I'm not saying that the right bed and mattress bed will cure your insomnia or sleep apnea or sleep paralysis. But a bed or mattress that's uncomfortable or unsuited to your needs will add to sleep problems.
What's your bed like? Is it starting to look a bit the worse for wear? Does it sag in the middle? Can you feel the shape of the springs when you lie down? I've even heard of people who were trying to sleep on a mattress so old that the springs were actually sticking through the cover! I certainly hope you are not in that category. But if it is time to choose a new mattress, here are a few tips.
SOFT OR FIRM
A soft, fluffy mattress can feel so comforting when you first lie down. You sink right into it and it seems to cuddle your body in loving arms.WARNING: You may not feel quite so coddled when morning comes. Too soft a bed doesn't give your body the support it needs. Shoulders and hips are out of alignment. The result? You may awaken feeling stiff, achy and unrested.
Some people advocate sleeping with a sheet of plywood under the mattress. This may be necessary for some severe back problems or injuries. I don't believe it's necessary for the average person.
True, a firm mattress is best, but it should have enough give to conform to the contours of your body. It should support, not confine.
SHOP FOR A MATTRESS LIKE YOU'D SHOP FOR SHOES
How do you shop for shoes? You try them on. Do the same with a mattress. Don't be shy. Lie down on it. Roll over. Stretch and wriggle. Don't rush. Take as much time as you need to make your decision. After all, you'll be spending a lot of hours lying on this bed.
You should be checking for:
- COMFORT - How does it feel? Is it soft enough to be comfortable yet firm enough to give support? Does it seem to conform to the shape of your body? If you cannot find a comfortable position no matter how you lie, you probably have the wrong mattress.
- SUPPORT - Does the mattress offer support where your body needs it?" Not everyone is built the same, you know.
- SPACE - When you buy shoes, you check for enough room to wriggle your toes. Do you have room on this bed to wriggle, to stretch, to roll over in comfort? If you have a bed partner, there should be ample room for both people to toss and turn as they need to.
- QUALITY - Last but far from least, is this bed of good quality? Beds and mattresses are not cheap, so you want to be sure you're getting something that's going to stand up to use. Your best bet is to deal with a reputable outlet and buy a name brand product.
So how is your bed? Is it several years old? Does it sag, wobble, groan? Do you have the imprint of the springs on your back?
You say you can't afford to buy a new bed or mattress right now. I say you can't afford not to. Sleep is an important part of your life, right up there with food, water and air. Give your bed the attention it needs and sleep peacefully throughout the night.
