Are Body Aches Signs You Need a New Mattress?
Many people wake up with aches and pains, but very few stop to consider if their mattress is the culprit. If you wake up feeling worse than when you went to bed, it may be time for a new mattress. An old mattress can cause body aches and pain because of the lack of support. A good mattress cushions and supports the muscles and joints in your body while you sleep. Over time, as mattress quality declines, your mattress can start to sink and sag, which can cause your spine, hips, back, neck, and other parts of your body to become misaligned. This can lead to pain all over the body, including knee pain, back pain, hip pain, neck pain, and more. It can also lead to increased feeling of tiredness and stiffness in the morning, as if you didn’t get any sleep at all. We spend nearly a third of our lives in our bed, so spending all that time on a mattress that is not supporting your body correctly can lead to serious long term pain and health issues. On top of having a good mattress, it is important to have good bedding. Having good quality pillows that cradle and support your head and neck are also crucial to spinal alignment and preventing upper back and neck pain.
Signs You Have A Bad Mattress
Waking up with body and joint aches are one sign that you may need a new mattress. Below are some other ways to tell if it’s time to replace your mattress:
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Sagging
If your mattress is visibly sagging this is a telltale sign that you need a new one. A sagging mattress is not going to support your body the way it is supposed to and will lead to incorrect alignment of your body and body pain -
Allergies
If you notice that your allergies have been worse than normal, it actually may be because of your mattress. Older mattresses that have not been properly cleaned over time are a haven for dust mites, which can stir up your allergies. -
Tiredness or Drowsiness
If you wake up feeling tired and drowsy and not at all refreshed, it may be time for a new mattress. If you are tossing and turning all night trying to get comfortable then you are not getting the deep restful sleep that you need. -
Rips & Tears
If there are visible rips and tears in your mattress this is a clear sign that your mattress is worn down and it may be time for a new one. It may be tempting to ignore small tears in the fabric of your mattress, especially if it is covered by a sheet, but your mattress might be telling you that its time for a replacement.
Ways To Improve Your Mattress:
Buy A New Mattress
The easiest solution to an old, worn down mattress is to simply buy a new one. The lifespan of a mattress is about 8 years, so if you have had your mattress around for more than 8 years, it may be time for a new one. At BedInABox® we have plenty of different mattress options for every type of sleeper. Be sure to properly recycle your old mattress before you buy a new one.
Clean Your Mattress
You can extend the quality and lifespan of your mattress if you clean it regularly. Mattress cleaning is relatively simple and can be done with items that you probably already have in your home. The easiest way to clean your mattress is to create a solution with water and laundry detergent, spray your mattress, and then let it dry thoroughly. Be sure when cleaning your bed not to get the mattress too wet, as this can cause mold and mildew to grow.
Enhance Your Mattress
If you are not ready to buy a new mattress, there are accessories that you can add to your current mattress to give you more support.
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Mattress Topper
A mattress topper is a great way to enhance your existing mattress. If your mattress is starting to sink or sag, you can add a firmer mattress topper to give you the support you need while you sleep. If your mattress is too firm and is not cradling your body, you can add a softer mattress topper. -
Pillows
As we mentioned earlier, a good quality pillow is just as important as a good quality mattress. Making sure you have good pillows will help not only with comfort, but with neck and spine alignment while you sleep. -
Bed Platform
Make sure you have a sturdy, supportive platform for your mattress. Sagging and sinking may happen if your mattress itself is not correctly supported. Your mattress can’t support your body if it’s not properly supported itself. -
Adjustable Bed Frame
Another way to enhance your current mattress is to add an adjustable bed frame. Some of the health benefits that come with adjustable beds include mitigating lower back pain, swelling, and respiratory issues such as snoring and asthma. These beds, which can be raised or lowered, offer the advantage of alleviating body aches by allowing you to customize your sleeping position.
There are a lot of signs that you may need a new mattress, and body aches are number one. A proper mattress should cushion and support the body, which prevents the straining and misalignment that leads to body pain. If you are starting to experience neck, back, hip, or any other body pains, you probably need a new mattress. These issues could even appear with a newer mattress that is not a right fit for your sleep position or needs. If your mattress is older, it may be that your mattress has started to sink and sag and is not supporting your body in the way that it should. If it is time for a new mattress, BedInABox® has all of the mattresses and mattress accessories that you need. Our selection of mattresses covers all sleep needs and preferences, so you are sure to find the mattress for you. Not sure which mattress is right for you? No problem, our team is here to help! Give us a call today so we can help you find the right mattress to alleviate your body aches.