Sometimes, swapping out your pillow and some trial and error with your sleep position still won’t give you a pain-free morning. In most cases, those who experience chronic morning stiffness and pain should look to their mattress.
When examining the pain-inducing qualities of your mattress, you first want to look at firmness. Too many people are sleeping on the wrong mattress and wind up with a myriad of issues. If you find yourself waking up with a stiff and sore lower back, your mattress may be too soft. If joint and shoulder pain is a problem, your mattress may be too firm.
Your second step in examining your mattress, is looking at the materials. Contouring foam layers will comfort and support your body as you move and adjust throughout the night. Sophisticated technology that will reduce pressure—unlike springs that may increase pressure— is the best way to ensure that you are in proper alignment all night long. An adjustable base can sometimes aid in providing additional support, and can be a great solution for aiding with other sleep issues, such as snoring or acid reflux.
And don’t even get us started on the age of your mattress! If your mattress has fulfilled its life-span of about seven to ten years, you might want to think of getting a replacement. If you’re unsure if your mattress is too old, we’ve got an article to help you determine if it’s time.