Most of us spend over 8 hours a day in bed, so it’s no wonder that your bed can be a huge contributor to your health and happiness. With 1 in every 3 adults in the UK reporting sleep issues (according to NHS Scotland), it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that your bed can affect your health. Poor sleep habits can begin at an early age, and those bad habits often continue into adulthood. One common habit is sleeping in an uncomfortable bed, which can actually cause new sleep issues, such as back pain. Over many nights of sleeping in an uncomfortable bed, your spine becomes misaligned, causing you pain in various parts of your body.
Ever thought about how your bed is affecting the way you feel throughout the day? If not, maybe it's time to do so. Your bed can have a big impact on your health, including the amount of energy you have.
If you're suffering from a lack of sleep, it may be time to consider some changes. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to check whether your bed needs to do more to provide comfort and better rest:
Do you have the right type of mattress?
A great mattress is one that works well with your body and gives you the results that you need. Mattresses that are too soft or too firm can both cause you to wake up in pain. A soft mattress may feel good initially, but it can lead to more pressure on your body when you sleep; however, a firm mattress will offer support and help relieve pain.
The best mattresses are firm in the areas of support and soft in the parts where there's pressure. But, while tossing and turning all night may show that it’s your mattress that needs replacement, there’s much more to a bed than simply the mattress.
Can you easily adjust your sleeping position?
It's important to remember that sleeping position is such an important part of your night’s rest, so you shouldn't settle for a bed that's only "good enough" if it doesn't fit perfectly. A bed that's adjustable can not only help keep you comfortable in certain situations, it can also help you keep your body aligned throughout the night. The best adjustable beds are those that give you a choice of firmness and also adjust to your position throughout the night.
Using an adjustable bed that gives you the option of different sleeping positions can be a great way to relieve pressure on your body and give you more comfort while you sleep. Adjustable beds also tend to have head- and footboards, which can help support your back while in certain positions.
It's also important to be sure your mattress is strong enough to support you when you need it most, so make sure that you have a quality bed frame with heavy-duty base support and frame construction.
Are you sleeping in the right position(s)?
It’s also important to review your sleeping positions. Many people sleep on their back, but it's not the best position for getting a restful night's sleep. For some, sleeping on their side can be a better choice, and an adjustable bed can help you change positions throughout the night. Making minor adjustments throughout the night can help your spine stay aligned and give you more rest throughout the night. Do you have the best sleep position in your bedroom?
Do you wake up with aches and pains?
If you're experiencing pain from sleeping in an uncomfortable position, you may be suffering from more than just a bad bed. You may even know you are experiencing pain because of uncomfortable sleep habits, like sleeping in the wrong position or drinking lots of caffeine late at night.
Perhaps you're blaming your bed for your neck pain but take a look at the other factors that are affecting your quality of sleep. Your mattress is only one part of what makes your bedding feel comfortable and supportive.
In addition to a good mattress, it's important to have quality sheets, blankets and pillows. Perhaps switch to 100% cotton or cotton blend sheets, which are not only easy on the skin but will keep you cool in the summer months.
Do you have good “sleep hygiene”?
Poor sleep habits can also lead to muscle and joint strain, and problems with posture. By evaluating your lifestyle and work schedule, you may be able to determine what type of positions could be responsible for the aches and pains that keep you up at night.
Sleep is a significant part of our lives, especially in terms of the impact it has on our mental and physical health. The NHS recommends that adults sleep seven to nine hours a night.
While a lot of factors may impair sleep, including anxiety, snoring, and stress, your bed may be the biggest culprit.
