How can a bad mattress affect your sleep? With the crazy days you put in, poor sleep is probably one of your biggest pet peeves.
And you’re looking for every means to prevent this problem of adult life that so many encounters.
I still remember the worst night of my life when my parents took me camping with a cot that looked more like a plastic sheet than a real mattress.
And I know many of us wake up feeling tired in the morning. We often put it down to an exhausting day or difficulty sleeping.
But there’s an obvious reason: the mattress. It plays an important role in our sleep and well-being. So, choosing it with care and maintaining it is essential.
But you know this can also happen to you at home with a bad mattress.
In this article, I will explain better how a bad mattress can affect your sleep.
Also read: How often mattress should be replaced?
Let’s go.
Effects And Signs Of A Bad Mattress
Sleep is the first thing to be affected by a bad mattress. You’ll find it hard to fall asleep and hold the same position throughout the night.
This sleep problem can have two origins. It may be due to a poor choice of mattress, with inappropriate suspension or firmness.
Or it could be an aging mattress. An old mattress is a source of allergy due to the dust mites it contains.
However, lack of sleep will be felt from the moment you wake up, and even throughout the day, due to the muscular activities performed and the micro-awakenings experienced at night.
What’s more, the consequences of poor bedding will snowball, reaching as far as your general state of health.
Sleep deprivation hinders the immune system and increases the risk of migraines, slipped discs, and heart disease.
Quality bedding promotes restful, less restless sleep. It also reduces your stress levels. Sleeping well means resting peacefully, away from worries and constant thoughts.
So you avoid starting the day feeling anxious or irritated. What’s more, in addition to the impact on sleep, a bad mattress also causes physical pain – backache, joint pain, and stiffness.
These aches and pains can persist throughout the day, making us nervous. Hence the importance of choosing a quality mattress from retailers who guarantee it.
Signs That The Mattress Needs Changing
Of course, some fatigue states can be caused by intense activity during the day or insufficient sleep. Likewise, care of bed linen can be enough to prevent allergies.
So, these signs may seem insufficient for us to change mattresses. Nevertheless, some symptoms can’t be mistaken.
Namely, the feeling you get when you lie down on your mattress. Instead of being supported by the bed, you’ll sink into it.
And when you get out of bed, you’ll also see the imprint of your body remaining on it. The springs can also start to feel. As soon as you think this way, consider changing your mattress.
You should be aware that a mattress has a limited lifespan. It generally needs changing every 8 or 10 years. If you’ve been experiencing discomfort long before then, don’t hesitate to remove your aging mattress.
Changing the bed base and the mattress’s also a good idea. The box spring contributes to the life and comfort of the mattress.
Choosing Your Bedding: Criteria To Consider
Choosing a mattress means defining the level of comfort you want. Several factors are involved in determining this comfort and selecting the right mattress.
These include suspension quality, comfort, and firmness.
The suspension of your mattress varies according to the material you choose, between latex, foam, and springs. Latex is naturally elastic, so it deforms as you move without fading with use.
Latex mattresses are available in different densities, depending on their firmness. Foam mattresses are also renowned for their firmness.
They are suitable for occasional use and are among the most affordable. Alongside these models are memory foam mattresses.
They allow the body to sink progressively and relieve pressure points. They are recommended for people with back or joint problems.
Innerspring mattresses come in various forms, with biconical, pocketed, or contained wire coils. Pocket-sprung mattresses are recommended if you want to enjoy independent sleeping.
The number of springs also varies from one model to another. You can refer to this number to determine the level of comfort the mattress offers.
It would help if you also considered the comfort of the mattress, the sensation you feel when you rest on it. It is generally conditioned by the mattress’s support and firmness, which depend on the suspension.
Support can be soft or firm depending on the mattress’s material and density. However, comfort remains a subjective notion.
The key is to choose a level of support and firmness that suits your physical condition. For example, a mattress that’s too soft or firm will be uncomfortable, especially if you have back problems.
Last but not least, sleeping independence is no less important. It’s highly recommended for people who move around a lot, as well as for couples. You won’t feel your partner’s movements.
How To Maintain Your Mattress?
Regular maintenance helps ensure the longevity of your mattress. It is also necessary to eliminate the dust mites responsible for allergies.
Doing a few things would help, starting with airing your mattress. Remember to leave your window open every morning for at least ten minutes.
Vacuuming is just as useful as dusting your mattress. If you can’t do it every day, do it at least once a month.
A mattress protector is essential to prevent sweat from reaching the mattress. And don’t forget to turn the bed over at least every three months.
With a mattress that has a summer and winter side, you’ll have to turn it over every time the season changes.
Like the mattress, bed linen will also wear out over time. Ideally, comforters should be changed every four years and pillows every two years. If you use a drawing sheet, it should be changed every year.
Non-restorative sleep is a factor to consider!
The benefit of poor sleep is that you recognize it the next day. It will be more difficult to concentrate and make decisions in the morning. Whatever you do, you’ll be considerably less productive!
However, this will be the least of your concerns if your sleep is disrupted regularly. Sleep deprivation for an extended period lowers your immune system and can lead to cardiovascular issues.
A bad sleeping position, on the other hand, can lead to major back problems such as herniated discs and, more commonly, torticollis!
These identical ailments, when paired with a lack of sleep, might heighten your anxiousness and, as a result, your stress. Sleeping on the wrong mattress can cause disaster!
How Can I Sleep Better On A Bad Mattress?
To sleep better on a bad mattress,
Use a mattress topper: Adding a quality mattress topper can improve the comfort and support of your bad mattress. Opt for a memory foam or latex topper for better pressure distribution and pressure point relief.
Use supportive pillows: Choose pillows that offer good support for your head and neck. You can try orthopedic, ergonomic, or memory foam pillows to improve your posture during sleep.
Adjust your sleeping position: Experiment with different places to find the one that gives you the most comfort on your bad mattress.
For example, sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees or on your side with a pillow between your legs can help relieve pressure on your body.
Exercise regularly: exercising can help improve the quality of your sleep, even if you have a terrible mattress. Exercise regularly, but avoid doing so right before going to bed, as it can make it difficult to fall asleep.
Create a sleep-friendly environment by making your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. To eliminate distractions, use blackout curtains, earplugs, or white noise.
Maintain a pleasant temperature in the room, neither too hot nor too chilly.
Establish a constant sleep routine: Even if you have a bad mattress, you must establish a consistent sleep habit by going to bed and getting up regularly.
It can assist in adjusting your internal clock and improve your sleep quality.
Consult a sleep specialist: If you’re having trouble sleeping because of your terrible mattress, you should see a sleep specialist.
They will be able to assess your specific demands and recommend solutions tailored to your specific scenario.
Remember that replacing a damaged mattress as soon as feasible will improve your long-term comfort and sleep quality.
Can A Bad Mattress Cause Leg Pain? Yes, It Can.
A sagging or low-quality mattress can cause poor sleeping posture, putting excessive strain on the legs and joints. It might result in leg pain, muscular cramps, and feeling tired.
A mattress that does not properly support your body could cause circulation issues. Pain, sensations of ting, and numbness in the legs can be caused by poor circulation.
To avoid leg pain when sleeping, choose a mattress that provides appropriate support, even weight distribution, and decent ergonomics.
If you frequently experience leg pain, you should seek tailored counsel from a healthcare practitioner or sleep specialist on selecting the ideal mattress.
How Can I Make My Mattress More Comfortable Without Replacing It?
Even if you aren’t quite ready to invest in a new mattress, you can duplicate that peaceful experience at home.
Continue reading to learn how to make your present mattress more comfy so you can get a 5-star nap every night.
You can make your mattress as comfortable as a 5-star hotel with a few simple adjustments. Here are a few ways to make your bed more comfortable:
- Invest in quality bedding, including sheets and pillowcases what you sleep on counts!
- Think about your pillows. A good pillow can make your bed more comfortable.
- If you want to improve your bed without buying a new mattress, opt for a mattress topper! Place a mattress topper directly on your current mattress and instantly improve your bed.
- Adopt good sleep hygiene by preparing your bedroom for a good night’s sleep.
Invest in blackout curtains, a white noise machine, and a fan/air conditioner.
Conclusion
Now that you know how a bad mattress can affect your sleep. Have in mind that quality bedding promotes restful, less restless sleep. It also reduces your stress levels.
Sleeping well means resting peacefully, away from worries and constant thoughts.
Are you looking for a mattress that offers state-of-the-art support and comfort?
We have an extended article stating: How to choose a mattress topper for a heavy person?