Do you sleep at least 8 hours a night? If the answer is yes, then you spend about a third of your lifetime in bed sleeping. Even though this may seem like a lot, it shouldn’t bother you—8 hours is the recommended amount of sleep for most people. But according to findings by the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation, 33 percent of men aged 30-49 get between 4-6 hours of sleep a night—and the sad part is that many don’t realize it’s damaging their health.
There can be many factors why you’re running low on sleep – stress, poor eating habits, lack of exercise—or an old mattress.
Is your mattress really that old?
If your mattress is more than 8 years old, you should consider getting a new one. However, this doesn’t apply to every mattress out there as some will still stay in good shape beyond 8 years. If you’re not sure whether you should get a mattress, consider whether:
- You wake up in pain
- You don’t feel well-rested when you wake up
- You’re restless
- You can’t sleep through the night
If most or all of these statements ring true, in addition to the fact that your mattress is over 8 years old, then you may want to think about getting a new mattress.
What to look out for in a new mattress
1. Price
This is absolutely the first consideration to think about. How much are you willing to spend on a mattress? To be clear, a more expensive mattress does not translate to better quality, and it’s not about the brand either. Because prices in retail stores are almost always higher, you should consider checking online first before heading to a physical store. Look around and compare prices but don’t be a cheapskate—it’s your health and comfort on the line. And don’t be afraid to haggle because you might a better deal than you thought possible.
2. Convenience and size
How convenient it is to find, order, and set up a new mattress could make or break your mattress buying experience. Remember that getting a new mattress is supposed to make your life easier, not harder! You could get a bed-in-a-box mattress if you’re not interested in going through the hassle of transporting a full-size mattress to your home. Companies like Brentwood Home and Eco Terra offer affordable options and construct their mattresses with natural materials, which is great for those who are extra careful about keeping their homes free from toxins. Size is also important—a grown man shouldn’t be sleeping in a single bed so a double bed should be the smallest size for them. For couples, it’s best not to go smaller than a queen size.
3. Mattress type and comfort
Do your research and find out which type of mattress is right for you. Make sure to fully investigate this step by asking friends about their experiences with different mattress types (and maybe test them out as well!). Memory foam lets you sink into the mattress while providing support for your entire body, and sleep number beds allow you to adjust the firmness using inflatable air pressure chambers inside the mattress.
There are numerous other mattress types to choose from, but the bottom line is you have to do plenty of research to find which mattress will provide the right kind of support for your body. You’ll also need to consider your body weight, regular sleeping position, and pillow preference.
