A bad mattress can cause discomfort, making it difficult to fall asleep and can lead to several nighttime awakenings. In turn, poor sleep quality has effects on physical and mental health. Studies have linked lack of sleep to memory and concentration problems, weakened immune system function, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. A mattress that doesn't provide adequate support or pressure relief can also contribute to aches and pains the next day.
This can be especially important for people living with chronic pain. Alternatives to consider include latex and other types of foam that respond well to movement. Hybrids also tend to create beds with better responsiveness, since they combine internal spring support with comfortable layers of foam. Your body type can also affect the level of support you need from your mattress.
Have you decided how much you want to spend on your new mattress? Do you understand your essential characteristics, such as body type and sleeping position?. An old, saggy mattress is a recipe for back pain. These are the signs that it's time for a new bed. Although each mattress has a different lifespan depending on material, manufacturer and use, the average lifespan of a mattress is about 7 to 10 years.
Of course, there's nothing stopping you from sleeping on a mattress for longer (and many people do, because mattresses are quite expensive), but sleeping on a worn-out mattress can have real consequences on sleep quality and overall health. Old, shabby mattresses can not only prevent you from getting a proper night's rest, but they can also contribute to pain. Sleep is an important part of maintaining mental and physical health. Without it, you risk damaging your cognitive functions, decision-making, worsening immune strength, and your overall health.
If you're wondering why you can't fall asleep or why your back hurts so much when you wake up, it's probably time for a new bed. Continue below to learn when to replace your mattress. To learn more about how to rest better, check out our tips on what to do if you can't sleep or try these sleep-promoting yoga poses. Also, consider if the pain decreases as the day progresses.
If you wake up with pain or discomfort, but it's gone by mid-morning or mid-afternoon, it might be time to change your mattress. You should also make sure you use the right type of pillow to avoid stiff neck and shoulders. Does your mattress creak, moan, or break? That's a sign that you need a replacement mattress. It shouldn't, even when you go round and round.
Mattresses with springs and spirals tend to make noise after years of use, as the springs lose their elasticity and the internal functioning of the mattress deteriorates. If you use a wooden or metal box spring, throw it away first and then consider investing in a new mattress. Worn or frayed edges aren't the end of the world, they don't necessarily affect the area of the mattress you sleep on. However, mattresses are built to last, and worn edges are a clear sign that your mattress has far exceeded the average lifespan of 10 years.
So, even if you don't notice any sagging or asymmetry, look at the edges to see if it's time to buy a new mattress. If you've had your mattress for several years, you might not know if you need a new mattress if you're feeling lonely: changing your mattress is one of those things that sneaks up on you over time. But you can still try to evaluate your mattress this way. Think about how you felt when you went to bed the first year you had your mattress.
Were you excited, happy, comfortable? Now think about the last few nights. Are you feeling a little sad, not particularly excited? That's a good sign that you could use a new mattress. If your mattress is less than a couple of years old and you already notice that it feels different, check the manufacturer's or dealer's warranty. You may be able to get a partial refund or points to buy a new mattress.
If you determine that you're healthy and have a regular sleep cycle, but you still can't fall asleep for hours, it's time to consider buying a new mattress. Don't worry if you need a new mattress. Buying one isn't as difficult as it used to be, thanks to all the bed-in-a-box online retailers. If you have allergy-like symptoms in the morning, the culprit is most likely your old mattress.
Over time, some mattresses develop accumulations of dust mites and other allergens, which can introduce new allergy symptoms or worsen pre-existing allergy symptoms. Do you feel like you wake up every two hours, or even more often, during the night? Persistent awakenings can seriously ruin a good night's sleep, but the remedy could be as simple as buying a new mattress. Once again, you'll want to rule out medical conditions that cause insomnia before blaming the mattress. Make sure it's not sleep apnea, anxiety, depression, insomnia, indigestion, or another condition that can cause nighttime wakefulness.
Do you find yourself sleeping better in hotels and rooms? If so, you probably need to replace your mattress (but first make sure this isn't sabotaging your sleep). You should get the best quality sleep in your own home, on your own mattress, since that's where you spend most of your sleep. If you're having trouble sleeping what you need, try these 6 natural sleeping pills for insomnia or learn how to make a memory foam mattress sleep better. Investing in a quality mattress is one of the easiest ways to promote restful sleep and improve your overall health.
If the mattress doesn't return to its original shape quickly enough, it's an obvious sign that the mattress has broken down. After years of constant use, the mattress can gradually lose its structure, firmness and supportive qualities that guarantee you the good night's sleep you deserve. Since mattresses gradually wear out, many people get used to the feel of an old mattress and may not realize that it needs to be replaced. Mattresses with internal springs are more likely to harbor mites, while latex and foam mattresses have fewer open living spaces.
If the mattress is too firm or too soft, you may be able to improve the feel by using a mattress topper. Traditional interior spring mattresses can also be turned upside down, although most modern mattresses are designed to be used with the right side facing up. You can protect yourself against mold and mildew by using a mattress base that leaves room for air flow under the mattress and reduces allergen buildup by using a mattress protector that can be machine washed. If you experience any warning signs or if your mattress is older than 6 to 8 years old, you may want to consider changing it to ensure proper spinal alignment and restful sleep.
While some budget mattresses may measure 9 inches (or less), 10 inches is a fairly standard mattress height. Low-quality internal spring mattresses usually start to sag after a few years, and foam mattresses can soften and develop permanent indentations in the body. While all mattresses eventually degrade, a mattress made from high-quality materials tends to withstand longer before developing permanent sagging or indentations in the body. Mattresses with helical support cores tend to sleep cooler, while foam mattresses trap more heat due to their solid construction.
If you sleep on a mattress that is too firm, too plush, or that lacks support in one area (hips, waist, lower back, upper back), it may be time to look for a more ergonomic design that encourages better quality sleep from the bottom up. .
