How hard should your mattress be?

23 Oct How hard should your mattress be?

Good morning! Hope you have sprung out of bed today full of energy and feeling fantastic after another 8+ hours of deep uninterrupted sleep. Oh how we all wish this were the case every day. It seems however that only a small number of people experience this sort of restful slumber.

Now the reasons for a poor quality sleep and the potential of waking up feeling sluggish and with body signals (Aches and Pains) can be varied, let’s have a look at the physical aspect of the mattress and what to look out for.

Firstly, I will state that in my opinion, if you go to bed feeling physically well, and sleep on your back or side, then the most likely reason that you would wake with aches or pains are linked to your mattress or pillow.

So taking into account a side or back sleep position, the goal of the mattress should be to allow this position to be comfortable whilst supporting the spine to remain in it’s neutral alignment. so if on your side you can maintain a straight spine without curves arising from your hips and shoulders sinking in too deeply.

If lying on your back, firstly let me suggest that you have a small pillow under the knees to ease the pressure on the lower back. Secondly, we need a mattress and pillow set up that will allow the 3 natural curves of the spine be present.

When you are going to try mattresses, I suggest getting a mattress that is as firm as you can find that still allows your body to be comfortable. Pay particular attention to your hips and shoulders and stay in the bed shop for as long as you can, lying on your side, as the shoulders and hips may start being comfortable but become less so after 15-20 minutes. This obviously is not ideal, and is easier to figure out in the shop rather than when it is a hassle to deal with once you have made the purchase. As for pillow choice, that is a whole other topic, and one that will be covered soon.

Until then, I wish you restful slumber and abundant health

Michael

TIME TO GET CHECKED?

Are you surviving rather than thriving? We will test and measure vital health parameters to determine your baseline and if we can help you regain vitality we will relish the opportunity to help you thrive!

BOOK A CONSULTATIONDr Michael Bloom

Dr Michael Bloom has a wide and varying interest in what it takes to live a healthy and happy life. He has over 20 years experience as a chiropractor in Europe and Australia and has attended over 40 post graduate seminars and courses. Currently he has a particular interest in the declining posture of society and the health implications associated with poor posture.