Benefits of orthopaedic mattresses

The importance of a good night's sleep

First, it's important to understand the health and wellbeing effects of a good night's sleep versus sleep deprivation or interrupted sleep.

Risks associated with poor sleep include:

• Potentially increasing the risk of heart disease
• Potentially increasing the risk of stroke
• Reduced insulin sensitivity and increased risk of type 2 diabetes
• Depression
• Impaired immune function
• Impact on memory formation

Naturally, the above are particularly concerning with elderly people, who are already more susceptible to disease. Plus, older adults who don't get regular uninterrupted sleep are more likely to suffer depression and memory problems as a result.

In order to address sleep deprivation, you must first find the underlying issues that is preventing you from sleeping well. Take a look at your sleeping environment. Are your sleeping hours irregular? Do you have medical problems, such as osteoporosis or arthritis, that make getting comfortable enough to sleep difficult? Is stress keeping you awake at night?

Whatever the underlying cause, it's vital that the method of getting to sleep is healthy too - relying on sleeping pills or alcohol to fall asleep can be damaging. This is where an orthopaedic mattress could help.

How an orthopaedic mattress helps

As they are designed to mould to your body shape, orthopaedic mattresses are perfect for those with joint pain. By adapting to your body, the mattress will support your neck, hips, and back as the mattress spreads your weight evenly, instead of building pressure on certain points. This, in turn, will help deliver uninterrupted sleep throughout the night. Orthopaedic mattresses are firmer than standard mattresses too, which is how they support your spine as you sleep.

As an added benefit, these firmer mattresses will provide your significant other with a better night's sleep too - rolling over in the night won't cause the mattress to move much at all, so your partner won't feel a thing.

What to check for when buying an orthopaedic mattress

If you think you could benefit from an orthopaedic mattress, here are a few things to check before making your purchase:

• Check the filling - orthopaedic mattresses come in a variety of forms. From pocket-sprung, which offers a high level of support, to gel foam to keep you cool, it's important to pick a type to suit your preferred sleep environment.
• Consider the height - a higher mattress can make getting in and out of bed more difficult. Be sure to check that you can indeed get in and out of bed with your new mattress.
• Speak to your doctor - they may be able to advise you on which mattress would work best for any medical ailments you may have.
• Give it a test - if possible, head to a store so you can physically lie on your mattress of choice. You can still buy online later if you prefer, but by heading to the store to lie on the mattress, you will get a good idea whether the mattress feels right.

Not only will your new mattress help you restore your sleep pattern, but it will bring along that all-important independence. Together, these will certainly make for a happier home environment!