Is Your Mattress Preventing You From Restful Sleep?
By Stephen R. Farris
How many people do you know who actually get the recommended eight hours sleep suggested by doctors? Most likely it's one or two maybe, or just a handful more -- and you might not even be including yourself.
Sleep, especially in which we feel rejuvenated the next day, is essential for good health and our overall well-being. Without a good night's sleep, we may wake up in a bad mood that sets the tone for the rest of our day. Sleeplessness can come from not being able to turn our brains off at night, or restlessness, tossing and turning about, just trying to get comfortable.
While not getting enough sleep can be caused by the above mentioned, or from something medical related, it could be the very surface you're sleeping on -- your bed. It might be time to make a change.
Firmer Is Not Always Better
You may have heard that sleeping on a firm mattress is better for you. This advice could have come from a friend, neighbor, loved one or even your own doctor. The truth is, firmer is not always the best choice when it comes to choosing a mattress. A recent study shows that people with lower back pain found that it eased up some when sleeping on a less firm mattress. However, it really all depends on what feels comfortable and less painful to you.
What's Good for You, May Not Be Good for Me
For instance, you and your neighbor have some type of chronic pain. Maybe the same pain, but your neighbor swears the mattress he/she sleeps on really helps. So you shell out a few extra bucks to see for yourself. After a night/week, you still wake up feeling the same as before, hurting. There are a couple of methods to try before purchasing a new mattress. Place a piece of plywood under the mattress and see how you feel when you wake up the next morning. The other trick is to place your mattress on the floor. If you feel better, then you might want to check into a firmer mattress. If not, then something less firm may be more suitable.
Check with your local chiropractor to see what tips or suggestions they may have when it comes to your sleep health. And if you're experiencing pain in your back, joints or neck, they can help give you relief with chiropractic treatments.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Charlotte, N.C.