Improve Your Sleep With a Great Mattress
By Donna Stark
We all know that getting the right amount of quality sleep each night has a direct impact on how we feel during our day. Inadequate sleep can lead to difficulty when waking up, extreme fatigue throughout the day, and poor performance at work. And although a single night of bad sleep may not be the straw that broke the camel's back, a couple, or more than a couple, or every night of the month may be. On top of that, if you let it continue, you can count on facing some serious health problems down the road.
Getting the Sleep You Need
Poor or inadequate sleep can stem from a number of different reasons, but will almost always be exacerbated by a single, and very common cause ... a bad mattress. Take a look at the following tips on how to choose the perfect mattress.
- When to buy - Mattresses tend to break down over time and lose the supportive features that they used to be able to provide when new. If your current mattress is over seven years old, it's definitely time to consider replacing it, especially if chronic back pain plagues your days.
- Determine your budget - You certainly don't have to spend thousands of dollars to get a good mattress, but you don't want to automatically go with the cheapest option either, as the drop in quality is significant. Aim for a reasonable range, and remember, this should be looked at as an investment.
- Research the type - There are three general types of mattress you can buy: memory foam, latex, and spring. All have their own unique feel and benefits so you may need to include an actual trip to the store to try them out personally. Studies have shown though, that hybrid mattresses (those made of both foam and latex layers) or mattresses of medium firmness improve the sleep of chronic pain sufferers the most.
- Consider your sleeping position - The position that you sleep in the most should definitely be taken into consideration as well before purchasing a new mattress. Typically, back and stomach sleepers require a more firm mattress, while those who sleep on their side often choose a softer option.
It's Time to Shop!
Buying a new mattress is a big investment, so take the time to research, "test-drive" the models, and be sure to comparison shop! Also, if you are sharing the bed, include your partner in the decision as well. You certainly want great sleep and improved health for both of you!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Gilbert, Ariz.