Getting adequate sleep is vital for overall mental and physical health. When you’re well-rested, you’re more productive, can manage your weight better, have a healthier heart, and it increases your social and emotional intelligence.
When you’re sleep-deprived, you’re more likely to have depression symptoms, more inflammation, and a weaker immune system. A problem that interferes with getting a good night’s rest is an uncomfortable, unsupportive, or old mattress.
We often think that soft cloud-like mattresses are the most ideal; however, a resistant one has benefits for all sleepers. We’re going to go over exactly why firm mattresses are perfect for your overall health.
Adverse Effects of a Bad Mattress
Even the world’s best mattress has a life expectancy and needs to be changed every 8 to 10 years. When you use one longer, you’ll start to experience some negative effects.
If you’re a heavier person, there could be compression or quite a bit of sag where you usually sleep. This means you’re not receiving the proper support in the places you need it most.
Other side effects of holding on to a lousy mattress are that there’s a high risk of body pains, joint soreness, disturbed sleep through the night, and tossing and turning while trying to fall asleep.
After a significant amount of time resting like this, your health will decline as you’re always sore and tired.
Benefits of a Firm Mattress
The main reason a person can improve their sleep with a firm mattress is to support them. You’ll have less back and neck problems because they’ll remain straight while sleeping, instead of sagging into the bed.
However, not all people need the same firmness The Sleep Doctor list of the best firm mattresses mentions. It depends on your sleeping habits. Let’s take a closer look at how your sleep position influences the type of bed is best for you.
Sleeping Habits
The Side Sleepers
The majority of people prefer to sleep on their side. If this is how you sleep, you’ll need to go for a medium-firm mattress. This is because our bodies have curves, and the bed needs to form to them.
However, you don’t want to go too soft because you still need support. Medium firmness is the best of both worlds. Pressure points such as your shoulder, hip, knees can sink in while keeping your spine straight and not sagging too much.
The Back Sleepers
A back sleeper benefits most from a firm mattress because it maintains the natural curve of your body. A softer bed could result in your spine collapsing. You could develop a slouch and will likely have lower back or shoulder pain.
Instead, a firm mattress supports good posture and minimum pain. Back sleepers are less likely to experience sleep apnea because the airway isn’t constricted. With the correct pillow, your spine will be perfectly aligned during your sleep, and you’ll wake up refreshed every morning.
The Stomach Sleeper
This is the least common sleep position, but the few who do rest like this also need a firm mattress like a Serta. Similar to a back sleeper, a person on their front still needs spine support.
A firm mattress keeps everything aligned, and you won’t wake up with back pain. Stomach sleepers experience neck pain more frequently than other types.
You want to pair your firm bed with a soft pillow. This is to make sure your neck isn’t angled on too much of an incline when resting. Ideally, you need your neck to be on a level plan.
The Combined Sleeper
So, what happens if you sleep in many positions throughout the night? You’re called a combination sleeper, and for you, it’s a little more complicated. What it really comes down to is your dominant resting position.
When you mostly sleep on your side with some instances of back sleeping, a medium-firm mattress will work. However, if you favor another position, stick with a firm mattress to experience less back pain.
The Bottom Line
Getting a good night’s rest is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You want to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go, not with aches and inadequate sleep. Knowing the type of sleeper you are will help determine the firmness you need.
Side sleepers need a medium-firm, while back and stomach resters need the most resistance.