Not sleeping well can affect many areas of your life–your health, your mood, how you interact with other people, etc. It can also cause you to be late for work or school, which in turn, may have a negative effect on how you’re perceived by others. Unfortunately, about 2/3 of Americans report not getting sleep that leaves them feeling refreshed upon getting up in the morning. This is something people should try to remedy as soon as possible. Even though many people write off sleeping as something necessary or healthy, it’s a vital part of healing your body and mind, and if you’re having trouble falling asleep and/or staying asleep, you’ll want to take a close look at why. Sometimes the culprits are obvious: drinking caffeinated beverages or having a heavy meal before bed. Sometimes though, it’s what you’re sleeping on, like your mattress or pillow. These are luckily easy fixes–an adjustable bed mattress may do wonders for your sleeping problems, for example.
So Why Can’t I Fall Asleep?
Some people report chronic pain as a reason they can’t fall asleep. With over 50% of adults reporting chronic pain, that’s not a cheerful look at how people are sleeping. At least 15% of the population has chronic pain due to the way they’re sleeping, the National Sleep Foundation reports. Pain in your back or neck can keep you awake all night, shifting to find better positions. If you’re on medication for your pain, some side effects may disrupt your sleep or make it hard to fall asleep in the first place.
Like stated before, your pillow or mattress may indeed be the problem. Sleeping on a flat mattress that’s horizontal can make your body have bad posture or turn it into cramped positions during your sleep. This can lead to the chronic pain mentioned above. Sometimes padding (like a mattress topper) can help add extra support or cushioning. In any case, getting an adjustable bed mattress will straighten out those problems. Upgrading your pillow for the best neck support possible is also important–some people need a harder or softer pillow, and can’t get comfortable until they have the right thickness.
So How Can I Fall Asleep and Stay That Way?
Before even looking at what you sleep on, consider your daily life. If you’re eating healthily and exercising regularly, these will contribute to a good night’s sleep. An adjustable bed mattress will support your body better, due to its vertical incline, and keep your body from twisting into bad posture. Many types of adjustable bed options exist, like memory foam bed which come in a variety of sizes: adjustable double beds or king size adjustable beds. Some give you the option of having a heat or massage element to them, which can help with chronic pain.
Investing in an adjustable bed will help improve your quality of sleep and perhaps relieve any chronic pain you may have. If you’re still having insomnia or trouble staying asleep, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor. However, taking some of these steps may prove to ease your discomfort or get rid of it altogether.