk. Drinking ample water (around 2-3 litres daily) and urinating before and after sex can help flush out potentially harmful bacteria. These tips will help reduce symptoms and lower the chances of getting infected.
Frequently found in the urethra or bladder, infection can spread to the uterus or kidneys, and are often treated with antibiotics. But as concerns about antibiotic resistance grows, people are considering more natural, therapeutic solutions like UTI Clear to treat painful and irritating symptoms.
Fast alleviation
One of the longest-standing products developed by St. Francis Herb Farm, UTI Clear contains ingredients that work quickly to fight infection, with many customers reporting relief from symptoms in just a few days. Herbs like anti-inflammatory, antiseptic goldenrod combined with antimicrobial juniper, yarrow, and echinacea provide powerful antibacterial action. Along with horsetail and dandelion, that act as mild diuretics to help elimanate bacteria and support bladder and kidney function. Plus, marshmallow root soothes irritation and inflammation, relieving burning pain quickly.
Though not intended for longterm use, UTI Clear also offers preventative benefits. A blend of eight targeted herbs in a unique tincture, it effectively deals with the root of the infection while also supporting and relieving the urinary system.
Dr.Rolanda Wilkerson Olay’s Principal Beauty Scientist
Q&A
On Healthy Aging and Skin Care
What are the primary factors that contribute to the loss of volume and elasticity in aging women's skin?
Chronological aging and sun exposure are two main factors that contribute to the loss of volume and elasticity in skin over time. The production of collagen and elastin, two proteins found in the skin, can naturally decline over time, simply put, the skin’s cellular energy declines. These proteins are vital in enabling structure and support to skin. When skin is exposed to UV rays, the collagen and elastin within the skin is damaged, resulting in a break down of the structural components in skin, accelerating signs of fine lines, sagging, wrinkles, uneven tone and texture.
Are there non-surgical options available to address loss of volume in specific areas? Olay Micro-sculpting cream hydrates to tighten and visibly lift skin, helps restore and improve elasticity, visibly improves texture, and instantly diminishes the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Results of lifting and wrinkle reduction with Olay Micro-sculpting Cream have been observed in clinical studies which included lifting and wrinkle reduction of the nasolabial fold and crows feet areas around the eyes.
What advice do you have for women looking to start an anti-aging skincare routine?
It’s never too early to start caring for your skin to protect the skin from advanced signs of aging. Start with a skin care product that goes beyond moisturizing skin to also help to improve skin’s elasticity and firm skin. SPF daily can also not only provide immediate benefits, your skin will benefit from it in the long term.
Penny Oleksiak
Q&A with Olympian, competitive swimmer, and mental health advocate continued.
Is there a healthy way to balance the inevitable competitiveness and pressure to succeed that comes with being an athlete?
There’s an incredibly healthy, but not necessarily easy, way to find this balance. The key is finding the reason why you want to succeed in the first place. If your reasoning is from external stressors and pressure to succeed, it will be nearly impossible. I know this from personal experience. Competitiveness will come with putting yourself in positions to compete and getting yourself locked in. I think a way to find a healthy competitive balance is by finding people you enjoy competing against and people who push you, in and out of the training environment. For me, that’s Kayla Sanchez. She’s incredibly driven outside of the pool, yet will do whatever it takes to be the best version of herself in the water as well. This brings out a healthy competitive drive in me and pushes me to also want to be better in and out of the pool.
You were 16 when you first competed in the Olympics and became well-known on the world stage – what advice would you give to your 16-year-old self in hindsight and/or to other young people who might be struggling right now?
I would tell her to trust herself more. When I was 17, I decided that I wanted to live alone and to start figuring out how to navigate the world truly on my own. Initially, I didn’t have a lot of confidence in the decisions I made and found myself looking to others to tell me how to act or think; it was difficult for me to be fulfilled by my decisions when doing this. I found that once I started trusting my own opinion and making and learning from my own mistakes, I gained a lot of clarity in what I found the most fulfilling in my day-to-day life. It’s always scary taking that step to having the confidence to trust yourself, but I think you tend to learn and appreciate the things you do when you are truly doing them for yourself.
Discover Olay’s unique approach to timeless beauty here:
This article was sponsored by Olay
The “Happiest” Season Is Also the Toughest Season for Many Canadians
The holidays are a challenging time for many Canadians — but fortunately, mental health and substance use support is available.
Wellness Together Canada
As people across the country begin to prepare for the holiday season, more than half will face feelings of anxiety and depression.
To shine a spotlight on the pressure and loneliness that many face, Wellness Together Canada, the nation’s first and only online platform offering free, accessible mental wellness and substance use health support for people in Canada of all ages, has created #RealHolidayTales.
The digital campaign will reach out to people across the country who might be experiencing feelings of anxiety, loneliness, or isolation this holiday season and let them know that they’re not alone and that support is available.
Sharing personal stories
“The holidays can be wonderful for some, and hard for others. The hustle and bustle can be very stressful, triggering difficult feelings — especially for those who may struggle with challenging family relationships,” says AnnMarie Churchill, a clinical
social worker and President and Lead Executive Officer at Stepped Care Solutions.
To support people through the holiday season, Wellness Together Canada sought the insights of influential Canadians Vivek Shraya, Andrian Makhnachov, and Jamie Pandit to share their lived experiences.
“I find that you can be around people and not be alone, but still feel lonely,” says Pandit, a transgender content creator. “There’s this pressure to socialize with people because it’s the holidays and you should be happy, and it’s a time of celebration, but it doesn’t always feel like that.”
During the conversation, Makhnachov shared warm memories of gathering with his family in the Ukraine and the difficulties of being away from them. Shraya talked about starting new traditions with chosen family, and gave tips on how to run toward love and take the pressure off during an already busy time of year. Pandit explored how her experience of the holiday season changed as her relationships with family members evolved over the years.
Fostering the Wellbeing of Women at Work: Tailored Programs and Benefits for Improved Health Outcomes
Investing in the health and wellness of women employees not only fosters a culture of caring but can boost productivity, minimize absenteeism and support recruitment and retention.
Sonya Friesen
In today’s workforce, women play a crucial and central role with 81 per cent of women (those aged 25-54) employed in Canada across various industries (StatsCanada, 2022). And while women often experience a range of unique health challenges — from menstruation to mental health to family planning, menopause* and more — they’re often overlooked in the workplace.
“Traditionally, there’s been stigma in discussing the health and wellness needs of women as it relates to work and the potential need for workplace accommodations,” says Tara Anstey, Director of Business Development, Client Value at Medavie Blue Cross. “One of the major gaps is a lack of research and understanding of women's health, which often leaves many without support — when they need it most.”
Contributing to better health outcomes for women at work
Opportunity exists for employers to further support the wellbeing of women in the workforce, ensuring greater access to care, better health outcomes, as well as business success.
According to Anstey, “Women often have higher levels of absenteeism in the workplace due to health-related issues. By addressing the diverse health and wellness needs of women, businesses can help remove barriers to care and create more inclusive and equitable workplace environments that keep women actively engaged.” This starts with a commitment to responsiveness and flexibility, tailoring strategies that support women at work. As well, proactively educating employees about the tools and resources available to them, ensuring they are well-informed and empowered
Supporting Canadians
“There’s no right way to feel or be during the holidays,” says Churchill. “Many people experience a wide range of emotions — it isn’t a joyous time for everyone, and that’s OK. Being transparent about the realities many of us face during the holidays can help to reduce feelings of isolation. For those who need support, Wellness Together Canada is here for you, during the holidays or any time throughout the year.”
Mental health service providers nationwide continue to experience unprecedented demands as Canadians struggle to deal with the mental health impacts of financial uncertainty and the complex challenges brought about by the long-term effects of the pandemic and global conflicts, among other things.
Wellness Together Canada supports people in every province and territory and in both official languages. The program provides free, 24/7 counselling support with little to no wait times.
to prioritize their health and wellness. Paramedical services accessed through standard benefit plans provide women access to pelvic floor physio, for instance, and a range of mental health practitioners.
Benefit strategies to support women’s health in the workplace “With a mission to improve the wellbeing of Canadians, our aim is to help people access the type of care that best supports their diverse needs,” says Anstey. “Comprehensive benefit plans offer a range of options that address women's health, including reproductive health services, parental leave, mental health resources and wellness programs.”
Examples of this include resources for those experiencing symptoms related to perimenopause and menopause, additional options for specialized health coaching services and family building benefits to help with eligible expenses associated with fertility treatments, surrogacy and adoption.
“Benefit plan enhancements to better support the health of women should be looked at as an investment — not only for employees, but for the organization.”
Accessibility is also essential, and employers should offer a variety of options — virtual, in person, via telephone — to employees who all have different preferences for when, where and how they receive care. Providing access to online resources and support groups, as well as workshops and seminars on women’s health topics is also a great way to supplement traditional benefits offered by workplaces.
By recognizing and supporting the unique experiences of women in the workplace, companies can build stronger, longer-lasting relationships with their employees and make a meaningful difference in improving their quality of life.
If you or anyone you know is struggling this holiday season, visit wellnesstogether.ca
This article was sponsored by Wellness
sponsored
Medavie Blue Cross
AnnMarie Churchill
Tara Anstey Director of Business Development, Client Value, Medavie Blue Cross
Influential Canadians Vivek Shraya, Andrian Makhnachov, and Jamie Pandit
How Adaptogens Can Help Manage Stress and Reduce Anxiety
Melissa Vekil
In the fast-paced and demanding world we live in, stress has become an inevitable companion to our daily lives.
A healthy stress response is essential to survival. When we recognize threats, our body responds with a series of physiological changes to minimize their impact.
However, when stress becomes chronic, extreme, or prolonged, it can result in adverse outcomes. From cardiovascular issues to compromised immune function, prolonged stress has been linked to a number of negative health conditions.
Understanding the impact of stress on our bodies and finding ways to manage it is critical for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
What are common causes of stress?
Understanding the impact of stress on our bodies and finding ways to manage it is critical for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Our adrenal function has a significant impact on our stress and anxiety levels. The adrenals are two small glands that sit on top of our kidneys. They are involved in the production of the hormones that regulate the fight or flight reactions: adrenalin and noradrenalin. When we are in a constant state of stress, the adrenals become overworked and can run into exhaustion.
Common symptoms of adrenal exhaustion are a lack of energy, difficulty sleeping, clouded mind, frequent infections, and difficulty digesting.
This is where adaptogens can come in handy
Adaptogens are a unique group of herbs and botanicals, including mushrooms like cordyceps and plants like ashwagandha and ginseng. Used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, adaptogens optimize the body’s adrenal function. Adaptogens act like a thermostat in the body, constantly working to return the body to a state of balance to increase its resiliency and optimize its functioning, while also supporting the major body systems and organs.
How to choose the best adaptogen for you
Some adaptogens are especially effective for stress. Ashwagandha — also known as Withania Somnifera - is a tonic herb renowned for improving overall health and mental function. Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years to strengthen the body’s vitality, while calming the nervous
system. This woody shrub that grows in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa has a pungent root that offers a broad range of therapeutic benefits.
Ashwagandha’s use is found in Ayurvedic texts, described as “rasayana” — one that promotes a youthful state of physical and mental health and expands happiness. Its name comes from the Sanskrit words “ashva” meaning horse, and “gandha”, meaning odour, in reference to the root’s horse-like smell. Somnifera is Latin for “sleep-inducing” — a testament to its abilities in supporting calmness and sleep.
There are several common types of ashwagandha supplements, each with different effects and benefits. When choosing an ashwagandha supplement, it’s important to consider factors like the purity of the product, the concentration of active compounds (withanolides), and the form that best fits your lifestyle.
An award-winning, clinically proven herb
St. Francis Herb Farm Ashwagandha Capsules are prepared from KSM-66® — a clean, potent, sustainably sourced, and Certified Organic ashwagandha root that is clinically proven to have positive effects on stress and anxiety.
Containing a concentrated full-spectrum 12:1 extract (each capsule has the equivalent of 3600mg of ashwagandha root) with a minimum of 5 per cent withanolides — St. Francis Ashwagandha Capsules provide enhanced potency and absorption in the convenience of a vegetarian capsule.
For high absorption, dependable potency, and customized dosages, St. Francis Herb Farm also offers a certified organic Ashwagandha Tincture, made with time-honoured, high-quality extraction methods.
Taking 2.66 ml (1/2 teaspoon) of Ashwagandha tincture three times daily in a little water, or one Ashwagandha Capsule twice daily on an empty stomach, can help ease symptoms of stress like anxiety, mood swings, insomnia, low energy, and poor concentration.
Because of its potent therapeutic effects and versatility, ashwagandha is also a key ingredient in St. Francis Herb Farm's award-winning Strest® formula. This herbal formula combines holy basil, rhodiola, ginseng, schisandra, and milky oat seed, in addition to ashwagandha, to help promote a sense of calm and manage stress.
Ashwagandha has profound benefits to support and enhance modern lifestyles — both to help with specific health issues, and to promote overall health and full-body wellness.
Ashwagandha helps with symptoms of stress like:
• Anxiety
• Mood Swings Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Difficulty Concentrating
Ashwagandha Is Known To:
• Optimize the body’s adrenal function and return the body to balance
• Improve overall health and mental function
• Strengthen the body’s vitality and calm the nervous system
St. Francis Herb Farm Ashwagandha
Capsules
• Prepared from KSM-66®
• Dried to concentrated full spectrum 12:1 extract
• 3600 mg of ashwagandha root with a minimum 5% withanolides
Certified Organic Ashwagandha Tincture
• Time-honoured highquality extraction
• ½ teaspoon three times daily
To
This article was sponsored by St. Francis Herb Farm
We
- Dr. Cathy Ross
How LifeLabs Is Supporting and Empowering Women across Canada
Championing women’s health across Canada with comprehensive testing and empowerment initiatives for personalized well-being.
Life Labs
In Canada, the launch of a groundbreaking study by the House of Commons health committee, has ignited a renewed focus on crucial aspects of women's health, ranging from reproductive concerns to mental health and societal expectations' impact on women's overall well-being. The study of women’s health has brought together experts, policymakers, and advocates who aim to make a significant step toward promoting comprehensive healthcare solutions tailored to women's unique needs in Canada.
The COVID-19 pandemic only heightened the problem, resulting in delays in breast, ovarian, or cervical cancer screenings, procedures, and treatments. Now, the call for action sits with a House of Commons committee to study and identify the top women's, trans, and non-binary people's health issues. This initiative signifies a concerted effort to address existing gender gaps in health care.
Empowering Women
LifeLabs, Canada's leading medical laboratory, is committed to supporting women’s health and stands at the forefront of women’s health testing. The company's commitment is reflected in its offerings, including breast cancer screenings, HPV tests, and PAP testing — LifeLabs conducts more PAP tests than any other laboratory in the country. Beyond routine testing, services such as non-invasive prenatal tests (Panorama™), female hormone panels to identify changes in hormone profiles, and female
fertility panels are offered, making it easy for women to take charge of their health.
LifeLabs embodies a philosophy of empowerment. "We strive to be the beacon of support for women, offering not just tests but a comprehensive suite of services that champion early detection and personalized well-being," said Dr. Cathy Ross, Vice President of Medical and Quality Affairs at LifeLabs. "It's about enabling a personalized approach to health that resonates with each woman's unique journey."
After all, knowledge is power when it comes to supporting one's health, and early detection and prevention are the best ways to look after one's health and to optimize better outcomes.
The company makes it easy for women to be proactive about their health, with 370 collection sites across Canada and a trusted reputation as Canada's leading provider of laboratory diagnostic information and digital health connectivity systems. They have been voted the most trusted brand in health diagnostic services two years running by top market research firm BrandSpark. LifeLabs also operates the country's largest online patient portal MyCareCompass, with more than eight million Canadians receiving their results online with just the click of a button.
Prioritizing one's health has never been easier for women, thanks to LifeLabs' convenient offerings, exceptional quality testing, experience, expertise, credibility, and reliability.
Want Total Wellness? Start
with the Perfect Mattress
The mattress you sleep on deserves more consideration and investment, as the perfect mattress can optimize your wellness.
Tania Amardeil
Jeremiah Curvers Founder & CEO, Polysleep
In 2015, a double herniated disc in his lower back led Jeremiah Curvers to abruptly become bed-ridden for three months.
Restless and uncomfortable, he quickly realized just how important the mattresses that we sleep on truly are. “I became obsessed with my sleeping surface,” he says. “And that’s how Polysleep started.”
Polysleep is a made-in-Canada success story. The company — which Curvers founded and is the CEO of — offers high-quality mattresses with incredible support, unrivalled comfort, and precise motion isolation, along with pillows and accessories — all designed and constructed in Montreal, Que. Polysleep gives Canadians the best sleep experience possible while also going above and beyond to support Canadians in other ways, from educational resources about sleep hygiene and wellness to its inspiring involvement with hundreds of charitable organizations Canada-wide.
The perfect mattress Post-injury, Curvers tested 22 prototypes before finding the perfect mattress. Today, the company has a line-up of mattresses designed for every type of sleeper, from athletes, to those with injuries, to seniors, parents, and beyond. Each product has been thoughtfully designed and tested based on customers’ feedback.
nologies to optimize comfort. Unique dual-cooling technology in its highend Zephyr Mattress keeps hot or temperature-sensitive sleepers cool and comfortable, while the adjustable bed frame on the The Levita allows users to easily change the position or angle of the mattress, ensuring a quality sleep by relieving bodily tension. It also utilizes unique antimicrobial foam to maintain a hygienic, healthy sleep environment.
“We use the same level of antimicrobial foam as in bariatric and hospital beds,” says Curvers. “It's a treatment that inhibits bacteria, fungi, and dust mites from growing.” Microorganisms often thrive in mattresses thanks to the dark, warm, and moist environment. The antimicrobial foam is great for people with allergies and helps to ensure quality sleep.
Empowering wellness through sleep
People have become really savvy about what they eat and I think the next big step in wellness will be how to improve sleep, because sleep has a direct impact on pretty much everything else.
“What makes Polysleep unique is, firstly, our approach,” says Curvers. “Most foam mattress brands use a horizontal approach exclusively — they glue slabs of foam with different densities and comfort levels together. We do this, too, but we also use a vertical approach. We've developed a unique proprietary support frame that allows us to really improve on comfort. And secondly, we have the best motion isolation in the market. If you have a partner, a pet, or kids and you're a light sleeper, our mattresses will be a game-changer.”
Unique
At Polysleep, the perfect mattress is just part of the picture. “Our goal is to empower wellness through sleep,” says Curvers. “We try to provide the best sleeping surface, but we go beyond that.”
Buying a new mattress often coincides with life changes — a new baby on the way or a move, for example. As such, changing your mattress is a great opportunity to improve your habits, says Curvers. “Once you’ve changed your mattress, it's the perfect time to maybe add meditation, or doing more sports, or reading a bedtime story for your kids,” he says. “It’s important to build good habits around that sleeping surface, because those habits are as, if not more important, than the sleeping surface itself.”
Polysleep’s blog, social media, and podcast empower Canadians with the resources they need to adopt healthy sleep habits and prioritize their sleep.
“People have become really savvy about what they eat and I think the next big step in wellness will be how to improve sleep, because sleep has a direct impact on pretty much everything else,” says Curvers.
The Perfect Mattress for Everyone, at Every Stage of Life
No matter your stage of life, Polysleep has the perfect mattress to meet your needs. Here are some of its customer favourites:
THE BABY MATTRESS a crib mattress providing a safe sleep for babies
THE WEDGE PILLOW perfect for keeping pregnant women comfortable
THE POLYCOUCH a unique foldable mattress that’s comfortable, stylish, and price-competitive (step aside, IKEA!), perfect for students and dorms
THE LEVITA ideal for couples and seniors, with an adjustable bed frame and massagegiving capability
THE ZEPHYR MATTRESS the most cooling and recovering mattress, perfect for athletes, those with chronic injuries, and people who are more sensitive toward heat and temperatures changes (such as women going through menopause)
THE ORIGIN MATTRESS Polysleep’s best-seller, the perfect balance between comfort and durability
THE SIERRA MATTRESS a value foam mattress for price-sensitive shoppers
THE POLYSLEEP PILLOW cruelty-free and customizable for utmost comfort
