Like with most things in life, when it comes to getting to a good night’s rest quality matters more than quantity – how well you sleep (as opposed to how much) plays an important role in determining whether you’ll end up waking up refreshed or exhausted.
And that’s where mattresses come in: these thick pads are essential for quality rest because of the support, comfort, and relief that they provide. So, if you frequently find yourself wide awake and counting sheep for hours on end, chances are, it could be your mattress’s fault.
That said, are there any other tell-tale signs that you’re sleeping on the wrong surface? Sure, there are!
1. You don’t feel comfortable
It’s never fun to wake up feeling all groggy and exhausted, especially with a long work day ahead.
At best, the ‘fog’ in your head will clear up and you’ll be back on your feet after a quick, 15-minute power nap at your desk; but at worst, the stress of exhaustion can harm both your short-term and long-term memory capabilities. So, don’t underestimate the damage that a terrible mattress can do!
What’s more, considering that most people living in Singapore get only about seven hours of sleep per day, EVERY minute in bed counts, so if you aren’t spending your time in dreamland comfortably, then you’re doing it wrong.
2. You start experiencing aches and pains
There’s ‘no gain without pain’, or so they say; but when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, bodily aches shouldn’t even be part of the equation.
If you find yourself waking up feeling sore and stiff all the time, your mattress, or more specifically, its lack of support could be at fault. Mattresses get deformed over time due to the weight they bear, and the resulting indents will reduce their ability to prop up important sections of your body, such as your neck, shoulders and back while you sleep.
On the flip side, a mattress that’s too firm will also cause body aches. And that’s because it forces your body to ‘accommodate’ to its shape, rather than the other way around.
3. You get woken up by your partner
While it has less to do with you, and more with how your partner sleeps, getting woken up by his/her incessant movements isn’t a pleasant thing to experience night after night.
In this case, a more elastic mattress – like one made out of natural latex – can help both of you sleep better. Manufactured from the sap of the rubber tree, latex mattresses are known for their motion-absorbing capabilities, which means your partner can toss and turn freely while you get your forty winks, peacefully.
4. You experience allergic reactions
Itchy eyes, rashes, or a stuffy nose keeping you awake at night? These symptoms typically show up when allergens are present in your surroundings, which may be closer than you think.
Mould and dust mites are both frequently found in poorly-managed bedrooms, usually on the surface of an old and/or unclean mattress. If your sleeping zones are contaminated, there’s also the likelihood that you’ll have to tangle with fungus and bacteria, which on top of being super-icky, trigger allergies too.
For those who are too busy (or lazy), you’ll be thrilled to know that getting a latex mattress helps because of its mould-resistant surface.
5. You start feeling too warm
How well a mattress breathes has an impact on your sleep – and no, we don’t mean that your bed has a respiratory system of some sort, allowing it to inhale and exhale air freely… but then again, that’s kind of what a mattress with good breathability has.
Latex mattresses have a special open cell structure that encourages airflow: think of it as a series of spongy ducts, supported by regularly-placed pinholes, which allow warm and cool air to freely circulate, and giving you a more comfortable surface to sleep on.
Why choose natural organic latex mattresses?
Natural organic latex mattresses, from reputable stores such as European Bedding, promise a variety of benefits that’ll allow you to enjoy the sweet repose that you so deserve.
Aside from offering a unique balance of soft comfort with proper support, natural organic latex mattresses are also eco-friendly and non-toxic.
Made from natural latex milk, which is chemical-free, these mattresses are durable and naturally resistant to a wide range of contaminants including dust mites, mould and bacteria, thus making them the perfect choice if you need a good night's sleep.
(For more information, check out European Bedding's showroom at 32 Eng Hoon Street, Level 2, Singapore 169780. P: +65 6735 6658)