The phrase ’sleep is the best medicine’ might be a cliche, but it’s 100% true. It’s one of the cornerstones of a healthy life, but we often forget about the impact of our bed on the eight unconscious hours we have each night.
Your sleeping surface can make or break the quality of your rest. Let’s explore the mattresses conducive to peaceful slumber and all the ways they can benefit your health in the long run.
Signs You Need a New Mattress
If there’s a hole in your innerspring poking your back when you lie down, you’ll know it’s time to get a new surface. Signs of wear and tear aren’t the only reason to consider this purchase, though.
If you find yourself tossing and turning throughout the night, you’re likely not that comfortable in your bed.
Also, dust mite allergy symptoms might mean that these little creatures started calling your mattress home. While you could clean your 10-year-old surface, you might as well take advantage of the opportunity and get yourself a higher-quality solution.
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Choosing a Top-Quality Mattress
Like with much else, not all mattresses are the same, and they don’t come in a one-size-fits-all solution. There are three common material types to choose from:
- Innerspring. If you like a bit of a bounce to your bed, go for a traditional spring base.
- Foam. A memory foam mattress operates on the pressure-relieving, body-accommodating principle, making it a go-to if you struggle with chronic pain and want a firm base.
- Adjustable. Does your partner have different preferences? Pick an adjustable, double-chambered bed to keep you both happy and well-rested.
It’ll take some trial and error until you get this right, but once you do, your choice will make a world of difference in your everyday life.
Mattresses and Well-Being
The health benefits of sleep are well-known and backed by science already. Instead of going into all of those, let’s dive into the specific ways in which the bed plays a role in those perks.
Pain Relief
Lying down in one position for a long time puts pressure on your muscles and joints, causing pains and aches seemingly out of nowhere. Stretch upon waking up to shake up your body, but you can’t do much to cancel the effects of hours on an uneven surface.
A quality base offers proper support for your entire form, helping you maintain a healthy posture. Look for even weight distribution to remove undue stress from any body part and minimize back and neck pain.
Anxiety and Stress Reduction
Sleep affects the way you feel about life in general. An uncomfortable surface prevents you from maintaining your REM phase. Plus, it could cause strange, vivid dreams that ruin your mindset for the day ahead.
As a result, you could get nine hours every night and still wake up tense and confused. These effects add up with time, sometimes even leading to depression or chronic anxiety.
Night Sweat Prevention
Your bedroom should be well-ventilated and somewhat below your ideal daily temperature for a high-quality snoozefest. The surface you’re resting on can also contribute to night perspiration which could go as far as to bring about a nagging stuffy nose if your room is cold.
This one applies even more if you’re currently using dense foam or another body-hugging material that traps and retains the natural body heat.
Wrap Up
The takeaway is simple – a quality bed makes for a good night’s sleep. So, don’t skimp on this element of a healthy lifestyle. You’ll thank yourself for getting a mattress to support you throughout your AMs and PMs.
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