Did you know that around 70 million people suffer from sleep disorders? There are a lot of common causes, including anxiety, depression and living a sedentary lifestyle. However, sleeping on a poor quality mattress can be a huge factor as well.
A good night’s sleep is essential for us to stay happy and healthy. It means our bodies can function as they should and allows us to get through our daily tasks feeling calm and focused. We all suffer from aches and pains from time to time, but have you ever wondered if your mattress is the cause? Choosing a mattress that supports your body effectively means you can wake up pain-free.
Read on for more on how to choose the best mattress for back pain.
Types of mattresses
Before we look at mattresses for back pain, it is always best to have an idea of the mattresses on the market and where they rank in firmness, support, and comfort to help you choose the best product for you.
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One of the most common and traditional is an innerspring mattress. They are made with coils for support, with additional layers for comfort. They are bouncy and often tend to be a firmer option. Another mattress that uses springs is a hybrid mattress, much like a traditional design in the way it has an innerspring core, but it has foam comfort layers, so you can benefit from support and contouring.
Foam mattresses are very popular due to their soft form, and ability to shape your body. They offer pressure relief and create the feeling that you’re sinking into your mattress. They provide the highest level of comfort. Latex mattresses have the same qualities, shaping around your body. They are also a good solution for anyone trying to be more eco-friendly. Below, we’ll look at which of these mattresses can help with back pain.
Lower back pain
Let’s talk about lower back pain generally refers to the lumbar region. It is one of the most frustrating and common types of pain due to the fact it can be pulled and twisted — the muscles and spine can then become affected. There are many reasons why you may have a sore back but sleeping in the wrong position or on the wrong type of mattress may be one of them.
If you’re a side sleeper, having a mattress that does not support the points that receive the most pressure when you sleep, can result in aches and pains. If your shoulders and hips are not aligned, your back will also suffer. It is recommended that side sleepers choose a medium-soft or medium-firm mattress, to ensure support and cushioning on pressure points.
If you sleep on your stomach or your back, lower back pain can often occur due to a mattress that is too soft — your body sinks into the bed and makes your back a U shape, which can lead to pain and stiffness.
Middle and upper back pain
Pains in this area of the back tend to be less common, as it is more stable and can withstand twisting movements. If you’re suffering from pain in this area, it may be due to a posture issue or tension being held in the back. It’s not only a new mattress that can help with this kind of pain — it is advantageous to ensure that you have sufficient support from your pillow, around your neck and head. Choosing a mattress that is pressure-relieving and helps to align your spine could be beneficial when it comes to combatting middle or upper back pain.
Sleeping positions
As previously mentioned, a lot of the back pain we experience comes from sleeping in positions in which our bodies are unsupported. This is one of the reasons that having a quality mattress is so important for getting a good night’s sleep. You’ll find that waking up in pain in the morning generally points to an unsupportive mattress for the type of sleeper you are. For example, for stomach and back sleepers, your mattress should align your body, so that it is level, and your spine is not curved or strained. If you sleep on your side, it is essential that you have pressure relief of the parts of your body that take the most weight, like your shoulders and hips.
The type of mattress you choose can have a direct impact on the way your body feels, therefore choosing the right solution to suit your personal preference is key to good sleep and good health.
