Last updated on April 6th, 2017 at 01:47 pm
You would not run a marathon or hike a mountain without the correct gear, yet despite spending a third of our lives sleeping, most of us have not adequately chosen the proper mattress. You might be tempted to blame your budget on choosing a more economical mattress or a mattress that does not completely meet your needs, but if you take into consideration that getting more sleep can ultimately help you lose weight, improve your memory and even help you live longer, the additional cost is definitely well worth it.
If you have difficulty falling or staying asleep it could be due to your mattress not being comfortable enough or not providing the right support in order to relax your body and mind into its required sleeping stages. When your body is allowed to rest in its natural position, your muscles are relaxed and you sleep more sound and wake up more refreshed.
Recent studies indicate that four out of five people complain about some form of back pain and often this back pain is associated with an improper mattress. A good mattress is one that is comfortable and yet firm enough so that the body is properly supported during the entire sleeping process. Regardless of the type of mattress you decide to purchase, always evaluate a mattress for its comfort, support, durability and space (select a mattress here).
Comfort:
Luxurious new cushioning materials and extra-soft surface treatments create a plusher more comfortable feel in mattresses today.
Support:
A good mattress will gently support your body at all points and keep your spine in the same shape as a person with a good standing posture. Pay special attention to your shoulders, hips and lower back because they are the heaviest parts of your body.
Durability:
The quality of the materials used and how they are put together determines how long a mattress will provide you with comfort and support.
Space:
Cramped quarters can turn sleeping into a nightly wrestling match. A healthy person moves anywhere from 40-60 times a night, including dozens of full body turns. You need freedom of motion while you sleep and you also need freedom of motion to help you relax while getting to sleep. Make sure your mattress allows you enough room to move around comfortably throughout the night. Most people do not realize that two people sleeping in a full/double mattress only have as much personal space as a baby sleeping in a crib. It is also recommended that bed partners do not buy anything that is smaller than a queen-sized mattress.
Make sure you incorporate the S.L.E.E.P. test when buying your new mattress:
Select a mattress
Lie down in your typical sleep position
Evaluate your level of comfort and support
Educate yourself about each selection
Partners should test mattresses together
Always choose a reputable bedding store or gallery that you trust. It is also very important to work with knowledgeable bedding experts who are able to help guide you in finding a mattress that best suits your needs. Always “test drive” your mattress inside the store or gallery. Make sure you wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes.
Remove your shoes and lie down on each mattress in several different positions. Spend more time testing the position you normally sleep in at night for the best results. And remember that many retail stores or galleries offer products that are exclusive to them so be careful trying to comparison shop by brand only. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples when looking at what each brand and store/gallery offers.
Shopping for a new mattress may be time consuming, but selecting the proper mattress to meet your needs and your partner’s needs is well worth the investment towards your overall health and well-being.
Article contents provided by Better Sleep Council and Sleep to Live Gallery by Good’s Home Furnishings, the only dedicated bedding gallery inside Hickory Furniture Mart, located on Level 1 at the South Entrance.