Better Mattress = Better Sleep
Wednesday, March 14th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
Sleep is an essential factor in our day-to-day health. Most adults need a minimum of 6-8 hours of sleep per day in order to function to their optimum level. Without this stipulated time, we feel drowsy and our reflexes might not be as quick as they are supposed to be. We need to spend enough time in relaxing our brains and our central nervous system in order for them to be at a continuous level of alertness when we are awake.
There can be a variety of reasons for which we will not be able to get that much required sleep. The reasons might range from more complex factors such as insomnia, to more general reasons such as anxieties, emotional problems, etc. These might be some of the leading reasons we are not able to sleep. However, there is another cause that is often overlooked as a cause of loss of sleep. That factor is an uncomfortable bed that you sleep on.
Essential requirements of an ideal bed
The best variety of beds are those that are neither too soft nor are they too hard. Hardness might cause stiffness for the joints whereas an excessively soft surface will not help to tone the muscles in any way while you are asleep.
The latest technology for comfortable beds includes airbeds. These beds are designed with vulcanized rubber air chambers that provide support as well as well as the right amount of comfort. This creates a firm foundation for you to rest upon. There are also airbeds where you can adjust the air levels on each side of the mattress, so each partner is happy.
Another option is a waterbed. This option is particularly beneficial for those suffering from bedsores, or any other ailment that requires you to have a low-pressure on the surface of the body. These can also help to alleviate the minor aches and pains in your joints. There are some that are free flotation and others have strong tubes of water that are covered by a sturdy, thick pillow top to give sleepers the illusion of a waterbed, but also the support of a regular mattress.
A newly introduced concept of mattresses that are stuffed with feathers also seems to be an interesting option that is worth a try. Memory foam that contours to the shape of your body is another choice.
All these varieties of mattresses, however, come at a price.
Buying a Mattress
“The Princess and the Pea” is a well-known fairy tale about how a princess could feel that pea under a mattress that hindered her sleep. What is it about your mattress that might be keeping you up at night? Do you have any ideas? Everyone is under stress or numerous life changes and that might inhibit your sleep patterns. Only time will help those causes of sleeplessness. However, what if your sleep problem stems from your mattress? Do you have any ideas on how to go shopping for a new one? Do you know what to look for? Grab a pillow, hunker down and read on about some tips that can steer you in the right mattress direction.
Tip #1 – When you share your bed with a spouse or significant other, do not go mattress shopping without them. Both of you must feel comfortable with the mattress choice.
Tip #2 – Do your research into which manufacturers are the best in the mattress industry. Read user comments from different opinion websites and see which names come up consistently in the mattress race. When you narrow your choices to a select few, determine which retailers sell that mattress line. Don’t fall for cheap prices from a furniture warehouse. Your best bet will be an actual retail store that only sells mattresses.
Tip #3 – Determine the size of bed you want. There are several sizes from the California king, which is a little longer than a traditional king size bed, to the twin bed, usually for kids. Queen and full or double size beds are also options.
Tip #4 – Back support and comfort levels are important in choosing a mattress. Do you want a firm mattress or a soft mattress? Remember, a firm mattress does not always “feel” hard. It is all in the construction of the mattress. It is also important to note that the more padding and coils you have in the mattress, the higher the quality and support it offers you.
Tip #5 – Take your time and test each mattress you are interested in. Do not buy a mattress the first day you go shopping. Take a test drive, so to speak. Visit several places and determine which mattresses are the most comfortable for you. Wait a few days, then go back and visit each place again. Each day is different, so your sense of comfort levels may change slightly from day to day. If you can choose the same mattress after different days of shopping, chances are that you may have found the mattress that would best suit your needs.
Remember; take the “test drive.” Don’t just sit on the mattress and say, “Gee that feels good/bad.” Wear clothing that is comfortable. Lay down on the bed for a while, using different positions.
Tip #6 – Each mattress comes with different tops. Pillow tops, memory foam inserts, extra thick and cushy mattress covers … there are a multitude of options to choose from. Be sure to test mattresses with these various tops when making your mattress selection. Test driving a mattress with a pillow top will have a totally different feel than one with just a cushioned top or a memory foam pad.
Tip #7 – The price tag and warranty should also be factors in your selection. However, do not make it a price-only issue. Remember, it is better to spend a little extra money now for your comfort for years to come rather than needing to buy another mattress because a cheap one conks out on you in half the time. When purchasing your mattress, make sure that the mattress tag is on your bed. Do not remove it. You must have that tag in order for any warranties to remain valid. Read the fine print on warranty information. Each mattress comes with different stipulations.
The above suggestions are a good primer for choosing a mattress. Determine what you think you want first, then test drive the different mattresses. This will give you a great basis for finding the mattress that best suits your sleeping needs.
