Is Your Mattress Harming Your Health? The Answer May Surprise You

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You know that sleep has a huge impact on your overall health and wellness, so it may come as no surprise to know that your mattress can have a major influence on your well-being too. If you are sleeping on an old or unsupportive mattress, you could be causing more than just a lack of sleep. You could be causing yourself to get sick, feel stressed, and suffer from more pain. If you are worried your mattress could be a threat to your health, keep reading.

Knowing When Your Mattress Needs to Go

There is so much conflicting information out there about when you should replace your mattress. Most experts say that a mattress should be replaced once every 7-10 years, but some may last as long as 15 years. Regardless of age, there are some telltale signs you may need to look into buying a newer, more supportive mattress. If your mattress is dented or has worn-out areas, if you wake up in pain, or if you tend to sleep better in beds other than your own, it’s likely time to start shopping for something better.

If you do decide to purchase a new mattress, make sure you take the proper steps to recycle your old one. Mattresses are composed of layers of recyclable materials, such as foam padding, cotton fabrics, wooden frames and steel springs. It can be difficult to find a facility that can process all of these materials, but up to 80 percent of a mattress can be reused, so don’t let it go to waste! Use these ideas from the Sleep Foundation to keep your old mattresses out of the landfill. You can donate your mattress or upcycle it around your home and garden.

Finding a Perfect Mattress Fit

When it comes to shopping for your new mattress, it can be tricky to know exactly where to start. You can find mattress shopping guides online, like this one, that will help you determine what qualities you should look for in a new bed. Also, keep your new mattress in good shape by getting it professionally cleaned on a regular basis. By using Angi, you can find recommendations for cleaners and competitive prices for “furniture cleaning near me.”

Firmness, support, and size are the basic features you should eye when starting your mattress search. All of these elements can lead to chronic pain, exhaustion and even frequent illnesses if they are off in your bed. If you sleep with a partner and that person tends to toss and turn, it may also be a good idea to look for a bed that isolates movement so it does not impact your sleep.

Nighttime movement is just one of the sleep compatibility issues couples often deal with, but choosing a foam mattress can help resolve it. Finally, take your temperature preferences into consideration. If you are a “hot sleeper,” choosing a thermodynamic bed may just help you stay cool and comfy at night.

Creating a Sleep Paradise in Your Bedroom

It’s a fact: lack of sleep can negatively impact your physical and mental health. Time and time again, research has shown that missing out on sleep makes you more stressed, more anxious, and overall unhappier. Replacing your mattress is a definite step in the right direction when it comes to improving your sleep. An old, worn-out mattress can make chronic physical pain worse, which can negatively affect your mental health as well. But to really help yourself get more sleep at night, you also need to take other steps.

Creating a sleep sanctuary in your bedroom with comfy bedding and cool temperatures can help you adjust your sleep habits. You may also want to consider adding blackout curtains or shades to keep your room dark, and using relaxing scents, like lavender, to help yourself unwind when you crawl into your new bed. You can also try reworking your pre-bedtime routine to help yourself sleep better at night.

Your bed is the bedrock of your sleep habits, and subsequently, the foundation of your overall health and wellness. Make sure your mattress provides the support elements you need to get a good night’s sleep so you’ll feel your best every single day.

Written by: Andrea Needham