Sleep and the City

You may have already tried chamomile tea or the ‘no phones in the bedroom’ rule, but what you lie on makes a big difference to the quality of sleep you get! Ingvild Naestvold, Chiropractor at London Wellness, tells us what to look out for when it comes sorting out your mattress for restful slumber.

We’ve all woken up after bad night’s sleep; it has a huge impact on how we function the rest of that day. If your mattress does not offer the right support for your spine, then this can lead to muscle fatigue – and more crucially – a poor night’s sleep.

A good quality, firm-ish mattress will allow you to maintain the same natural spinal alignment that you have when standing. When your body is allowed to rest in its natural position, muscles are relaxed helping to make sleep more refreshing.

If you think your bed is the culprit, then here are some of the keys things to keep in mind whilst shopping for a new and improved mattress:

Your mattress type

There are different types of mattresses including innerspring, foam, flotation (water beds – they’re making a comeback!) and air mattresses. While innerspring mattresses may offer more variety in terms of firmness and support, many people find the other types of mattresses just as comfortable. The best type of mattress is the one that offers you the most support and is the most comfortable for you.

Your bed foundation

The foundation, often called a box spring, is also important. The box spring does much of the work for the mattress by absorbing stress and weight. Having the correct foundation can extend the life of the mattress, therefore it’s advisable to try to purchase the box spring designed to go with your mattress. Using no foundation (on the floor), old foundations or mixing mattresses and box springs can have a negative affect on the level of support and the durability of your mattress – and your sleep!

Firmness of your mattress

It is not always the case that the firmer the mattress, the better it is for you. A mattress that is too hard does not support the body evenly, and tends to only support the body’s heaviest parts. A mattress that is too soft on the other hand, will sag and prevent the spine from maintaining proper alignment. Neither allows your muscles to rest; resulting in them having to work through the night to find a comfortable position and maintain correct posture.

Mattress comfort

When shopping for a mattress make sure you take the time to try it out. Lie down on the mattress in the position that you usually sleep – we know it can feel a bit odd to do this in a shop, but it’s important! Turn over from one side to the other. If you sleep with a partner, try the mattress together to make sure there is enough space for both sleepers to move around. Make sure it can support your spine in its natural curve.

Keep in mind that manufacturers use different terms for comfort and firmness that may be confusing. Terms such as “orthopaedic” are often used by mattress makers, but do not have any actual medical meaning. By trying out the mattress before you buy it, you will be better able to tell which one is the most comfortable for you.

The durability of your mattress

Durability has to do with how long the mattress’ materials will last. Look for quality materials for the core as well as the cover. See if the manufacturer offers a warranty on the mattress in case of defects. Mattress prices are determined by what they are made out of, the quality of the construction and the size. A good mattress and box spring should last about 8-10 years. So consider it an investment. Don’t just look for the lowest price, look for the best value.

Your pillows

Although a quality mattress is key to getting a good night’s sleep, have you thought about how supportive – or unsupportive – your pillows are? Raising your head up on a thick pillow – or having multiple pillows under your head – will put your spine in poor alignment. Consider a therapeutic pillow, one which can support your spine’s natural alignment. Along with a good mattress, this will improve help to improve and support good posture whilst lying down.

Mattresses do not last forever! Most of us wait too long to replace them. The chances are that you need a new mattress if:

• the mattress is over 8 years old (it’s always a good thing to make a note of when you purchased it!).
• you constantly wake up feeling tired and achy
• the box springs squeak 
• your mattress sags
• your bed is just not comfortable! 

Many companies how can a trial period in which if you’re not happy with your mattress purchase, you can get a full refund. This is a great way to make sure you’re 100% happy with your mattress. London Wellness can recommend companies whose mattresses and pillows have been approved by our Chiropractors. We also have a unique mattress deal for our customers, should they wish to trial. So now you know how to improve your beauty sleep, hopefully an early night will sound even more appealing!

Contact us today on T: 020 7531 4444 or E: info@thisislondonwellness.com to find out more.