We all know the value of having a good night’s sleep. When we’re well rested, we’re happier, healthier and far more productive than when we’re sleep-deprived. But many people underestimate the power of the mattress they’re sleeping on to make or break their regular, healthy sleeping patterns. Sleeping on a bad mattress can not only disrupt your sleep, but it can also lead to long-term back pain due to the lack of proper support for hours on end while you sleep.
At BodyViva, we see this kind of muscular strain in many of our patients, but the good news is, this kind of back pain can be significantly alleviated by investing in a great mattress designed for ultimate comfort and support. Here’s why it’s so important to sleep on a good mattress, and how to make sure you select the right one.
Support while you sleep
You’ll know you’ve found the right mattress for you when you can sleep on it and wake up feeling completely rested and with no joint pain at all. Whether you’re lying on your side, back or front, a good mattress will support your whole body and keep your spine centred while you sleep. When you’re choosing your mattress, pay close attention to your body’s pressure points – that is, the heaviest parts of your body – and how the mattress supports those areas. A handy tip: a memory foam mattress is particularly effective as it adds extra support by decreasing the gap between your back and the mattress.
The right firmness for your back
Waking up with sore joints often comes down to the firmness of the mattress you’re sleeping on. If you sleep on a mattress that’s too soft or too firm for long enough, this will increase the likelihood that you’ll sustain long-term spinal or joint pain. That’s why it’s very important to take into account the firmness of the mattress you intend to purchase, as it pertains to your particular health needs. Try to avoid buying a mattress online, as you won’t be able to judge the mattress firmness prior to purchasing.
Test a few different options
The most effective way to ensure you purchase the right mattress for you is to test a few out for optimal comfort and support. Simply lie down for 10 minutes in your preferred sleeping position on several different mattresses. This will help you to gauge how comfortable they’ll be to sleep on over an extended period of time.
Invest in quality make and materials
You can’t put a price on comfort, so make sure you invest in a mattress that not only supports your body’s pressure points, but is also made of quality material. For those who are prone to allergies, mattresses made of natural materials with dust-mite resistant properties are available to purchase. Your mattress can play a major role in eliminating all potential disturbances to a peaceful sleep.
Replace old mattresses when necessary
You might not be aware of this, but it’s actually recommended that people replace their mattresses every 8 to 10 years. Don’t be tempted to hang on to that old mattress you slept on as a child for sentimental reasons, because it’s probably going to be detrimental to your health and wellbeing as an adult. You could invest in the best quality mattress in the market and it will still decline in support over the years, so be sure to replace your mattress when necessary.
Got the perfect mattress, but you’re still suffering from back or joint pain? BodyViva’s qualified therapists are here to give you the right advice and the right treatment for your condition. Book an appointment with us now to get the second opinion you need!
