An astounding 8 out of 10 people in Ireland experience back pain at some point in their lives, with lower back pain the most common pain suffered. A key contributing culprit to agonising lower pain can be the mattress that you sleep on night after night. After all, we spend over a third of our lives asleep!
At the Natural Sleep Company, we have spent many years dedicating ourselves to ensuring the best night’s sleep for our customers. During this time, we have come to realise 3 reasons why your mattress could be triggering or contributing to your lower back pain.
1. Is your mattress too soft?
While it can be amazing to sink into your bed at the end of the day, if your mattress is too soft it actually disturbs your rest. The curves of your spine and your joints require support throughout the night. A mattress that is too soft can, unfortunately, cause your body to twist painfully. Even if this doesn’t disturb you enough to wake you, it can cause muscle pain and a stiff back the next morning, which isn’t the most pleasant way to start your day!
Luckily, you don’t have to give up sleeping on luxurious soft mattresses to resolve your lower back pain. Natural mattresses like our Ultimate Flotation Mattress contain memory foam materials that conform to your body’s curves, with a pocket sprung core for a comfortable and supportive night’s sleep.
2. Is your mattress too firm?
A common myth is that a firm mattress is best for treating lower back pain. However, if your mattress is too hard and unyielding, it can actually do more harm than good. As overly firm mattresses don’t conform to your body’s curves, gaps are left between the mattress and the curves of your body, leaving your spine inadequately supported. (This also has the downside of creating pressure points on your body, because your weight isn’t distributed as evenly.)
If you still prefer to sleep on a firmer mattress, try one that is medium-firm, as studies have shown these are better equipped to relieve back pain. Our Back Supporter Mattress is a perfect example of this, covering a firm core in ultra-plush foam for the best support available.
3. Is your mattress still providing enough support?
Even if your mattress felt like the perfect option when you purchased it, it may not be providing enough support now. The average mattress lasts 7-10 years before the springs and fillings compress enough to disrupt your sleep, and so they provide less and less support as time goes on.
If you’re not sure whether the quality of the mattress is affecting your back pain, ask yourself, are you constantly tossing and turning to find a position that supports your spine? If the answer is yes, it’s time to start searching for a new mattress!
4. Is your mattress right for your sleeping style?
Mattresses are an incredibly personal choice since no two people sleep the same. However, certain types of sleepers are better supported by certain mattress specifications. To quickly sum it up, side sleepers need a softer mattress that relieves pressure on their shoulders and hips, allowing their bodies to curve naturally in their sleep.
Those who sleep on their back are best suited to medium-firm mattresses, as these support their spines without pushing them out of alignment. Likewise, stomach sleepers should choose a mattress with moderate to medium firmness to keep their spines aligned comfortably while they rest.
Remember, if your back pain is consistent you should always visit your doctor! For more advice on getting the quality night’s sleep you deserve, read our previous blog posts, or check out our Facebook page where we regularly upload tips and tricks to improve your rest! Want to enjoy a quality night’s sleep every single night? Check out The Natural Sleep Company mattress range, offering proven health benefits and the finest natural fillings.
