An Uncomfortable Bed is The Enemy of Sleep!
According to research undertaken by Sleep Council, being uncomfortable in bed is the number one culprit when it comes to disturbing sleep!
Their poll of sleepers found that just over a quarter blamed discomfort in bed for hindering a night’s rest (just coming ahead of noise and light pollution).
The Effects of Poor Sleep
Lots of us know what it feels like to have night after night of disrupted sleep, waking up the next day with sore muscles, an aching back and feeling fatigued, irritable and unfocused. Getting a good night’s sleep is hugely important for our physical and mental health.
Your Mattress Could be the Reason
We spend one-third of our lives asleep meaning our mattresses are subject to a staggering 20,000 hours of wear and tear over a seven-year lifespan! So, it’s really important to choose the right bed or mattress for you. When it comes to discomfort in bed, it makes sense to consider whether it’s your mattress that could be the problem. After all, on average, you’re spending eight hours a day lying on it. If it’s not providing the support you need then it’s possible that it could be the reason why a night of comfort is eluding you.
The Life Expectancy of a Mattress
Even the most expensive, high-quality mattress will not last forever. As they age, the comfort they provide inevitably diminishes. And because of that, it’s recommended that you change your mattress every seven to eight years. If you have had your mattress for this long why not check out our current mattress offers. Although, for some people, the timeframe might be shorter and that’s because the durability of a mattress does depend on several factors. Take a look at our top tips to care for your mattress.
What Affects Mattress Life Expectancy?
There are a number of reasons why a mattress might age prematurely. Moisture can be a huge factor-making sure you air your bed regularly and using a breathable mattress protector are absolutely key in keeping your mattress fillings in top condition have a read about our mattress protectors here. Another factor to consider is the base that you are putting the mattress on. Using an old base/frame can be detrimental to the longevity of your mattress. An old base will not be as supportive and will have pre-disposed dips and sags that the mattress will automatically sit into, compromising the life expectancy. In need of a new bed frame? Take a look at our Divan Bases and Bed Frames. And you also tend to get what you pay for, with budget mattresses on average declining more rapidly than expensive varieties.
Sleeping Position
Of course, you can have the best mattress possible and still feel uncomfortable when you sleep. One common reason for this could be your sleeping position. Poor sleeping positions mean you don’t get the best from your mattress. If you are still suffering an uncomfortable night’s sleep after changing your mattress, then consider altering the position that you sleep in.
Tips to Maximise Comfort
So, you’ve got the right mattress and you’re sleeping in the right position. Here are a few additional tips to ensure the most comfortable night’s sleep possible:
- Monitor the room temperature. If it’s too hot or too cold, this can disturb your sleep. It’s recommended that temperatures are kept between 16 and 18 degrees.
- Choose the right pillow. Back sleepers need a flatter, soft pillow, side sleepers need a firmer pillow, one that’s as thick as the distance between your ear and outside shoulder, and stomach sleepers need a very thin pillow (or even no pillow at all).
- Keep those sheets crisp and clean because research shows that clean bedding improves your sleep. A 2012 study by the US National Sleep Foundation found that 73 per cent of us sleep better on fresh sheets.
