Sleep Quality: Chiropractic Bed Mattress

Sleep Quality and Bed Mattress… Are They Linked? And what is the best Chiropractic Bed Mattress out there?

Sleep is the most vital way for humans to recover. That’s why it is important to get a good amount of sleep as well as getting good quality sleep. When it comes to sleeping, two pieces of equipment can drastically change the quality of sleep as well as protecting your spine and neck. The two pieces are the pillow and the mattress. You need a good quality chiropractic bed mattress and pillow!

In the last blog we mentioned that the function of a pillow is to support the neck and upper back as well as providing comfort. The best way to choose a suitable pillow is dependent on one’s sleeping posture. This time we are going to sink in to the other piece of equipment, the mattress.

Plain & simple, a good chiropractic bed mattress will support your spine whilst you’re sleeping on it.

Just like the pillow, the mattress’s function is to provide the spine support and comfort at the same time. So the spine consists of 3 parts; cervical, thoracic and lumbar.

The Cervical Spine

The cervical spine which is also the neck is supported by the pillow. I’ve explained the physiological shape function of the cervical spine in the previous blog so go check that out here.

The Lumbar Spine

The lumbar spine is the spine that’s located in the low back. It’s has a similar ‘reverse C’ curve just like the cervical spine. The main function of the lumbar spine is to distribute stress and to bear the weight of the body. This is why out of all the vertebrae, the ones in the lumbar spine are the largest.

The Thoracic Spine

The thoracic spine is what fills the gap between the cervical spine and the lumbar spine. It is made up of twelve segments, located in the mid back and has an opposite curvature to the lumbar and cervical spine. As well as serving as the transition between the two primary curves (the lumbar and the cervical curves) it also hold the rib cage which protects all the organs.

When searching for a mattress we must find the one which best supports the curvatures of the spine. This way it maintains the health of the spine allowing it to function properly and decrease the likelihood of spinal degeneration and pain.

When to get a new mattress and how do you find the best Chiropractic bed mattress?

So firstly, how do you know it’s time for a new mattress? Well generally a good quality mattress lasts for around 7-12 years. But keep in mind that most mattress manufacturers design mattress’s that last for 10 years. A lot of the times deciding when to invest in a new mattress depends on the budget and individual pain tolerance. I am not suggesting that you should only consider changing mattress once you feel pain. But on the safe side I think 10 years is a good time to ponder about getting a new mattress. Another possible reason as to why you should change mattress is if your mattress has started to change shape. If you can see a part of the bed have sunk in around 1 to 1.5 inches it’s also an indication for a mattress change. Finally, if you are feeling pain, it’s time to treat your spine to a better mattress.

Choosing the perfect Chiropractic bed mattress!

Choosing the perfect mattress is dependent on your sleep posture. However it is a little less complicated than choosing a pillow because there is only one height for the mattress. When choosing a mattress, match your sleeping posture with the firmness of the mattress. This is because it helps keep your spine in a neutral stress free position for the duration of your sleep.

Back Sleepers

For back sleepers, choosing a slightly firmer mattress will be the ideal option. This is because it prevents sagging of the hip. This allows you to be in proper alignment for the duration of the entire sleep.

Side Sleepers

For side sleepers it is best to choose a mattress which is slightly softer than firm (not soft and not even medium, but not as firm as you would have it if you’re sleeping on your back). This way, there will be less pressure in your shoulders and hip. The softer mattress will also sink in allowing your spine to keep a straight line with the rest of your neck. If you know you move around during your sleep, try to find the dominant position and cater mostly to that.

What Chiropractic bed mattress do we suggest for your spine?

We suggest looking into the ABCA Mattress.

Choosing the right sleeping equipment is pivotal in maintaining your spinal health and having better quality sleep. We spend around a third of our lives in our bed, whether it’s sleeping, gaming, reading or watching television. So it’s important to invest in something that’ll keep you comfortable as well as keeping you healthy. So next time when you hunt for a new mattress take note of your sleeping pattern to find the perfect mattress for you.

 

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