Throughout 2020, it’s felt as if the whole world has been put on hold. And seeing that we’re nearing the year 2021, congratulations, you’ve managed to come this far. The road hasn’t been easy, so we commend you.
As we all know, to keep from losing your day-to-day momentum, it’s important to keep our heads held high and to not lose sight of our goals. So, while the thought of a New Year’s resolution seems laughable amidst a global pandemic, we still implore you to set personal, attainable goals for self-improvement.
Here’s one we think you’ll have no trouble accepting: getting better sleep. The good news is that it all starts with a new mattress.
We know a brand-new bed isn’t exactly cheap. But hear us out. Many studies suggest that the right mattress makes all the difference when it comes to improving sleep quality, stress-related symptoms, and back pain.
There are other reasons you should invest in a new mattress. You don’t even have to wait for the new year—you can enjoy great sleep as soon as tonight.
How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress?
Industry experts recommend that you replace your mattress every 7 to 10 years, depending on the comfort and support you receive. Truthfully, the lifespan of a mattress can vary depending on the materials, how you take care of it, how you use it, and how often you rotate it.
Other signs that may indicate it’s time to spring for a new mattress include whether it squeaks, you wake up sneezing and sniffling, you wake up feeling more tired than well rested, or you find lumps and bumps in your bed that bother your back.
Among the most durable traditional mattresses are memory foam and pillow top mattresses. A bed in a box can last up to 15 years. And most impressively, latex beds can withstand between 10 to 20 years of use. All the same, if your mattress is expected to outlast the typical lifespan, make sure you regularly reassess the quality and check for signs of overuse at the eight-year mark before you forgo replacing it.
Pro tip: To prolong the life of your new mattress, remember to use a mattress protector, a supportive bed frame, and to rotate or flip it regularly.
How a New Mattress Can Improve Sleep Quality
As we previously mentioned, a new mattress can do wonders for the depth and duration of your slumber. Generally, your bed should be firm enough to support your back and sleeping position but soft enough to comfortably contour your body.
A bed that is compatible with your sleeping habits and body type can service your specific needs. For instance, if you tend to sleep on your side, a plush or ultra-plush mattress is your safest bet, as a sinking surface can provide pressure relief to your shoulder, hip, knee, and foot.
Or maybe you sleep on your back; in which case, you’ll probably sleep soundly on a medium-firm mattress. These mattresses are designed to provide enough support to keep your spine better aligned without leading to sore joints, thereby lessening bodily discomfort.
Or if you sleep on your stomach or suffer from back pain, you might find relief in a firm or extra-firm bed. The sturdy surface will help prevent arching in the lower back and distribute your weight more evenly to circumvent sagging in the mattress.
Basically, no pain means no disruptions—and both point toward better sleep.
How Better Sleep Leads to a Better You
It can’t be overstated that sleep quality is a critical component of our mental and physical health, so if your mind and body are lacking rest due to ongoing sleep issues, your overall well-being could be taking a serious hit.
In terms of school and work, deep sleep is tantamount to learning and processing information. It is also needed for our brains to prioritize memories, compartmentalizing them according to their emotional importance.
Most compellingly, lack of sustained sleep makes us especially susceptible to physical and psychological drawbacks, including high blood pressure, poor eating habits, mood swings, feelings of aggression, and low self-esteem.
So, in addition to sleeping on a quality mattress, you should make more conscious efforts to get in at least 8 hours of shuteye, per CDC recommendations for adults.
Pictured: Restonic® ComfortCare® Aqua Plush Mattress
Tips for Better Sleep
Here are other ways you can meet your New Year’s resolution:
- Whenever safe and possible, spend time outdoors! Research suggests that adults who enjoy at least two hours of weekly outdoor time see improvement in their mindset and are better able to naturally unwind by nighttime.
- To get your mind and body accustomed to a schedule, establish consistent mealtimes. It is also recommended that you stay away from meals that could weigh you down and be harder to digest. Instead, opt for protein-dense foods to hold you over between meals.
- Try to avoid electronic devices at least two hours before bed. The blue-light glow of screens stunts the production of melatonin, inadvertently delaying sleep, as it signals to your brain that it is daytime when it is not.
- Create a bedtime routine! Consistency is key for training your body and brain to adopt a new habit, so whatever you do, make sure you faithfully keep to a schedule. Some ideas include engaging in meditation, starting an elaborate skin-care routine, drawing a hot bath, and reading a good book.
From Our Catalog…
While we’re on the subject of a new mattress leading to better sleep, check out what Colder’s selection of mattresses can do for you. One manufacturer comes to mind for us: Scott Living.
Restonic teamed up with the Property Brothers, Drew and Jonathan Scott, to bring you a line of mattresses that perfectly pair technology and style to elevate your sleep routine. Many of their products deliver superior comfort through the brand-exclusive 2Cool fabric technology that results in a cooling sleep surface with a softer touch.
Bound to help you achieve restorative sleep, the Restonic® Scott Living™ Georgian Super Pillow Top Queen Mattress (5000193-1050) offers edge-to-edge comfort, maximum adjustability, and five support zones for correct spinal alignment.
Let Us Help You
There’s more where that came from. Start your journey toward better sleep by checking out our digital catalog of name-brand mattresses! And don’t forget: If you have any questions, you can call or visit our friendly staff at any of our four Southeastern Wisconsin locations. More available than ever, our experts can also be reached via chat!