A good night’s sleep can drastically improve your energy, mood, and overall health; unfortunately, for many people, a restful sleep is hard to come by. Many factors can contribute to trouble sleeping, including stress, poor sleep hygiene, and underlying health issues. But one of the most common causes of restless sleep is a bad mattress, which can result in back pain and discomfort. Here’s how mattresses affect spinal health and what you can do about it. 

How Mattresses Affect Your Back & Sleep 

How Your Mattress Affects Your Back

A mattress should support your spine. One that’s too soft will sag, creating a “hammock” effect and causing an abnormal curve in the vertebrae of the spine, leading to back pain and discomfort. On the other hand, a mattress that’s too hard cannot conform to the body’s natural shape, resulting in only the shoulders and pelvis being supported. The middle of the back, in this case, droops, resulting in an unnatural S-shape. 

Signs You Need a New Mattress 

If you frequently wake up with aches, pains, or stiffness, it’s time to invest in a new mattress. Other signs include waking up frequently during the night or struggling to sleep due to discomfort in bed. If you feel as though the mattress is enveloping you, it’s too soft. Worn padding can also cause uncomfortable pressure when you lie down. Also, experts recommend buying a new mattress every eight to 10 years as they tend to wear out after this point. 

What to Look for in a Mattress

Most people do best with a medium-firm mattress. It should provide enough support to straighten your spine and allow for evenly-aligned vertebrae. When shopping, test out your options and ask the staff for recommendations based on your particular complaints or concerns. Consider options such as memory foam as well as traditional models. 

Sleep Central in Minocqua, WI, is the go-to for high-quality mattresses. If you’re yearning for a restful, comfortable night’s sleep, stop by this locally owned and operated bedding shop for the best selection of mattresses and bedroom furniture around. Call (715) 356-3488 to speak with a friendly staff member or visit the website to learn more about their products.