We all know the repercussions of a sleepless night. Whether it’s because you are a new parent or share a bed with a noisy co-sleeper, sleep deprivation owing to any reason can be a real deal killer. No, we mean it literally. Chronic sleep deprivation causes have led to fatal accidents, insomnia, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and depression. So, what does a good night slumber consist of?
Many factors at the least. It is a fine combination of comfort, stress levels, sleep environment and last but probably the most important factor- your Bed with Mattress.
But is it time to buy a new Mattress?
First things first. It’s always important to evaluate your current mattress. Is it in good shape? Does it still support your body when asleep? How do you know if you are sleeping on a mattress that’s most suitable for you?
WebMD Sleep expert Michael Breus, Ph.D., suggests that if you wake up after a night sleep with low back pain but can stretch it out in 15 to 30 minutes, you are probably on the wrong mattress or one that doesn’t serve your purpose anymore.
The ‘right’ mattress is one that doesn’t add pressure to any points of the body. It’s also important to keep your personal sleep preferences in mind when gauging mattress condition and purpose. A sagging mattress that sinks deep at different points of the mattress, is your worst enemy as it offers minimal or no support to the body.
On the other hand, a mattress that’s too firm can push back adding more pressure to obvious pressure points leading to chronic pains. In fact, recent research carried out by researchers in Spain on people with long term back pain showed that those who slept on a medium-firm bed (5.6 on a scale of 10) had lesser back pain.
Factors to consider
If you have decided to buy a new mattress indeed, avoid the cliché of jumping or flinging yourself on a mattress to see if it’s any good. Comfort is truly subjective. Before you go into the search for your dream slumber match through mattress online or in a store, consider the following factors:
- Yours and your partner’s sleep preferences including positions, sleep hours, etc.
- Chronic pain or other current medical conditions that require optimal body support
- Allergies
- Mattress size that fits your bed frame
- Budget- Because comfort mattress prices shouldn’t always be expensive.
- The trial period, if any
- Warranty
Types of Mattresses
With so many clever sleep solutions available in the market, it can be thoroughly confusing and time-consuming to shop if you don’t know what you are looking for. Here are two types of mattresses that suit almost all types of sleepers:
- Innerspring mattresses
These are widely used owing to the support offered by coil springs enclosed. Having these metal coils orchestrate your body weight may offer exceptional support especially if you are overweight needing firmer support than usual.
- Memory foam mattresses
Mattress manufacturers Wakefit, ace it when it comes to marrying memory foam mattresses to comfort and support. These are made of different layers of foam at different densities that respond to body weight, temperature control and most popularly, contours the body shape of the sleeper!
Memory foam mattresses are a top favourite among couples as it acts as an excellent motion absorber, allowing co-sleepers to sleep undisturbed. This type of mattress also has the option to choose firmness levels that suit your preference at best.
Whichever you choose, keep your comfort levels at priority. After all, if you are going to spend a good 8 hours in bed, its best to choose a mattress that suits you best.