Can a Mattress Cause Back Pain? (Warning Signs)
Can a mattress cause back pain? Yes, the wrong one can.
Your mattress is paramount to ensuring the quality of your sleep. A good mattress provides a restful and revitalising sleep with the right support and breathability. On the other hand, a bad mattress can cause back pain and restlessness.
Continue reading to identify the warning signs and get some solutions to your mattress problem.
Mattress and Back Pain: The Connection
Sleeping on the wrong mattress can certainly cause muscle soreness and back issues. A bad mattress presses the spine out of its natural alignment when you sleep. This results in unbearable strains and back pain.
Here’s what happens when you use your mattress:
- The right mattress supports the neutral alignment of your spine, distributes your weight, and relieves the pressure from the heavier parts of your body, like your hips and shoulders.
- A mattress that is too soft or too firm for your needs can affect the natural S shape of your spine when you lie down and cause body strains.
- The wrong mattress type can result in discomfort and sleep deprivation.
You should not wake up with sores, aches, or restlessness if you have the right mattress in good condition. Otherwise, it’s time to rethink your current mattress.
How to Tell if Your Mattress Causes Your Back Pain
Is your mattress causing you back pain? Check out these warning signs:
1. You experience back pains every morning
A bad mattress causes some soreness and back pain after sleeping. These typically subside once you stretch or let your body relax. If you experience frequent backaches when you wake up, it means that your mattress is harming your body. But if this back pain stays with you the whole day, there might be another reason for your back issues.
2. You frequently toss and turn
If you find yourself waking up or finding it hard to settle into a comfortable position, then your mattress is not giving you the right comfort that your body needs.
3. Your mattress is eating you up in your sleep
Is your mattress sinking you so deep that you lose the natural shape of your spine when you sleep? A mattress that is too soft or too contoured for your body type can be the prime cause of your back pain. When buying a mattress, make sure that its firmness or softness is just right to support your body.
4. Your mattress doesn’t let you rest
Consider it a big red flag if your mattress keeps you restless instead of restful even after completing a full 8 hours of sleep.
5. Your mattress is already too old
A mattress that is too old becomes saggy and less supportive. It also loses its original quality and anti-allergy properties. If you have a lumpy, saggy, dirty, and unsupportive old mattress, it’s high time to buy a new one. We highly suggest changing your mattress every 7 to 8 years, depending on the type of your mattress and the quality of its construction.
6. Quality sleep is hard to find
Is quality sleep only achievable in your dreams? If you haven’t been feeling well-rested for a while, start by examining your mattress. Is it already old? Is your bed too soft or too firm? Does it provide you with the right level of comfort? Does it have deep indentations? Is it lumpy? Does your mattress cause you to sweat often? If your mattress is clearly not the best one for your needs, do not hesitate to look for a better solution. In the end, your sleep quality can significantly affect your health and well-being.
What is the Best Mattress to Alleviate Back Pain?
Like clothes, food preferences, and many other things, there is no one size fits all when it comes to choosing the right mattress. When buying a new mattress, always consider your sleep position, body type, weight, preferred firmness level, room size, and sleeping needs. Knowing this will help you select the right mattress materials that can provide you with the best sleep experience.
Generally, memory foam mattresses are ideal for sleepers who want some contour support that specifically targets pressure points during rest. On the other hand, latex mattresses are preferred by those who want a bouncy "sleeping on a mattress" sensation. If you want something firmer, an innerspring mattress is an ideal choice. For mattress sharers, a pocketed spring mattress is a smart selection. Some sleepers also prefer the combination of multiple mattress materials used in a hybrid mattress. The best mattress is heavily influenced by your comfort preferences.
Helpful Tips to Alleviate Your Back Pain During Sleep
1. Choose a supportive pillow
The quality of your sleeping pillow is also paramount to maintaining a healthy and restful slumber. When buying a pillow, choose a type that supports your sleep position and comfort preferences. Take note of the right size, height, and firmness to achieve your cosiest night’s rest.
2. Choose a comfortable sleeping position
The most comfortable sleeping position depends on your own preferences. However, we recommend staying in a position that will promote the neutral alignment of your spine. Avoid sleeping on your stomach as much as possible because it hurts and strains your back. If it is inevitable, try adding some pillows under your stomach to slightly elevate your back when you sleep.
3. Do some stretching before lying in bed
Stretching can loosen up your muscles to help you move more comfortably without too much tension.
4. Contact a professional
To find the culprit of your frequent backaches, we highly recommend visiting your doctor to thoroughly examine your situation.
New Mattress and Back Pain
A new mattress can also cause temporary back pain. Your body needs some time to get accustomed to the feel of your new mattress and will eventually feel rested. If this happens, don’t fret because it’s normal. This is why we recommend buying a mattress with a longer trial period so you can better gauge the comfort of your new sleep solution. Once you get used to the quality of your new mattress, expect blissful sleep.
Ready to buy a new mattress? Browse through our extensive collection of cutting-edge mattresses in Singapore. These high-quality mattresses offer a reliable orthopaedic support, personalised comfort and breathability, for a comfortable and restful night's sleep.
This guide is made for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional with regards to your sleep health.
