A good night’s sleep is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle; however, an estimated 70 million Americans complain of sleeplessness.
You spend one-third of your life sleeping, so it makes sense to invest in a sleep set that can improve your comfort and overall health.
A 2006 study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine showed that sleeping on a new mattress can significantly reduce stiffness and back pain. Researchers found that study participants reported immediate and sustained benefits after sleeping on a new mattress. This was especially true of participants who entered the study with back pain complaints, as they reported a 63 percent improvement in back discomfort with a new mattress.
If you are planning to purchased a new mattress, this may help.
Generally, a mattress should be replaced every 5 to 8 years to ensure proper support and comfort. Be aware that life’s changes can signal the need for a new mattress as well. For example, people who have lost or gained a considerable amount of weight, those who have a medical condition which has changed the way they sleep, or even those who’ve changed partners may need to consider a new mattress.
I like three different mattresses depending on the patient's particular situation. A high quality inner coil spring non-pillow top, a Tempurpedic and a Sleep Number.
You spend one-third of your life sleeping, so it makes sense to invest in a sleep set that can improve your comfort and overall health.
A 2006 study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine showed that sleeping on a new mattress can significantly reduce stiffness and back pain. Researchers found that study participants reported immediate and sustained benefits after sleeping on a new mattress. This was especially true of participants who entered the study with back pain complaints, as they reported a 63 percent improvement in back discomfort with a new mattress.
If you are planning to purchased a new mattress, this may help.
Shop for Support
Look for a mattress that provides uniform support from head to toe; if there are gaps between your body and the mattress (such as at the waist), you’re not getting the full support you need. Mattresses can be too firm; pay close attention to uncomfortable pressure on prominent body features such as the shoulders, hips and low back.Shop for Comfort
When mattress shopping, give each option a good trial run before you buy; lie down on a mattress for a minimum of five to 10 minutes to get a good idea of its comfort level. If you cannot find a comfortable position, you probably have the wrong mattress.Shop for Size
Does the bed provide enough room for both you -- and your sleeping partner if you have one -- to stretch and roll over? The ideal mattress will also minimize the transfer of movement from one sleeping partner to the other, which means one person shouldn’t feel motion as the other leaves the bed.Generally, a mattress should be replaced every 5 to 8 years to ensure proper support and comfort. Be aware that life’s changes can signal the need for a new mattress as well. For example, people who have lost or gained a considerable amount of weight, those who have a medical condition which has changed the way they sleep, or even those who’ve changed partners may need to consider a new mattress.
I like three different mattresses depending on the patient's particular situation. A high quality inner coil spring non-pillow top, a Tempurpedic and a Sleep Number.
Pillows
After investing in a quality mattress, don’t forget to choose an equally supportive pillow.
When selecting a new pillow, look for one with ergonomically-designed features, which will enhance comfort and limit pain. Look for pillows that are:
- Designed to keep the spine in natural alignment. When lying on your side, your head and neck should remain level with your mid and lower spine. When lying on your back, your head and neck should remain level with your upper back and spine. Avoid pillows that are so thick or thin that they angle your head and neck away from your body.
- Designed to support different sleep positions, including side sleeper or back sleeper
- Hypoallergenic.
In general a thick pillow such as the SleepRite is better for a side sleeper. A pilow like the Tempurpedic is better for a back sleeper and if you roll around the Therapeutica is the better pillow.
If you have any question about these pilows or mattresses feel free to contact me at the Center at 504-885-8899.
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