A More Restful Sleep May Be in Your Future

When was the last time you bought a new bed? Beds attract dust, germs and other unsanitary elements, and it doesn’t take long for a mattress to become a haven for bacteria or even bugs.

But bed bugs and mites are only one part of considering a new mattress. Beds get lumpy from overuse and your kids might be jumping on them. And let’s face it, bodies change. They get heavier, and this can bring on more aches and pains upon awakening. Are you noticing that you’re not getting a consistent good night of sleep lately? If so, it might be time to invest in a new mattress.

Five to Seven years

A survey by the National Sleep Foundation revealed that the most important factors in getting a good night’s sleep were the quality and comfort of the mattress, along with the pillows and sheets. Yet 67 percent of respondents had not purchased a new mattress in at least two years. And less than half of those surveyed said they sleep well most nights, and that could mean it’s time for a new mattress.

According to Consumer Reports, mattresses usually last between five and ten years. The length of time can be affected by your age, physical size and the quality of the mattress. If it is visibly saggy or lumpy, or if you’re waking up with new aches and pains, it’s probably a sign that it’s time to purchase a new one. The consensus among mattress experts is that the average person should replace their mattress every seven years, and if you’re older than 40, it may be best to replace it every five to seven years.

It’s pretty obvious when most items need to be replaced. If they no longer provide the function they once did, stop working altogether or begin to fall apart, it’s time to purchase something new. With a mattress, it isn’t always easy to know, as falling into bed most nights always feels better than not! But even then, your bed might still feel at least somewhat comfortable for a while after it has stopped providing your body with the support it really needs.

Mattress Comfort

Summer is a good time to find deals on new mattresses. Check for mattresses with memory foam, or what’s referred to as “Geltouch” foam. These technology-fueled mattresses conform to the curves of the body, relieve pressure points and maximize freedom of movement. These high quality mattresses have found favor with consumers, resulting in better design and lower costs.

WebMD offers some insights in choosing one bed over another, with ideas and tips for choosing firmness over softness, deciding between latex or memory foam mattresses and other salient points of interest to the bed buyer.

When sleep is compromised, it can have negative effects on your physical and mental health. Studies have shown that restful, adequate sleep is essential for a properly-functioning body and mind. Getting a good night’s rest can result in a stronger immune system, better mental clarity, a younger appearance and even a slimmer waistline.

Sleep Evaluation

Evaluating your sleep patterns on a regular basis is a crucial area for people, according to The Better Sleep Council. Answer some of these following questions to help you decide if a new mattress is in your future.

• Do you frequently wake up with aches, pains, stiffness or numbness? These are the most obvious signs that it’s time to get a new mattress. As the mattress ages, it can lose its ability to support the body in the way that it should.
• Do you spend too much time in bed watching DirectTV? Your mattress may be showing visible signs of overuse, such as sagging, lumps or an exposed interior. As the inner springs age and begin to wear out, the mattress will become increasingly uncomfortable. Pay attention to how well you’re sleeping. If you were sleeping better a year ago, keep in mind that changes in a mattress happen gradually, resulting in subtle negative effects to your sleep that can eventually become a much bigger problem.
• Is your mattress more than seven years old? As stated previously, most experts recommend replacing a mattress every seven years. As you age, the importance of comfort and support increases making it essential to compare your mattress and foundation to new models every few years for optimal sleep and good health.
• Are you and your partner ending up in a deep depression in the center of the mattress after a few hours in bed? While it may sound romantic, it is anything but as this can cause frequent sleep disruption and sore muscles, poor mood and the inability to focus during the day and spend time on electronic devices.
• Do you get a better night’s sleep on a different bed or couch in your home? Occasionally, people don’t realize they are uncomfortable in their own bed until they sleep on a different mattress. If you sleep more peacefully elsewhere, that’s a good sign that it’s time to replace your mattress.