Neck pain is an uncomfortable and common sleep ailment. It can be caused by many factors, including poor posture and sleeping in an uncomfortable position.
Choosing the right mattress can make a big difference for your neck and spine health. It can even help alleviate pain you might be already experiencing.
Pressure Points
Pressure points are the areas of your body that take on more pressure than others when you lie down. They’re typically found in the buttocks, shoulders, and hips, and can lead to pain when you sleep on a mattress that’s too firm.
The right mattress will help to reduce or eliminate these pressure points and prevent pain in these areas during your sleep. It can also help you wake up feeling refreshed and energized instead of stiff, achy, or tired.
One way to get the best pressure-relieving mattress is to find one with materials that offer deep compression, such as gel memory foam, latex, or a hybrid of these materials. These types of mattresses are designed to alleviate the pain in your pressure points and support your spine.
Another option is to try a mattress with a unique contouring process. This type of mattress will adjust to your body as you sleep to provide the ideal balance of pressure relief and spinal support.
Aside from this, the best pressure-relieving mattress will be made with a soft, comfortable surface that gently cradles and cushions your body’s pressure points so that you feel supported without feeling stuck or unsupported. This is best achieved by a mattress that uses a thick, durable comfort layer like Bio-Pur(r) memory foam, which stays cooler than other memory foams and won’t lose its support over time.
For example, our favorite pressure-relieving mattress is the Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid, which has a Bio-Pur(r) memory foam comfort layer that gently cradles your body’s pressure points so that you don’t feel stiff or achy when you wake up. This mattress is also 13 inches thick, which works well for side sleepers and combo sleepers, and has a medium-firm feel.
Choosing a mattress with the right pressure-relieving features can be difficult, so it’s important to consider your sleeping position and your body type when shopping for one. For instance, side sleepers often have more problems with pressure points because their hip and shoulder joints are pressed against the mattress. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, don’t have that same problem because the pressure points aren’t pressed against the bed as much.
Sleeping Position
Most people don’t think about how their sleep position affects their neck, but the way they sleep can aggravate pain in your neck. Whether you have arthritis, a slipped disc or a twisted neck, your sleeping position can make a difference.
If you’re experiencing neck pain, your best bet for getting a good night’s rest is to switch up your sleeping position. If you usually sleep on your stomach, try switching to a side or back position.
You can also try a rolled towel or cervical pillow to support your neck. This will keep your spine straight and prevent your neck from bending to one side as you sleep, which can cause strain.
The best pillow for this position is one that conforms to your neck’s natural curve. It should be higher under your head than your neck, so that it doesn’t interfere with your spinal alignment.
Stomach-sleeping can be the worst for your neck, as it puts pressure on your muscles and causes them to flex. This can put stress on your tendons, ligaments and muscles, which can lead to pain in your neck or other parts of your body.
This position can also put too much weight on your spine, so it’s important to make sure your mattress supports you well while you sleep. If your bed doesn’t have a thick mattress, consider buying a new one that will support you better.
In addition, if you tend to get stiff in the mornings, try to change your sleeping position more often. Many people who experience neck pain find that it gets worse if they stay in the same position for too long.
If you have neck pain, it may be a good idea to get a physiotherapist or physical therapist to examine your posture and discuss ways to improve it. Then, you can make a plan to reduce your pain and ensure you get quality sleep in the future.
For most people, the right position for sleeping is on their side or back. This can help alleviate discomfort in the spine and neck, as well as lower the risk of snoring and acid reflux. It can also help relieve the symptoms of a number of other health problems, including sleep apnea, fibromyalgia and low back pain.
Daytime Posture
Poor posture is a common cause of neck pain. This is because it can lead to muscle strain and skeletal degeneration, which puts pressure on your neck muscles and spinal joints. Often, this pain goes away with rest and relaxation.
Another way to combat neck pain is by getting a good night’s sleep. This will help your brain feel more comfortable in your body, preventing the pain from coming on too strongly.
A good mattress will also be supportive and cushioned to keep your spine in proper alignment while you sleep, reducing the chances of your neck hurting again. There are several factors to consider when determining the perfect mattress for your neck, including your sleeping position and the type of support you’re looking for.
In general, a firm mattress is the best option for people with chronic neck pain, since it provides more support than softer mattresses. However, if you’re dealing with neck pain due to improper sleeping posture, a soft or medium-firm mattress may be the right choice for you.
The type of pillow you use is also an important factor. The ideal pillow is a low-profile, thin pillow that doesn’t cradle your head or pull it backward.
You should also avoid sleeping on your stomach, which can put pressure on your neck and shoulders. This position tilts your head to one side for a long period of time and causes your lower back to arch inward. If you can’t change your sleeping position, try using body pillows to provide extra support and reduce the pain.
There are other things you can do to improve your neck posture, including avoiding slouching or sitting in a poor position for prolonged periods. You can also stretch your neck out to relieve the pressure and correct tension.
According to the National Institutes of Health, poor posture can create health problems over time and make you more prone to injury. It can also affect the function of your brain, which can be a contributing factor to depression and anxiety.
It’s easy to develop bad posture over time if you’re slouching or sitting in crooked positions throughout the day. However, you can correct it by changing your daily habits. If you have a desk job or spend a lot of time in front of the computer, practicing correct positioning can prevent future issues and pain. It’s also a great way to get exercise and improve your health.
Sleep Trials
Sleep trials are designed to give mattress shoppers a risk-free way to try out their new bed before making a commitment. These periods can last several weeks or months and are a great way to get the most out of your mattress purchase.
Many online retailers offer sleep trials for a number of different mattresses, including memory foam, organic, and hybrid models. Some also offer a “free comfort upgrade,” which lets you try out a softer or firmer mattress to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Some of the most popular sleep trial brands, like Casper and Helix, offer 100-night trials. Others, like Nectar and Awara, offer 365-night trials.
If you decide to purchase a mattress from an online retailer, you should look for a mattress trial period that is long enough to allow you to truly experience the mattress and determine if it’s the right fit for your needs. Some sleep companies allow you to return your mattress during the trial period for a full refund and cover shipping costs if you’re not satisfied with it.
The length of a sleep trial period varies, but it is usually longer than the typical break-in period for most mattress models. During your trial, pay close attention to the feel of the mattress and how it feels when you move around. If it feels stiff, you may want to consider switching to a softer mattress or adding a mattress topper.
Another way to ensure that your new mattress is a good fit is to check its warranty. Most mattresses come with a minimum of a one-year warranty, but some may have a shorter or longer warranty.
A mattress warranty can cover a number of things, such as the manufacturer’s workmanship, materials, and the mattress’ construction. It can also cover stains or damage.
Sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, are a serious health concern that can be linked to chronic neck pain and other musculoskeletal problems. Treatment can include a CPAP machine, which helps people with sleep apnea breathe easier during their sleep.
Sleep problems are associated with increased levels of inflammatory mediators and are thought to contribute to the development of musculoskeletal pain. Researchers are working to identify the underlying causes of these disorders and develop interventions that can prevent them. Among the most promising methods for preventing musculoskeletal pain are improving quality of sleep and increasing quantity of sleep.
