How does a good mattress affect your health?

People spend a third of their lives sleeping. While that number might get augmented when people become adults, the fact remains is that a big portion of one’s life is spent sleeping. This is why mattresses and other sleeping apparatuses like sheets, linens, pillows, and comforters remain relevant businesses. This is because mattresses can affect health. Dr. Lisa M. Cannon strongly believes that the health benefits of a good mattress outweigh their price. Here are some ways mattresses affect our health.

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In a study where 60 people were asked to sleep in an old mattress for one month then move to a new mattress the following month, the data showed that stress levels dropped significantly after switching to the new mattress. There could be several problems with old mattresses; they’re not as firm or as comfortable, their odor could be questionable, and dirt could cause mild irritations. These are the things that can keep a person up at night.

While expensive mattresses last for a long time, not everyone can afford them. But still, lesser quality mattresses can provide quality sleep. It’s just that they would need replacing every five years or so. If not, they could cause problems like neck or back pain.

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Another reason why people should look into replacing their old mattress is that it can promote snoring. Dr. Lisa M. Cannon states that if your mattress isn’t supporting your body correctly, it could lead to an uncomfortable position that blocks the airways. Not only does snoring affect a person’s ability to breathe properly during sleep, but it is also often tied to other health-related problems like high blood pressure, morning headaches, and the general feeling of tiredness even after a full night’s sleep.

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon is a New Jersey-based physician. She specializes in pulmonary disease, critical care, and sleep medicine. For more insightful reads on health, visit this blog.

Seven tips to prepare you for a good night’s sleep

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Not everyone who hits the sack early at night gets good sleep. Many adults struggle to experience full rest at night due to a number of health and environment issues. Developing healthy sleep habits can make a huge difference in one’s overall health.

 

Follow a sleep schedule. Maintaining the same wake up time and bedtime every day helps synchronize the body’s clock, helping one fall asleep faster and stay in bed longer, says Dr. Lisa M. Cannon. Skip late afternoon caffeine boosts. Caffeine is a stimulant that hangs out in one’s body for a long time. Limit food and fluid intake at night. Large meals can keep one up as their digestive system would have to work overtime.

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Reevaluate the bedroom. One must turn their bedroom into a sleep-inducing environment to encourage uninterrupted sleep. Eye masks, blackout shades, and heavy curtains prevent light from creeping in, cueing the mind that it’s time for slumber. Exercise early. When trying to fall asleep faster, finish a workout at least three hours prior to hitting the sack.

Learn to wind down. For healthier sleep, help the body switch to sleep mode doing calming activities an hour before bedtime. According to Dr. Lisa M. Cannon, individuals should avoid using devices before bed as these emit light that can stimulate the brain. Follow through with the new habit. Forming a habit can be easy, but sticking to it is the challenging part. Diligently following the new sleep routine ensures improved sleep and better overall health.

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon is a board-certified physician who has been practicing for more than 15 years. She graduated with a degree in medicine from New York Medical College and completed her fellowship in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at the renowned Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. For more updates, visit Dr. Lisa M. Cannon on Twitter.