As Mums we all know that feeling of having just too many things to do in our week. Often when we’re so busy during the day we can end up losing sleep by going to bed later, or getting up early to make sure everything gets done. But whilst you think losing an hour or two of sleep every night won’t affect you too much, it can have a real effect on your health. I’ve written about sleep deprivation a few times, how it has affected all areas of my life and led me to do the many a crazy thing.
Getting a good night’s sleep can help your heart, weight, mind and much more. It can also help you learn new skills, as whilst we sleep our mind goes through what we’ve learnt during the day and helps us memorise it. Research has also found if you are only getting six or less hours sleep every night it can cause increased blood pressure, which could cause heart problems and other health issues. A good night’s sleep can also boost your creativity, help you keep attention during the day and relieve everyday stress.
Because it’s so important to get a good night’s sleep, it’s essential that you have everything suited to your preferences to help you get to sleep as soon as you lie down. Getting the right mattress is probably the most important part of this. A lot of people fail to choose the right firmness level for their personal preference and body type.
Whether you find a firm or a soft mattress is better for you, buying a new mattress can be the best investment you ever make for your sleep and you. If you are sleeping on an old mattress, you need to stop. It is almost certainly contributing to a variety of problems you are having while trying to sleep, as well as when you are awake. For example, you may have aches and pains caused by the mattress digging into pressure points on your body or not keeping your back aligned during sleep. You might also have trouble with your concentration capabilities or memory due to lack of high-quality sleep. Stopping at nearby mattress retailers is a great way to find a new mattress. It allows you to do side-by-side comparisons and in-store testing until you find a mattress that can provide you with your ideal sleeping experience.
When you do buy one, make sure you get one with a high spring count, like a pocket sprung mattress, that can spread the support of the mattress across your body. Experts also say you should replace your mattress every seven years, so if you’ve left it longer than that you had better get shopping sooner rather than later.
Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post.
I am going to have to search for a new mattress next year as mine is ever so slightly past it. I prefer a firm mattress, but I do indulge myself with a memory foam topper for a bit of extra comfort. #Picknmix
You are so right, I really feel it if I have gone to bed late a few evenings in the week. It affects everything, my appetite, mood, energy, health and general well being. We spent a lot of money on our bed and mattress but I don’t regret it. We will need a new one soon. #picknmix
We bought a Tempa mattress when I was expecting Little B and it was the best housey thing we’ve ever bought – it’s FABOULOUS!! #picknmix
Great post – about to have my first baby any day now and am well aware sleep deprivation is going to be testing so I am so glad we splashed out and got a decent mattress for our bed! I’ll be valuing those few hours sleep I’ll be getting 🙂 x #PicknMix
You’re so true about having a firm mattress rather than a soft one, especially that I love sleeping, I make sure I got 8hrs of it every night. Great post #PicknMix
I remember buying our mattress three years ago and I was set on a really soft one but in the end we went for a firmer one and I’m so glad we did! Now I sleep so much better and don’t suffer nearly as bad with my back! #PicknMix
Very interesting post, I had no idea a soft mattress could be so damaging to your body. We have a lovely matress with built in memory foam, I wish I could enjoy sleeping in it for longer..silly toddler alarm clock!xx #picknmix
We definitely need a new mattress! It’s one of those things that get added to the bottom of the list. #picknmix
I definitely prefer a firmer mattress, and am always glad to get back to our bed when we’ve been away and staying on a softer mattress. #picknmix
Good to get some tips on what to look for in the best mattress for adequate rest and good health. A new bed is quite a big investment, and unfortunately it’s so hard to tell until you get it home whether you’ve made a good choice! #picknmix
I’m terrible for not giving mattresses any thought. #picknmix
We got a new mattress fairly recently because both of us were waking up with back pain. The Wolf convinced me to go for a memory foam one (I was reluctant because I didn’t like the idea of sinking into it too much) and it’s great. No more back pain whatsoever. The right mattress really can make all the difference.
#PicknMix
We need a new mattress – we needed a new one a couple of months ago but hubby wasn’t going to buy a new one until baby arrived in case my water broke! Made sense really. I like our (soon to be) old mattress – it’s a spring filled one but has a memory foam layer on top. So it’s firm and soft at the same time. You don’t sink into it too much. #PickNMix
We will be buying a new mattress soon so will be doing some research. Great post. #picknmix xx
I have awful problems and regularly wake with pain, sore neck, numbness! But I don’t think my mattress is too soft – it’s just me having a gammy back! I don’t think I could sleep in a soft hammock mattress though – it would kill me even more. Def think it’s worth investing in a good mattress – where else do you spend so many hours – and you notice the difference when you sleep somewhere else – like a hotel – which you pay top dollar for but has cheapy springs!! #picnmix
I still have ongoing back and hip issues that flare up. I can only sleep on my left side or I wake in agony I’ve mostly gotten used to it but I so miss sleeping on my front! Definitely important to have decent support at night.
Stevie xx
Thanks for the article . This would have been a god-send!
Hello,
You really cleared up a lot of things for me. It’s really hard to find proper info about mattresses that isn’t just some commercially sponsored blurb. I’ve been looking for a good mattress. I’ll be shifting to Tulsa around New Year’s and I’m throwing out the old Spring mattress cause i think it’s lived its life. Is there a affordable brand you recommend? I’m really set on Memory Foam mattresses, but the ones with the cooling gel things get a bit expensive. I have mild spondylitis and so a good mattress is really crucial. If you have a recommendation for pillows, I’d be willing to listen to that as well.
Thank you
Janna Jamieson