Many people don’t consider mattress types when they think of their general health, and more so, believe that whatever feels the most comfortable at the store is the best option.
While everyone has opposing views regarding mattress firmness, and some people might prefer to sleep in a bed that feels like a cloud, this guide will enlighten you about all the health benefits of a firm mattress.
Firm mattresses will aid anyone with back or neck problems, as they’re more likely to keep your spine aligned while you sleep. However, sleeping on an excellent firm mattress can also prevent you from getting these health conditions in the first place.
So, if you still think you’ll stick with your super-soft mattress and your mind can’t be changed, let’s see how you feel after reading these eight health benefits of sleeping on a firm mattress.
How Your Mattress Can Impede or Improve Your Health
As I’ve already mentioned, mattress types are primarily a personal preference, so if you’re unsure about what kind of mattress will benefit you the most, the list below is going to tell you about all the health benefits of a firm mattress and what kind of mattresses suit various conditions.
1. Back Pain
If you suffer from upper or lower back pain, then at first glance, you might feel like lying on something soft feels comforting. However, in the long run, and even over a single night, you could worsen your pack pain by sleeping on a sinking mattress.
The best mattress for back pain is medium to the firm rather than completely firm. One recommended option is a memory foam mattress. These are the most supportive as they mold your body’s shape.
2. Weight Distribution
Although climbing into a bed that sinks and swallows you might feel like you’re going to sleep on a cloud, it won’t do you any good in terms of your health in the long run.
When testing out a bed in the store, try sitting or lying down on the edge of it. If you slide or roll-off, chances are it’s too soft. Sleeping on a too-soft mattress is not suitable for your back.
A soft mattress will only support your body correctly if your weight is evenly distributed. It leads to your misaligned spine and puts pressure on your organs, joints, and muscles. A good indication of your mattress being too soft is consistently waking up with back pain, stiff joints, or aching muscles.
3. Restoration
While asleep, our bodies repair themselves, which refers to the brain and body. During sleeping hours, when the cells repair, insulin decreases, and hormones are activated.
The best hours of sleep are between 7 and 9 for the average adult, which is a long time to spend lying down, and if you’re putting too much strain on your body with the wrong type of mattress, your sleep will be uncomfortable and non-restorative.
4. Improves Long-Term Pain
Many health conditions can benefit from a firm mattress, and people who suffer from chronic pain will notice the difference almost immediately. A firm mattress provides support, which means the spine remains aligned, and there is less pressure on the muscles and chest, making breathing easier.
A firm mattress can also improve circulation, something people with chronic pain may experience problems with. A symptom of this would be waking up feeling numb or experiencing a tingly sensation in their fingers and toes.
5. Temperature
Because you don’t sink deeply into a firm mattress, you’ll likely stay much cooler without being surrounded by fabric. Getting too hot while asleep will cause you to wake up during the night, feeling fatigued the following day.
Sleeping on a firm mattress means that heat emitted from your body will escape into the air instead of into the materials surrounding you when you’ve sunken deep into a soft mattress.
6. Sleep Position
The best sleeping position for every person can vary depending on the individual. Although the most common sleeping position is on their side, some people can only get comfortable lying flat on their back. If this sounds like you, and you have a soft mattress, the chances are that your lower back sinks into the mattress, meaning your neck and upper back are raised.
It will likely leave you with uncomfortable lower back pain and a stiff neck [6]. A firm, flat mattress will keep the spine of a back sleeper aligned all night and offer support in the right places.
7. Sharing Your Bed
If you share a bed with your partner and you have a soft mattress, the likelihood is that you often feel the movements of the other person during the night. It happens because they sink, sway, and dip with your body.
It can be especially damaging to your sleep quality if you’re a light sleeper, as you’ll likely wake up every time your partner tosses and turns, so it might not do your relationship any favors either.
8. Muscle Strain
You might not think so, but sleeping on a soft mattress can put more strain on your muscles than on a firm mattress, mainly because your body is swallowed up by the mattress, causing your body to sink in certain places. While you sleep, other body parts may compensate for this sinking feeling by tensing up.
For instance, your neck and shoulders might tense up in retaliation to your lower back sinking. It will lead you to wake up with pulled or strained muscles.
How to Find The Perfect Mattress For You?
Shopping for a new mattress is something you should take your time with and do, don’t go for the latest trend or grab a great deal. Instead, try and test each one until you find the perfect match.
Talk to people about recommendations, and look at the reviews from people who have already bought the product. Asking the guys in the store might not always work in your favor, as they are trying to sell the product with the highest price tag. Some places even offer sleep trials where you can try the mattress at home before committing to buy.
Lying on a mattress and pretending to be asleep in the store or sitting on a bed and bouncing up and down for 20 seconds will not give you an idea about how comfortable a mattress is in the long run. Instead, specialists suggest lying on a new mattress for at least 15 minutes to determine whether or not you find it supportive and comfortable.
Also, ensure you test the bed with another person if you intend to share it at home to ensure it doesn’t sink and tip when someone is on the other side.
Summary
There is still ongoing research about the health benefits of a firm mattress, and while it is advised for many reasons, it all comes down to preference, what you find comfortable, and the benefits to your general health. Sleeping on a mattress that’s good for your chronic pain but makes you so uncomfortable that waking up through the night is counterproductive, so don’t just buy the first mattress recommended to you. Shop around until you find the perfect match.
Nowadays, there are many choices in mattresses, different thicknesses and materials, some softer, some firmer, and some hybrids, which support a firm mattress and the comfort of a softer one.
The essential thing about your mattress is that you’re comfortable and get a refreshing night’s sleep.
