While the field is relatively new, sleep health research explores how we all sleep and the factors that impact our sleep. The information about sleep health is divided into four categories which includes science, lifestyle, bedroom and age. All four of these factors play a vital role in the quality of our sleep. In the bedroom, one item is more important than everything else — the mattress. Here’s how your mattress could be affecting your health.
Aches and Pains
A mattress that suits your sleep style is key to a good night’s rest. How often you replace the mattress in your bedroom depends on a variety of things, like its original quality, for example. However, most sleep experts will agree that a mattress should be replaced every seven years or so. If you are concerned about the environmental impact of such policies, it’s good to know that there are organic and eco friendly mattresses available today. Some of the signs that it is time to replace your mattress includes signs of wear like dipping in the center. And, if you are waking up in the morning with aches and pains of stiffness, it’s probably time to rethink your old mattress. There are a range of mattress designed for every sort of sleep style, as well as sleep accessories that can improve your sleep. Consider adding a memory foam mattress topper to maximize your comfort.
Allergies
Suffering from allergies? It might be your mattress. Over time, your mattress collects all sorts of gunk, so you need to protect it and your bedding by using hypoallergenic casings for your box spring, mattress and pillows. This will help reduce the growth of mold, dust mites and mildew that could be the cause of allergies.
Avoid collecting allergens and all sorts of junk by regularly cleaning your mattress. While you may not think to take your vacuum to your bed, you should. This can help keep particles like dust from being ground into the mattress. If you spilled something and have to use water to clean it out, use sparingly. Avoid using too much water as moisture creates a breeding ground for mold. Mattress not smelling fresh? Baking soda can do the trick to eliminate smells. Sprinkle your mattress with baking soda, give it 20 minutes, then vacuum it out for a fresh-smelling mattress, the National Sleep Foundation suggests.
Back Pain
According to a report by Sleep.org, 63 percent of people say that back pain improved after switching to a new mattress. If you are experiencing back pain, your mattress may be to blame. The ideal mattress firmness is one that provides enough softness to eliminate pressure points but still has great support. Experts recommend choosing a medium-firm or firm mattress. If you aren’t ready to purchase a new mattress, placing plywood supports under the mattress may be able to help sooth some of the back pain while adding extra support. To get rid of this disorder, The Mattress Picks recommends some medium firmed mattresses. Those can heal chronic back pain and spinal issues. Instead, such mattresses ensure even support to the body while sleeping.
Chronic Pain
The National Sleep Foundation has found that pain is a major factor that affects how American adults sleep at night. Pain is a roadblock on the path to good sleep, but there are things you can do to make your sleep space a more comfortable one. First, poor sleep can actually make your prone to pain, so your first step should be to make sleep a priority. Set a healthy bedtime routine and relax your mind, as pain is also associated with high stress levels. Then make sure your room is at a cool temperature, and of course, make buying a good mattress your top priority.
The field of sleep health may be new, but one thing is for certain: your mattress can directly impact your health. Whether you suffer from aches and pains or allergies, adjusting your own mattress may be able to remedy some of your health-related problems.
