How do you feel when you wake up? If the answer is anything but refreshed, it’s time to re-evaluate your sleep.
Since one of the biggest influences on our rest is our mattresses, this is the first place to start. If your mattress is too old (over seven years) it can actually begin to negatively impact your sleepand even your health.
You may start having unexplained headaches, feel tired all the time, suffer back pain, or even have your respiratory problems worsen. To make you aware of the very real health concerns associated with ageing mattresses, we’ve detailed exactly how they impact your sleep, and what you can do to prevent this.
• Why do older mattress turn into an unhealthy sleeping environment?
Since we use our mattresses every night, it’s inevitable that they begin to carry a lot of bacteria and unhealthy microbes. As we sleep, we sweat into our bedding, creating a damp environment. Mould spores thrive in this, undetected deep within the mattresses.
Our sweat also contains bacteria, which begins to build up in our beds and multiply as time passes. Add to this the fact we’re also shedding skin cells and hair follicles while we sleep, which serve as a feast for unwanted critters like bed bugsand your bed eventually becomes a very unhealthy environment.
• How do the bacteria in older mattresses worsen respiratory problems?
Being exposed to these high levels of bacteria can cause and exacerbate a number of illnesses, though the most common complaints that arise are related to breathing problems. Unfortunately, the high levels of dust, dust mites and mould spores in old bedding are likely to trigger asthma attacks and allergies. If you’re experiencing tightness in your chest when you wake up or having difficulty breathing in your sleep, it’s time to change to a new, natural mattress.
• How do older mattresses cause back problems?
Are you waking up in the morning with a sore back or stiff neck? If so it’s probably time to trade in your mattress for a more supportive model. As they age, the materials in mattresses become compacted from our tossing and turning. The springs begin to lose their bounce and the bed becomes uncomfortably lumpy.
Eventually, it will begin to sag in the middle and the support offered will become minimal. Generally, this begins to happen after 7-8 years, though it’s important to pay attention to your body and replace it sooner if you wake up in pain.
• How can I take better care of my mattress?
Due to the associated health concerns, it’s important to take care of your mattress in order to take care of your health. These should be replaced in favour of a new organic natural mattress every 7 years to avoid a build-up of unhealthy microbes, but there are also actions you can take to keep it in good condition. Airing out your mattress will keep it from becoming too damp, which is why it should be left clear of bedding for at least an hour every day – the perfect excuse to put off making your bed!
Mattresses can also be hoovered, which works to remove dust and dust mites from the surface of the bed. This should be done whenever you change the sheetsbut at a minimum of once every three months. Moreover, flipping and turning the mattress once every six months will stop it from sagging as it’s being worn out evenly.
• Why are organic natural mattresses the healthiest choice?
Natural mattresses aren’t just the most comfortable option, they also have a range of benefits for your health. For one, they’re created out of natural materials which are designed to offer protection from allergens. Usually crafted from latex or memory foam, these strong materials form a barrier that prevents dust mites and mould spores from burrowing into your mattress.
These materials are also chosen because of the orthopaedic support they provide. They mould to every curve of your body, providing support to all your pressure points and resulting in a great night’s sleep.
For more advice on how natural mattresses will improve your health, contact the Natural Sleep Company today. We’d be happy to advise on how we design our products to give you the best night’s sleep possible. Or, follow us on Facebook for more sleep tips. We share daily advice and sleep inspiration to help you lead a healthier life!
