Sleeping Problems: Tips For Choosing The Right Mattress

The choice of a mattress is one of the most important decisions you can make. Proper sleep is essential to health, productivity, and your overall mood. The wrong mattress will not only interfere with sleep patterns, but it can also cause physical problems as well, such as back pain or a stiff neck. A good mattress can reduce back pain by 57 percent and stiffness by 59 percent.

Not all mattresses will work for all people. This is one reason why there are so many mattresses available. In general, an inner spring mattress is ideal. Many doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists recommend inner spring mattresses because of the support and comfort they provide to sleepers. Generally, a plush mattress provides a good compromise between the firmness of a traditional mattress and the cushioning of the pillow top mattress.

Use the following guide to help you choose the right mattress for your particular sleep problems or habits:

• Upper back pain: If you suffer from upper back pain, your mattress could be to blame. If you have chronic upper back and neck pain, a soft pillow top mattress can help eliminate tension in the back. Adding soft pillows will also help.

• Lower back pain: If you suffer from lower back pain, a firm mattress is a good choice. A firm mattress provides support that prevents the sagging of the spine, which can lead to lower back pain. Higher-end mattresses provide cushioning with support for ideal comfort.

• Side-sleeping: If you are a side sleeper, a plush mattress is a good choice. The plush top provides a cushion for the contours of your body. A plush mattress also helps disperse the weight of the body throughout the rest of the bed.

• Stomach-sleeping: If you like to sleep on your stomach, a soft bed will place stress on the spine. Choose a firmer mattress if you prefer to sleep on your stomach.

• Joint pain: If you suffer from joint pain, such as through arthritis or fibromyalgia, then you will appreciate a mattress that can disperse your weight across the largest surface area possible. A plush, high-end mattress will provide the best support and comfort for joint pain.

Before you go out and buy mattress (http://www.ozmattress.com.au/), it is important to consider how you sleep and what specific needs you may have. Many people find it helpful to visit a chiropractor to determine the unique needs of their body. A chiropractor can also help recommend specific types of beds that will eliminate common body aches and pains.

Take your time when shopping for a mattress. Pretend you are sleeping at home and try out your normal sleeping positions. This is the best way to determine if a bed will provide comfort or pain while you sleep. Many manufacturers also offer 30 to 90 day trials on beds, which make it easier to choose a bed.

If you are in the market for a new mattress, follow the above guidelines to ensure you purchase the best bed possible for your unique needs.

This is a guest-post by Ashley Williamson. Ashley is a part time guest blogger and a full time health specialist. When she is not working she likes to travel and discover hidden places around the world.