Proper Mattress Can Improve Sleep Comfort, Reduce Pain, Says American Chiropractic Association

A good night's sleep
is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle; however, an estimated 70
million Americans complain of sleeplessness. This October, during National
Chiropractic Month, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is offering
advice to help consumers select comfortable mattresses and pillows that can
help limit unnecessary back and neck pain.



"Americans spend one-third of their lives sleeping, so it makes sense
to invest in a sleep set that can improve your comfort and overall health,"
says Scott Bautch, DC, DACBOH, spokesperson for the American ChiropracticВґ
Association. "Many people don't realize the reason for their neck or back
pain is literally right underneath them -- it's their mattress and pillow."



A 2006 study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine showed
that sleeping on a new mattress can significantly reduce stiffness and back
pain. Researchers found that study participants reported immediate and
sustained benefits after sleeping on a new mattress. This was especially
true of participants who entered the study with back pain complaints, as
they reported a 63 percent improvement in back discomfort with a new
mattress.



When it comes time to purchase a new mattress, the ACA recommends the
following:



Shop for Support



Look for a mattress that provides uniform support from head to toe; if
there are gaps between your body and the mattress (such as at the waist),
you're not getting the full support you need. Mattresses can be too firm;
pay close attention to uncomfortable pressure on prominent body features
such as the shoulders, hips and low back.



Shop for Comfort



When mattress shopping, give each option a good trial run before you
buy; lie down on a mattress for a minimum of five to 10 minutes to get a
good idea of its comfort level. If you cannot find a comfortable position,
you probably have the wrong mattress.



Shop for Size



Does the bed provide enough room for both you -- and your sleeping
partner if you have one -- to stretch and roll over? The ideal mattress
will also minimize the transfer of movement from one sleeping partner to
the other, which means one person shouldn't feel motion as the other leaves
the bed.



Generally, a mattress should be replaced every 5 to 8 years to ensure
proper support and comfort. Be aware that life's changes can signal the
need for a new mattress as well. For example, people who have lost or
gained a considerable amount of weight, those who have a medical condition
which has changed the way they sleep, or even those who've changed partners
may need to consider a new mattress.



Pillows important, too



After investing in a quality mattress, don't forget to choose an
equally supportive pillow, advises ACA spokesperson Steven Conway, DC,
DACBOH, Esq. "People will spend thousands of dollars on a mattress and then
skimp on a pillow that doesn't support their head and neck properly," he
observes.
















When selecting a new pillow, ACA recommends selecting one with
ergonomically-designed features, which will enhance comfort and limit pain.
Look for pillows that are:



-- Designed to keep the spine in natural alignment. When lying on your
side, your head and neck should remain level with your mid and lower spine.
When lying on your back, your head and neck should remain level with your
upper back and spine. Avoid pillows that are so thick or thin that they
angle your head and neck away from your body.



-- Designed to support different sleep positions, including side
sleeper or back sleeper. (It's best never to sleep on your stomach, as it's
the most back unfriendly sleeping position.)



-- Hypoallergenic.



There is no such thing as a universal fit when it comes to pillows, Dr.
Conway notes. "Find a pillow that is consistent with the shape and size of
your body. If you find yourself sleeping on your side with one hand propped
under your pillow, that's a clue that you're not getting the support you
need from that pillow," he explains.



If you continue to experience pain and discomfort at night or have
difficulty falling asleep, visit your doctor of chiropractic. Doctors of
chiropractic are trained to treat spinal problems that can interfere with a
restful night's sleep. They can also offer nutritional and ergonomic advice
that can help improve the quality of your sleep. To find a chiropractor
near you, view ACA's searchable member database at
ACAtoday/DOCsearch.



The American Chiropractic Association is the nation's leading
chiropractic organization representing more than 16,000 doctors of
chiropractic and their patients. For more information, visit
ACAtoday.


American Chiropractic Association

ACAtoday