Consistent lack of sleep not only leads to short-term health issues, it’s also proven to harm you in the long term. Continued sleep deprivation raises the risk for a number of chronic health problems, including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Researchers have found that people who sleep five or fewer hours per night have more calcium build-up in their heart artery walls and stiffer leg arteries than those who slept seven hours per night. Insufficient sleep can also leave you more vulnerable to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, your first consideration should be your mattress. Most of us know that we should replace a mattress at least every 10 years. But how do you choose the right one?
For starters, a mattress should provide firm but comfortable support to keep your spine in alignment while sleeping on your side or on your back. When you lie down, your mattress should give you a sense of floating, not sinking.
Memory foam mattresses are a great choice because they conform to your body’s shape and eliminate pressure points.
You should also choose a mattress that will help you sleep cool and provide the same feel no matter the ambient room temperature.
Finally, be sure to pair your mattress with the correct pillow or pillows to keep your body aligned.
