For the right sleep

The importance of sleep cannot be stressed enough. The average human spends a 1/3rd of their life sleeping. From basic body functions to complex mental tasks, everything is affected by our sleep. As important as it is to eat healthy and exercise, it is equally as important to get a good night’s rest.

One important factor that impacts the quality of sleep is the mattress. The mattress is a highly underrated aspect of sleep which is often overlooked by the general populous. Your mattress can be the difference between having a grumpy, unfulfilling day and having a lively and successful day.

Impacts of pressure points

Below the skin, the blood vessels play a very vital role in how your mattress affects your sleep. Laying down on a particular part of your body for a long time means that the body’s weight congests the flow of blood. As a result of this, the amount of oxygen that is supplied to that area is reduced.

As a natural counter to this reduction in oxygen, the body involuntarily rolls over to restore the circulation of blood. The act of rolling over causes an interruption in sleep and results in disturbed sleep. That is why a mattress that reduces the pressure points on your body should give you a better night's sleep.

There have been many studies conducted that prove how quality mattresses can impact and reduce the amount of stress one feels. This is a result of increasing sleep quality and decreasing the pain associated with a low quality mattress.

Comfort vs Luxury

There are two basic components that impact the effectiveness of the mattresses, namely, support and comfort. Although there have been many people who claim that there is one more basic component which should be added to this list: Luxury.

However, luxury is not the need, luxury is a want. Consider recurring body aches, especially lower back pains, before making up your mind about the type of mattress you want. If you have back ailments, mattresses with memory foam have proved to be the answer to the same.

If you are prone to allergies, ensure that you purchase a matching mattress protector along with your mattress or just go for a mattress that is hypoallergenic with anti-microbial properties.

Picking the right mattress

The comfort component in a mattress is particularly important for those users who are easily disturbed whilst asleep or those who find it difficult to fall asleep. The end product provides the utmost satisfaction only when the basic components are perfectly balanced by the mattress maker.

The only way to create this perfect equilibrium is through a precise and scientific approach. This process can be compared to cooking a delicacy. Different permutations and combinations can be used to get the desired comfort levels.

When you add luxury to this basic component list, it adds a sort of aroma to the product mix which can lead to a more customized sleep experience. For those who prioritise comfort over luxury and support, a spring mattress will be perfect.

There are those who require the best support for their spine and are not willing to compromise on comfort. For them, mattresses with memory foam support are the best options. These keep your spine aligned properly and helps eliminate pressure from specific body parts.

For those who look for the most luxurious mattress possible, a double-mattress is the way to go. Such mattresses offer the most luxurious sleep possible while providing comfort and adequate support. - The writer is a Managing Director, Peps Industries Pvt. Ltd.

Smart shopping, sound sleeping

You spend one-third of your life in bed, so it's important to choose your mattress wisely. Having a comfortable place to rest your head can help you look forward to your time in bed, instead of worrying about how long you're asleep.

Shop every 8 to 10 years

Reserch says that you should change your mattress every 8 to 10 years. Rotating and flipping your mattress according to the manufacturer's instructions will help your mattress have as long a life as possible.

Talk to your doctor

If you have a health condition, talk to your doctor or physical therapist about what he or she recommends. Keep in mind that doctors are not mattress experts, but they know your medical condition and symptoms and will probably have some good advice from that point of view.

By K Madhavan