Sleep Positions Part 1 Mattresses

30 November 2009

We have all experienced the frustration of tossing and turning in our beds in the early hours of the morning, watching the minutes and hours tick by, whilst we wish we could drift off into a deep, peaceful sleep. And the day after a night of poor-quality sleep, it is likely that we will feel irritable, groggy and lethargic. Research suggests that, for many of us, insufficient sleep is not just a one-off; it is a long-term problem. More and more of us are having trouble sleeping and the problem appears to be getting worse in recent times, as we struggle with our hectic lifestyles and worry about how the current economic crisis will affect us. In addition to the obvious effects long-term, poor quality sleep have on our mental performance, energy levels and looks, research indicates that going without adequate sleep on a regular basis can have serious consequences on our health (an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, some cancers, diabetes, depression, anxiety, stress, obesity and even early mortality have been linked to insufficient sleep). So, how do we obtain the restful, refreshing sleep we all need to function properly?

According to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, which produced “The Good Sleep Guide,” good posture, and choosing the right mattress and pillows, are key factors in achieving a peaceful night of sleep. According to the Guide, it is important to sleep in a “midline” position - where the head, neck and back are kept in-line in accordance with the natural curves of the back - to sleep comfortably and to minimise stresses and strains to the body. No matter what sleeping position is preferred (lying on the front or the back or the sides), the Guide suggests that it is possible to achieve the midline position, and to maintain it during sleep, with the right mattress and pillow(s).

According to the Guide, chartered physiotherapists recommend opting for a mattress with a combination of comfort and support for the sleeper and suggest choosing a mattress that is on the firm side of medium. However, we would emphasis the importance of picking a mattress that suits your individual requirements. If you prefer a soft mattress you can still purchase one that has the underlying support needed for a good nights sleep. For those sleeping with a partner who requires a different level of support, we would suggest buying a mattress that allows you to hae two different levels of firmness, such as this mattress. You could also buy two seperate mattresses that are Zip and Linked togther, allowing you to have diferent levels of firmness and also stops you disturbing each other as you sleep.  

Here at We Love Sleep we recognise that what we sleep on can have implications on the quality of our sleep – if a mattress is, for example, too soft, too hard or too old it will not provide the correct level of support or comfort, making sleeping uncomfortable and possibly painful. Our range of mattresses has been sourced with this in mind. Our Memory Foam Mattresses, for example, are designed to conform to body size and weight, spreading the body's weight more evenly across the surface of the mattress, and ensuring that the whole body is supported correctly. If you would like a Natural alternative to Memory Foam our Abaca Organic Latex Mattress fits the bill perfectly.

We are also able to provide mattresses made to individual specifications, through our  Made to Measure Mattresses service. In addition, we have a range of Mattress Toppers for extra support and comfort.

We would always emphasis that individual needs can vary and it is important to find a comfortable sleeping position that meets your own personal requirements. Not all the suggestions in this article will be suitable for everyone and you should seek immediate professional help if any of these suggestions cause you pain or discomfort. We Love Sleep would be very happy to discuss any individual sleeping requirements or problems over the telephone – just give us a call on 0800 170 7288