If getting a good night’s sleep has become something you can only dream of, you’re not alone. It’s thought that sleep-related issues affect between fifty to seventy million Americans.
One cause of poor sleep can be an uncomfortable bed. Considering most of us will spend around a third of our lives asleep, investing in a quality mattress would seem like a no-brainer. Here’s why a decent mattress could make all the difference.
Types of Mattress
If you prefer a traditional mattress with natural fillings, such as wool, you should go for a pocket-sprung mattress. Each of the mattress’s springs is enclosed in its very own fabric pocket.
That means every spring will react to pressure from your body independently. A lot of good quality pocket-sprung mattresses don’t come cheap. They can also have a tendency to sag quite significantly over time.
Memory foam mattresses can be more durable. They’ll adjust to your body shape but, in some cases, they can increase your body temperature and restrict your movement. On the other hand, a hybrid mattress might be a better option for couples. It provides balance firmness and bounces which make bedtime activities more fun.
Buying a New Mattress
A new mattress can set you back anywhere from a couple of hundred to several thousand dollars. Factors such as brand, size, and types of material used will have a significant impact on the cost.
There are some excellent websites which will give you all the information you need to help you choose a mattress that’s right for you.
Tests have shown that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a mattress that’s going to support your spine and last for years to come. Before you splash the cash, it’s useful to understand why your current mattress may be causing you problems.
Are You Allergic to Your Mattress?
A mattress can make a perfect home for dust mites.
These microscopic creatures feed on the dead skin cells which we all shed naturally. Many of these cells are found in and on your bed. That includes your mattress.
Around twenty million Americans are allergic to dust mites. They can be especially problematic for people who suffer from asthma. Washing sheets and pillowcases regularly on a hot cycle can help rid your linens of dust mites.
You might also think of investing in a slipcover labeled ‘allergy-proof.’ These can help stop the dust mites from traveling from the mattress to your sheets and pillows. You should also regularly clean the actual mattress using a vacuum.
Medium and Firm Mattresses
There’s actually no standardized definition of what makes a mattress soft or what makes a mattress firm. It’s more of a subjective issue. This can often be related to how much you weigh.
A person who weighs over two hundred pounds may describe a mattress as soft. Someone who weighs considerably less could experience the same mattress as being firm.
Expressions such as ‘ultra-plush’ may sound appealing, but you’ll only know what the mattress is like by spending some time lying on it. It almost always comes down to the comfort you experience. That means you should try before you buy.
A Damaged Mattress
A hole with stuffing coming out of it, or a spring sticking into the small of your back, are clear signs that the time has come to replace your mattress.
If you’re just not sleeping as well as you used to, this might also mean it’s time to invest in a new mattress. One way to test this is to see if you find you sleep better when you’re away from home.
It’s better to stick to using the bedroom primarily for sleep. If you sit on your bed answering work emails, your brain can start going into overdrive when you hit the pillow.
Electronics definitely don’t belong next to you on your mattress. This is because the blue light they emit is disruptive to the brain’s natural bedtime mechanism. It can keep you awake for longer without you even realizing the cause.
Sleeping on a new mattress which you find comfortable is likely to reduce stress. This is because you’ll experience improved sleep quality and a decrease in any pain because your body will be better supported.
The Health Benefits of Better Sleep
It might be time you ditched your old mattress and found one that’s comfortable and that supports you well. Once you’ve done that, you’ll reap the health benefits of getting a good night’s sleep.
When you’re very tired, it’s harder to remember things. This is a way your brain is telling you that you’re not getting enough sleep.
When you sleep well, your body is resting but your brain will still be busy organizing and storing memories. Getting a better quality of sleep will help you remember and process things better.
Blood Pressure and Mood
Higher blood pressure makes the chances of a heart attack or strokes greater. Getting lots of restful sleep boosts a constant state of relaxation. This can help reduce blood pressure and keep it under control.
When you’re sleeping, your body produces extra protein molecules. These can strengthen your ability to fight infections. This is why, when you’re feeling a bit run down, you should get plenty of rest.
Sleep won’t directly make you lose weight. It can, however, help you keep it under control. It does this by regulating the hormones that affect your appetite and reducing your cravings for high-calorie foods.
Not getting enough sleep can make you feel more agitated. It might make you more likely to snap at your partner or just be grumpy. The better you sleep, the better you’ll be able to remain calm and reasonable.
Don’t Go to Sleep on an Uncomfortable Bed
The quality of your mattress can play a significant part in the quality of your sleep. If you’ve been regularly lying on an uncomfortable bed, it might be time to reap the benefits of a better night’s sleep by buying a new mattress.
Continue reading our ‘Mental Health’ section for more helpful articles that could improve the quality of your life.