In our efforts to improve our health and sleep better, many people tend to overlook the relationship between mattress types and sleep quality. While it is true that the ideal type of mattress supports all of our sleeping parts, not all mattresses are created equal. And the type of mattress you choose may affect not only your sleep but your health as well. Before choosing a new mattress, it’s important to understand what makes a good mattress and to choose one that will give you and your family the sleep it deserves.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are among the most popular and have been for several years. For many reasons, including the fact that they are very durable, latex mattresses provide an ideal choice for sleepers. They are generally hypoallergenic, which means they are safe for those who are hypersensitive. They also are generally more comfortable than other materials.
The only real downside to latex foam mattresses is that they are known to slowly form mildew in warm areas and can harbor mildew if not properly cleaned. This mildew is what gives mattresses their distinctive scent. To avoid this, it’s important to thoroughly clean your mattress once or twice a week with soap and water and then air dry. It’s also a good idea to steer clear of latex beds that claim to be free of allergens because they often do not live up to their claims. As an alternative, you can purchase a hypoallergenic mattress cover.
Latex is similar to cotton in feel and structure, but it is made from rubber trees. Some people prefer this type of mattress because it is one of the most comfortable and supportive. However, this type of mattress should only be bought by those who suffer from serious allergies to dust mites, mold, mildew, or dander. For most people, latex mattress pads are as comfortable as any other mattress type.
Visco-Elastic Mattresses
Another type of mattress is visco-elastic, which is another type of material that provides support to the coils of the spring. In general, these mattresses are considered to be excellent choices for people who want to get a good night’s rest but don’t need a lot of support or comfort. These models are also recommended for those who have back problems or knee problems because they typically compress well and can provide adequate support without adding too much weight.
Waterbed Mattresses
Waterbed mattresses are by far the most comfortable of all mattress types. The amount of support and comfort depends on the construction of each model. Manufacturers can use various types of material in a waterbed mattress to achieve its unique comfort. Most waterbed mattresses can support their owners’ weight comfortably, although some heavier models may need to be Pro-Ject models with added support elements to help keep heavy people comfortable.
Spring Mattresses
This mattress is similar to memory foam, which is used in many of today’s high-end, luxurious mattresses. People tend to like this type of mattress because it conforms to their body shape and offers good support. However, spring mattresses aren’t always the best choice for those who suffer from aches and pains because they tend to be a bit on the firm side. Many find the combination of spring and memory foam to be more comfortable than either type of mattress.
People who are trying to decide which type of mattress is best for them should consider the warranty and the materials used in making the mattress. Mattress warranties are usually limited to a few years and do not cover materials that cause a problem within the first year of use. Some manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty, which can be nearly double the price of any other type of mattress. Also, consider how much you will use your mattress. Those who will be using the mattress for many years may want to purchase a mattress with a higher density and provide more support. Along with mattresses, a variety of duvets and comforters that are found online or in many retail stores also aid in providing a night of peaceful sleep.
Sleep Quality and Mattress Types
The wrong mattress choice can cause your sleep quality to suffer, not to mention your wallet to be thinner than what it should be. A recent study published in the Journal of Alternative Medicine showed that a surprising number of adults, young and old alike, suffer from poor sleep quality. This condition affects millions of Americans each year and could be made much worse by choosing the wrong bed. In this study, participants were shown sets of pictures while on an incline. The photos that matched up to the images on the screen were the ones that were considered to be the most restful. Surprisingly, the people on the softer models fell asleep faster and spent less time in deep sleep.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience reported that regular use of a certain sleep aid increased people’s chances of falling asleep. The sleep aid in question was a warm water bottle. The participants slept better on the warm water bottle, regardless of age or gender. However, the increased use of the warm bottle was associated with an increased risk of injury and slipping. This is important because of how easily we slip out of our sleeping ways without realizing it.
A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that a decline in brain serotonin levels was associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This comes as no surprise as many of the ingredients used in popular antidepressants such as sertraline and fluoxetine have serotonergic properties. This means they affect your brain chemicals and can alter your sleep. A decline in serotonin is associated with an increase in the likelihood of developing a sleep disorder, including insomnia and the inability to fall asleep. However, this study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease looked only at elderly individuals.
One study published in the Journal of American Sleep Medicine found that the types of mattresses that we choose made a difference in the quality of our sleep. Those choosing memory foam mattresses experienced better sleep quality and didn’t wake as often during the night. A mattress with memory foam was also the most welcoming, giving off the feeling that we had pillows under our heads. This is beneficial in that it prevents the development of aches and pains related to sleeping. Along with mattresses essential oils also help a great deal in providing the type of sleep that you want by relaxing your nerves and brain. Though essential oils or any type of aromatherapy products do not have any side effects, you should handle essential oils with care.
Conclusion
Finally, a study published in the Journal of American Sleep Medicine showed that sleep apnea patients who used chamomile tea as a remedy experienced a decrease in apnea-like symptoms, including loud snoring and increased wakes. The tea caused a relaxing effect on the throat area and the mouth that relieved snoring and allowed the person to breathe through their mouths instead of their noses. Chamomile tea is not a cure-all but provides relief from the problems that can make us drowsy during the day. By using chamomile tea or other alternative remedies, we can get the rest that we need without resorting to prescription drugs.
