Sleepless Nights? 5 Signs That You Need To Replace Your Mattress
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Without even realizing it, you likely spend more time on your mattress than you do anywhere else. All of this use can lead to gradual wear and tear. Over the years, consistent use of your mattress will cause it to break down and lose support, which can impact your sleep. The warning signs that it is time to replace your mattresses are not always obvious, but if you are experiencing any of the following issues, then it might be time for a replacement.
5 signs that you need to replace your mattress:
Waking Up Sore
If you wake up feeling sore or stiff in the morning, it might be time for a new mattress. Pain or discomfort after a night of sleep is a sign that your mattress is no longer providing the comfort and support that you need. Studies have shown that bad mattresses can lead to body aches and pain due to the mattresses’ inability to hold your spine, hip, and other joints correctly.
Bad quality mattresses (or mattresses that have lost their quality support over time) can also lead to all sorts of different body pains. Common pains that you might experience with a worn-out mattress are knee pain, chest pain, stomach pain, back pain (upper and lower), foot pain, hip pain, shoulder pain, and more. You should not feel worse waking up than you do going to bed, so if that is your case, look into getting a new mattress.
Your Mattress Has Become Saggy, Lumpy, or Asymmetrical
If your mattress looks worn, lumpy, or visibly sagging, then it is most likely time for a replacement. You may notice lumps, either big or small, throughout the mattress. Lumps can occur in any type of mattress, regardless of the material. Sagging in a mattress can occur either in the middle or at the corners.
With sagging, you may also notice that there is a permanent imprint of your body on the mattress. Almost all mattresses will start to sag over time as a result of supporting the weight of your body night after night for years. It is important to replace a mattress that has started sagging because sagging can lead to uneven spinal support.
Mattresses are designed to encourage proper spinal support and alignment, so if your mattress is sagging and leading to uneven spinal support then it is not doing its job and it is time for a replacement. Similar to noticing that your mattress is worn, lumpy, or sagging, you may notice that your mattress has become asymmetrical. With this, you might notice that one side of the mattress is higher than the other. You might also notice that one area is firmer than the other, or maybe one side is lumpier.
These are all signs that there is an asymmetry in your mattress. An asymmetrical mattress can lead to uneven spinal support, which can lead to neck and back pain. If you start to notice asymmetry in your mattress, you should start looking for a new one.
You Can’t Remember The Last Time You Bought A New Mattress
If your mattress is so old that you can’t even remember when you bought it, then it is probably time for a new one. Standard mattresses should be replaced after about 7 years. Memory foam mattresses can last you anywhere from 8-10 years if they are properly maintained and cleaned. Also, after 7-10 years your body has likely changed, and your sleep needs have probably changed as well. If your weight has fluctuated, if you are experiencing health issues, if you have a partner or child sharing the bed with you now, it may be time for a new mattress that fits your new lifestyle.
You Are Having Trouble Falling Asleep and/or Staying Asleep
If you, or your partner, are having trouble sleeping, it is probably time for a new mattress. An uncomfortable or old mattress can lead to restless nights full of tossing and turning trying to get comfortable. Even if you are having no problem falling asleep, having a partner who is tossing and turning all night can be disruptive. As your mattress ages, it will lose its support and motion isolation.
This means that it will not be as comfortable, and it will not stop movement on the other side from spreading across the mattress. If your sleep quality is starting to be impacted, including waking up throughout the night or taking longer than usual to fall asleep, then it may be time to look into buying a new mattress.
Allergen Buildup & Dust Mites
The longer you have a mattress, the longer that mattress can develop a buildup of dander, mold, mildew, and other allergens. If you notice that you are struggling with allergies in your own home, your old mattress may be hurting you more than it is helping you. A new, clean mattress will have little to no allergen buildup, and you can protect your new mattress by using a machine washable mattress protector.
Similar to allergens, your mattress can trap a buildup of dead skin cells, which can attract dust mites. Dust mites can lead to allergy-like symptoms, such as sneezing, eye-watering, congestion, and sinus pressure. If you are concerned about dust mites, you may want to purchase a latex or foam mattress, as mattresses with those materials have less space for dust mites to live. Vacuuming your mattress regularly or using a mattress protector can also help keep dust mites away.
Good sleep is essential for your emotional and physical wellbeing. Without a restful night’s sleep, your body is not able to rest and recharge in the way that it needs in order to function properly. One of the most important elements of good sleep is a good mattress. If your mattress is failing to give you the comfort or support that you need, it may be time for a replacement. If any of the five signs that we discussed apply to you, it is time to look into getting a new mattress. Recognizing the signs of a bad mattress early can help you avoid the long-term effects of sleeping on one.
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