A good night’s sleep is what we all want and need, but when that’s elusive, you may need to look no further than your mattress.
Ask yourself how long you’ve been sleeping on your current mattress. If you can’t answer that question, then chances are it’s been around too long. If you have back or neck pain, that mattress could be at least part of the problem.
Let’s look at the question in the title of this post – “Is your mattress worsening your back or neck pain?” and see if we can get to the bottom of it.
Firmness
Once upon a time, physicians recommended an extra-firm mattress for people with back or neck pain. That’s no longer the case.
The recommended firmness is now “medium”, as it’s been found that people with spine issues sleep more soundly on with it. Of course, it’s such a personal matter. Everyone has their own, unique comfort level, so my recommendation is that you “test drive” your mattress for comfort prior to purchasing.
New horizons in sleep comfort
The mattress market now offers a dizzying array of materials to make your night’s sleep more comfortable. Materials like memory foam, air mattress construction and latex are helping people with spine issues sleep more comfortably and soundly.
My choice is memory foam. This material conforms to your body as it shifts position in the night, relieving all pressure. It’s going to cost you, but if you value a night’s sleep, memory foam is something of a miracle.
Sleep number mattresses are another exceptional option. Allowing you to adjust the flow of air to create the appropriate firmness, this bed is for “princess and the pea types” who feel every little pressure point. They’re proven to reduce pressure on crucial points of the body as you sleep, reducing soreness and stiffness when you rise.
Invest in a good pillow
If you’re mattress-shopping, then combine your economic activity with pillow-shopping. The right pillow can make an incredible difference to the wellbeing of your cervical (upper) vertebrae.
A purpose-made cervical pillow is the way to go. This design keeps your head in a neutral position – not above or below the rest of your spine. They’re not cheap, but they’re highly effective for supporting your back and neck.
I’m sure some of you are thinking about the outlay right now and wondering if it’s worth it. But here’s a different way to look at getting the right mattress: you spend a lot of time in bed.
Over the course of our lives, fully one-third of our time on this planet is devoted to sleeping. How you sleep has a tremendous impact on all areas of your life and health. Isn’t that worth shelling out a few bucks for?
I certainly think so. Find the right mattress. Match it with the right pillow. Then, wake up feeling fresh as a daisy and ready for anything, every day.
That’s priceless!
Got back or neck pain? Come talk to me about it. Book a consultation here.