Make-A-Wish® and Sleep Number update 16-year-old Melaissa's bedroom so she can sleep better with an adjustable smart bed and personal touches.
Southern Florida resident Melaissa, 16, has an auto immune disorder and was recovering from a stem cell transplant when the Make-A-Wish Foundation stepped in to grant her wish. Asking for a bedroom makeover, Melaissa dreamed of a boho-inspired room full of personal touches — like her artwork.
The teen thought her room was outdated and she wanted a new, bigger bed with an adjustable head. She shared her vision with interior designer Martin Amado, and the planning and installation took months. Melaissa wasn't allowed in the room until it was completed, so she could experience the surprise finale of her granted wish.
And what a surprise it was! Both Melaissa and her mom, Agathe, were teary-eyed viewing the room for the first time.
“Even though I had it fully thought out completely, I think the way the room is is better than anything I could have imagined. It's just so nice and feels amazing to be in the room," Melaissa said.
Bedroom Design Incorporates Smart, Adjustable Bed
Because Melaissa's condition is causing her to have acid reflux, sleeping on a regular bed requires lots of pillows at night. The partnership between Make-A-Wish® and Sleep Number enabled the teen to receive a new Sleep Number smart bed with bedding.
When she was told that she had received an adjustable smart bed, Melaissa was again moved to tears.
“Thank you so much, Sleep Number," she said. "An adjustable bed was something really important to me because due to my condition I cannot sleep flat at night; I always have to have my head raised up, so that was another big part of my dream."
A Personalized Room Fit For a Teen
Melaissa's room makeover includes framed pieces of the teen's artwork, a flood of natural light, and her name on a pink neon sign across one wall. With blush and brass accents, family photos, and a new natural wood bookcase and a white and brass desk, the teen can now retreat to a cozy, boho-inspired sanctuary.
Her new Sleep Number smart bed is decked out in soft grays and corals, offering a pop of color in her bohemian surroundings.
“To have Sleep Number sponsor my dream for me was kind of like a match made in heaven," Melaissa said.
Filming her reaction, Make-A-Wish® told her that most kids say they won't be able to sleep that night for all the excitement of being granted their wish, but in her case, she'll probably sleep great.
Melaissa agreed, saying “I feel like I'll have the best sleep ever and I probably won't ever leave my room."
Sleep Number Makes Sleep a Priority For Youth
Research shows that sleep quality after a stem cell transplant can be disturbed for up to 12 months following the procedure, while those whose psychological wellbeing is high have better quality sleep.
Hopefully, the thrill of getting her boho-bedroom makeover and new smart bed will keep both Melaissa's spirits and sleep quality high. Melaissa can track her sleep health thanks to the bed's SleepIQ® technology, and she can gain valuable insight with the new heart rate variability feature. She can use the HealthIQ™ Wellness report to tweak her sleep routine.
Because a brighter tomorrow starts with smarter sleep, Sleep Number is committed to improving the lives of 1 million youth by 2025 and is thrilled to partner with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to make Meliaissa's boho bedroom makeover a reality.
When asked what she liked best, the teen said she couldn't say exactly. Full of gratitude, Melaissa said, “Thank you for all your hard work and effort to help give me such an amazing room."
Like diet and exercise, quality sleep is essential for optimal well-being and performance. Because everyone's sleep needs are different, Sleep Number® smart beds, with SleepIQ® technology inside, sense your movements and automatically adjust firmness, comfort and support to keep you both sleeping comfortably. Find your Sleep Number® setting for your best possible night's sleep.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jennifer Nelson is a Florida-based health writer who writes about all things sleep hygiene. She writes for The National Sleep Foundation, Phillips, Tom's Guide, Southern Living, Health, AARP, and others.