Health Problems Related to Improper Mattress

Very few things in life create as much impact as a good night’s sleep, and so much damage as a consistent lack of sleep. The bedroom is the center of sleep and of course, the mattress is the heart of the process.

We tend to forget about our mattress, for many of us it is the one we started the marriage with or the one we bought we got our first apartment. Over time it wears out, the frame sags and the comfort we need to rest and refresh with a good night’s sleep dissipates.

If in addition, you are suffering from a medical condition such as obstructive sleep apnea (over 18 million Americans) or acid reflux (over 60 million Americans), joint, bone or muscle conditions such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis or other conditions that generate chronic pain; the mattress becomes far more important. For allergy sufferers the mattress, bedding and air quality in the bedroom can all impede restful sleep. In all these cases, the primary purpose of sleep, to restore health and well being is jeopardized by the very location of sleep.

It is a third of your life, the time spent upon your mattress and in order to make that time count, and frankly who has time to spare anymore; the mattress needs to support you, your health and medical conditions, your sleep partner and their health and medical conditions as well as the purpose of the room.

For the primary bedroom, the functional purpose of the room must support sleep (some would argue sleep and sex). The room design and flow should allow the best possible conditions for the sleeper. The mattress size and style should also support the sleeper. If you and your sleep partner are significantly different in height, be sure the bed fits the taller partner. If you are significantly different in weight, consider a split or separate bed option (often can be integrated into one frame).

The type of mattress you choose needs to take your health and medical conditions into play. If you are a sports enthusiast who may consider a 10 mile run a great start to the day, the mattress should provide a supportive and comfortable place to recover. If you are overweight, the mattress must be supportive enough to provide you with foundation you need to fully rest each night. If you have back problems, you need to find a mattress that will provide ample support and comfort. For allergies, consider a mold resistant foam mattress that will prevent allergens.

For those with sleep apnea and acid reflux, consider a bed that allows the head to be easily elevated as much as 6-9 inches. This allows you to sleep comfortably with minimal aggravation from the symptoms. Blocks and bricks to prop the bed up are usually ineffective and can be very dangerous. If you have muscle, bone or joint issues the inner spring is likely to create contact pain and cause discomfort and restlessness.