4 Surprising Ways Your Mattress Affects Your Sleep
When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, several factors could create challenges: screen time, stress levels, and even the mattress you use.
Choosing the right mattress for your body type and sleep style is the foundation for high-quality sleep. Here are four surprising ways your mattress impacts your sleep to help you understand the importance of investing in the right one for you.
Prevents Tossing and Turning
Perhaps the most significant impact your mattress has on your sleep is comfort. Having a comfortable bed is essential for deep, restorative sleep, as it prevents tossing and turning. If you wake up feeling exhausted despite seemingly getting a whole night’s sleep, there’s a good chance you’re experiencing restlessness while unconscious.
Having a mattress with minimal transference is a must if you sleep beside someone else. If you’re resting comfortably and your partner is tossing and turning, having a bed designed to minimize transference will ensure their restlessness doesn’t impact you and vice versa.
Provides Spinal and Joint Support
According to the World Health Organization, low back pain is a chronic issue that impacts 60-70% of adults in industrialized countries. While there are several factors influencing this statistic, having a supportive mattress can help.
Having the right mattress for your sleep position provides joint and spinal support, which, in turn, prevents discomfort that could impact your rest. Side sleepers, in particular, should be mindful of the mattress they buy. While side sleeping is said to be the healthiest position, getting a mattress specifically designed for side sleepers will help minimize pressure points and promote better spinal alignment.
Back sleepers should opt for a medium-firm mattress, while stomach sleepers would benefit from a firm mattress to prevent pressure on the lower back.
Aids in Hormonal Regulation
Your body does the majority of its hormonal regulation during periods of rest. Those who are sleep deprived tend to have higher cortisol levels— the hormone associated with stress. This imbalance impacts coping skills, mental cognition, your metabolism and can even cause long-term health concerns.
If you’ve had your mattress for more than eight years and you’re struggling with stress and weight management, it might be time for a new mattress. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts should also evaluate their mattress situation, as hormonal regulation plays a significant role in muscle repair and athletic performance.
Impacts Allergies and Air Quality
Mattresses are one of the worst offenders for harboring allergens and impacting the air quality, especially since they’re so difficult to clean. If you find you’re getting sick more often or generally feel unwell, your mattress could be the cause. People with allergies are all too aware of how a flare-up can impact their sleep.
Investing in a machine washable mattress cover can help minimize allergens in your mattress. If you’ve had your mattress for over eight years, you may be overdue for a replacement.
Creating healthy sleep habits can help you get the rest you need to take on the day. If you’re struggling to get high-quality rest, consider upgrading your mattress for a newer model that’s designed for your sleeping position.