How to Sleep Like a Baby: Mattress Edition
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Are you yearning to be able to “sleep like a baby”? Perhaps it’s time to ask yourself a few questions:
- Do you find yourself sleeping in your recliner?
- Do you find yourself restless and overheated when your sleep is interrupted?
- Is your mattress worn and sagging in spots?
- When you roll over or move around in bed, do you feel and hear the bed creaking or squeaking?
- Do you even know how old your mattress is?
According to The National Sleep Foundation, your mattress should be replaced every 8-10 years.
If you want to improve your quality of sleep and thereby improve the quality of your life, it’s probably time to shop for a new mattress.
How to choose your dream mattress
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According to the International Chiropractors Association, the following are key factors a person should consider when choosing a suitable mattress:
- Size: Individuals need to determine what mattress size will meet their needs.
- Firmness: People get better sleep and have less morning stiffness when they sleep on a mattress that supports the shoulders, hips, and lower back while keeping the spine aligned.
- Cushioning: Individuals need to determine how much softness they seek in a mattress, as well as what their temperature control needs are — that is, whether they tend to get hot or cold when they sleep.
- Durability: This is how long a mattress will provide its basic level of comfort and support.
- Warranty: A quality mattress should have at least a 10-year warranty.
Terry Cralle, a certified clinical sleep educator advises and the spokeswoman for The Better Sleep Council, advises “Find the one comfortable for you not what your family and friends rave about- it’s important to spend enough time looking and shopping for the mattress that’s right for you.”
Additionally, Medical News Today warns “Although manufacturers may claim their mattresses have health benefits, there is limited research to support these claims. For example, while many may use the term “orthopedic mattress,” this term has no medical meaning or defined standard and may not provide any benefits.”
Set aside enough time for your mattress shopping. If possible, call the mattress store to schedule an appointment with a “sleep specialist” (another name for a salesperson). The salesperson will have a series of questions for you in regards to why you are shopping for a mattress. Answer as thoroughly as you can and be sure to bring a list of your own questions.
- Lay on it for at least 15 minutes in the store, or longer if you can, and be sure to lay in the position you sleep in
- Also try changing positions — is it easy to roll over and change positions? Is it easy to sit up and get out of bed?
- And be sure you’re trying it out with a pillow — either bring your own, or ask to try one in the store that is similar to yours.
And, by the way, that pillow of yours? Just how old is it? Perhaps it’s time to shop for a new one.
For further information click on the links below:
https://www.terrycralle.com/about-us/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/best-mattress-for-seniors
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-buy-a-new-mattress-what-to-know_n_57311129e4b016f37896ca07
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