Do you ever wake up feeling less than well-rested with tired, aching muscles? It could be due to stress or excessive physical activity but if that’s not the case, your mattress could be the culprit. Maybe it’s old and worn or it’s simply not the right type for your sleeping style.
You see, you should choose your mattress based on whether you sleep on your side, back, stomach or a combination of these. This is because each sleeping style requires a different level of firmness. Let this guide help you find the best mattress for you.
Side Sleepers
This is the most common sleeping style but unfortunately, it puts you at risk for back pain and injury. This is because the curves on the side of your body make it more likely to that you will encounter uncomfortable tension and pressure from your mattress.
Opt for a slightly softer mattress which will offer support but allow your body to sink just a little. A softer mattress will not put stress on your shoulders and hips but it will help keep the spine aligned. Latex foam mattresses may be best.
Back Sleepers
Experts say sleeping on your back is best for spinal health. The right mattress will keep your spine properly aligned and keep your weight off your joints and pressure points.
Lower back support is especially important for people who sleep on their backs. A mattress of medium firmness is best since very stiff ones push against the spine while soft ones are unsupportive of the back and body.
Stomach Sleepers
Many people begin sleeping on their stomachs because of lower back pain. Unfortunately, this style offers little spine alignment and stomach sleepers are actually at greater risk of back pain. Sleeping on the stomach may offer temporary relief from pain but in the long term it can actually make problems worse.
Stomach sleepers are also at risk for nerve and joint pain the shoulders since they often rest with their arms wrapped around their pillows. They need a firm, stiff mattress which will fully support their bodies.
Combination sleepers
Many people sleep move from back to side to stomach during the night. They therefore require a mattress that is comfortable for all three positions and one that allows them to switch positions easily. If you’re a combination sleeper you should pick a mattress that is not too stiff for your side and not too soft for your stomach. Many combination sleepers like to sleep on latex foam mattresses or those with innerspring pocket coils.
People with specific underlying back conditions may need to pay even more attention to the position in which they sleep and the type of mattress they use. Those with osteoarthritis may be most comfortable in the fetal position while those with degenerative disc disease may need to sleep on the stomach. Whatever your concern, you can be sure that there is a mattress out there with your name on it and a sleeping style that will help you to catch those zzzs without pain and wake up feeling refreshed.