You wouldn't run a marathon or hike a mountain without the right gear. And yet, despite spending a third of our lives sleeping, many of us haven't adequately prepared in the bedroom -- when it comes to mattresses, that is. Not that we don't recognize the importance of a comfy mattress. In a 2011 poll, the National Sleep Foundation found that 92 percent of people say a comfortable mattress is important to a good night's sleep. You might be tempted to blame your budget for continuing to doze on a less-than-ideal mattress, but considering just a little bit more shut-eye can help you lose weight, improve your memory and live longer, can you really put a price tag on good sleep? But the wrong mattress -- or the mattress that's simply too old -- can be the cause of more than that crick in your neck or your low back pain. Here are five sneakier ways your mattress affects your sleep -- and your health. Buying A New Mattress Might Zap Your Stress In a small 2009 study, 59 healthy men and women slept for 28 consecutive nights on their regular mattresses, then another 28 nights on new, medium-firm mattresses.
They were asked to evaluate their stress levels based on factors like worrying, racing thoughts, nervousness, irritability, headaches, trembling and more. The new beds resulted in "a significant decrease in stress," according to the study, possibly because of the related increase in sleep quality and decrease in pain associated with the firmer setup. You May Be Allergic To Your Mattress Well, to the dust mites calling it home, at least. The microscopic creatures feed on the dead skin cells you shed naturally, a whole host of which are found in and on your bed. As many as 20 million Americans are allergic to the buggers, according to WebMD, and they're especially problematic for people with asthma, CNN reported. Washing sheets and pillowcases frequently in hot water can help rid your linens of dust mites. And a slipcover labeled "allergy-proof" can help keep them from traveling from the mattress to your sheets and pillows going forward. If dust mites are a problem, clean the actual mattress with a vacuum, according to the Better Sleep Council.
"Medium-Firm" Is A Subjective Label There's no standardized definition of what makes a mattress soft and what makes a mattress firm. "A 250-pound person may describe a mattress as soft while a 125-pound person may describe the same mattress as firm," Robert Oexman, D.C., director of the Sleep to Live Institute, wrote in a 2012 HuffPost blog. Terms like "ultra-plush" sound appealing, but you'll really only know what's plush if you spend some time horizontal. There's also little evidence to prove a firm or a soft mattress is better for your sleep -- it just about all comes down to comfort. So make sure you spend at least 20 minutes "test-driving" a mattress before making a purchase. Tossing And Turning Could Be A Sign It's Time For A New One A hole with stuffing streaming out or a spring sticking into the small of your back are obvious signs it's time to replace your mattress. But they're not the only reasons to head to the store. If you're simply not sleeping as well as you used to at home, it might be time to make an investment, especially if you find you sleep better away from home, USA Today reported.
Using Your Mattress As Your Home Office Can Keep You Up Experts agree that the bedroom should be reserved for sleep and sex -- otherwise, your brain can start to expect to answer work emails when you hit the hay, making it increasingly difficult to fall asleep. Electronics definitely don't belong with you on your mattress; the blue light they emit is particularly disruptive to the brain's natural bedtime mechanism and can you up longer. How does your mattress affect your sleep? Let us know in the comments below.Considering that most people spend about one-third of their lives in bed, it's hardly surprising that a mattress can have a big impact on your overall health. There are several types of mattresses, each with a particular set of advantages and disadvantages. Traditional innerspring models remain the most popular type, but newer alternatives -- including memory foam, latex foam, air mattresses with adjustable firmness "zones" (as exemplified by the Sleep Number brand) and organic mattresses made of various materials -- have gained favor with owners.
One of the big issues with buying a new mattress is that it generally requires a fairly significant cash outlay -- in most cases about $500 for a twin; $1000 or more for a queen or king. Some cost two or three times as much, depending upon features. And that often does not include the box spring or other foundation. However, with as much time as you spend in bed, and the average length of time you'll own the mattress, it pays to buy the best one you can afford. Figuring out exactly how much a mattress costs can also be difficult. Most mattress companies have a specific line (or several) of a mattress (Posturepedic by Sealy and Beautyrest by Simmons are good examples of this), and then, within that line, have dozens of different models that are not detailed on the manufacturer's website. So, while several retailers may carry the same line, there is little consistency from retailer to retailer. In addition, the same model may be sold under different names at different retailers.
Because of that, for the purposes of this report, we don't rate specific mattresses; rather, we rate mattress lines that get the best reviews across the board. As for price, we have quoted the manufacturer's suggested retail price, which are usually much higher than the actual prices you'll find in stores. We discuss price in more detail -- as well as how to get the best deal -- on our buying guide page. Also, if a mattress is just one of several bedroom purchases you're planning, check out our related reports on bed sheets, pillows and mattress toppers. Innerspring mattresses have been the most popular type for decades, and countless styles, features and options are available. Models vary greatly in cost, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Price differences may depend on the number and size of the coils, the amount and type of padding, and details such as fabric and stitching. Compared with other types, innerspring mattresses tend to retain less body heat and come in a wider range of firmness levels.
They do tend to transfer more motion, which can be a concern if you share your bed with a partner, but can be a plus during sex. They're also less durable and more prone to sagging than other types of mattresses. Most experts say innerspring mattresses should be replaced after 10 years at most. Memory foam mattresses are made from visco-elastic foam, a type of foam that molds itself to the body. While the best-known manufacturer is Tempur-Pedic, quite a few companies offer less expensive versions. Many owners love sleeping on memory foam because of how well it conforms to the curves and lines of the body. Memory foam is also a good choice if you have a restless partner as it minimizes movement transfer. Going from innerspring to memory foam can take some getting used to, but most who give it time say making the switch was well worth it. Some people find that memory foam traps heat -- a complaint that makers have addressed with the development of gel-infused memory foam, which is designed to create a cooler sleeping surface.
Latex foam mattresses, which are made from natural or synthetic rubber, are springier than memory foam mattresses and don't retain as much body heat. They are also resistant to mold and dust mites. In addition, mattresses made of natural latex are eco-friendly, since natural latex is a renewable resource. Many latex mattresses go for several thousand dollars for a queen set, although some lower-end brands that incorporate synthetic latex and a less expensive processing method can run as low as $3000 (for twin). Some mattresses may help to ease back pain. Experts say that adjustable, permanent-use air mattresses may be the best choice for back pain sufferers. Don't confuse them with inflatable, temporary air mattresses, though, which we cover in a separate report; those aren't considered suitable for long-term use. Permanent air mattresses, such as those sold under the Sleep Number Bed label, have air chambers that can be adjusted to provide customized support, and are topped with padding.