Importance of sleep
The sleep plays a fundamental role in a person’s physical and mental health. While we sleep, the body and brain rest and regenerate, allowing the recovery of physical and emotional energy. Not sleeping enough or suffering from sleep disorders can have different effects consequences negative effects on physical and mental health.
To enjoy the many benefits of sleep, it is advisable to follow a regular rest routine, trying to sleep the hours recommended for your age (generally between 7 and 9 hours for adults). Create a comfortable sleeping environment, choose the mattress Rightlimiting the use of electronic devices before bed, practicing regular sleep times and adopting relaxing habits before going to bed can help improve the quality of sleep.
Sleep disorders
THE sleep disorders they are conditions that negatively influence the quality, duration and rest during sleep. Here are the most common ones:
- Insomnia: it is a disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, sleeping during the night or waking up very early in the morning. It can be caused by factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, poor sleep hygiene.
- Obstructive sleep apnea (AOS): is a disorder in which the airway becomes blocked or narrowed during sleep, causing interruptions in breathing that may last a few seconds and recur frequently throughout the night.
- Narcolepsy: is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive sleepiness during the day. People with narcolepsy may experience sudden bouts of sleep during daily activities.
- Circadian rhythm disorders: occur when a person’s natural sleep-wake rhythm is out of sync with the day-night cycle (for example, jet lag or shift work syndrome)
- Movement disorders during sleep: manifested through involuntary or unusual movements during sleep such as periodic leg movement insomnia (PLMD) or restless legs syndrome (RLS).
Sleep products
There are various products available in the market that can help improve the quality of sleep. The choice of these sleep products It depends on personal preferences and needs. It is advisable to try different products and look for the ones that offer the most comfort and support for you. Here are some examples of sleep products:
- Mattresses: a quality mattress can provide adequate support to the body during sleep, promoting correct posture and reducing pressure points.
- Cushions: A suitable pillow can help maintain proper alignment of your head, neck and spine while you sleep.
- Weighted blankets: They offer a feeling of pressure and cuddling that can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
- Toppersfor mattresses: it is an additional layer that is placed on top of the existing mattress to add extra comfort and support.
- Products for noise and light control: To create a quiet and relaxing sleep environment, noise control products, such as earplugs or white noise machines, eye masks, can be used.
- Sleep supplements
The importance of the right mattress
For sleep well and rest adequately, the mattress plays a fundamental role. Is very important choose the right mattress because a comfortable sleeping experience can help reduce stress, muscle tension and promote deeper and more restful sleep as well as providing adequate support to the spine, maintaining its natural curvature.
A mattress that doesn’t provide proper support or causes discomfort can interfere with sleep, making it more difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Types of mattress
There choice of mattress It depends on personal preferences, individual needs and physical characteristics of the body. It’s a good idea to try different types of mattresses to determine which one offers the most comfort and support for you. Additionally, it is important to consider the lifespan of your mattress and make sure to replace it when necessary to maintain good sleep quality.
There are different types of mattresses available on the market, each with different characteristics and materials.
The standard measurements
The mattress size may vary slightly internationally, but the most common standard sizesto guide you in your choice are these:
- Single or single mattress: 80/90 cm wide by 190/200 cm long. Suitable for one person only.
- Double or twin mattress: 160/170 cm wide and a length of 190/200 cm. Suitable for two people
- Queen size mattress: It is a little larger than a single mattress and measures 120 cm in width and approximately 190 cm in length. A more comfortable solution for a single person.
- French mattress: 140 cm wide and approximately 190 cm long. It can accommodate two people.
- Custom mattresses: these can be made according to personal needs.
As regards height, mattresses with a height between 20 and 30 cm are usually those that guarantee the best support. However, it is also important to consider the characteristics of the materials from which the mattress is made, as they influence the ability to provide adequate support to the body.
Types of mattresses based on material
Here are the different types of mattresses:
Types of mattresses by problem
Mattresses for herniated disc
There are many mattress models available for purchase online that help to make the presence of a herniated disc less burdensome, or to prevent it through adequate posture.
Cervical mattresses
The material that best of all can help relieve and prevent neck pain is Memory Foam. Many mattress models made with this material are available for purchase online.
Mattresses for back pain
Many mattress models are available for purchase online, varying in materials, quality, prestige, price and features.
Other criteria to consider
Rigidity and thickness
A quality mattress must offer a adequate support for the weight of the body, maintaining correct anatomical conformation. It is important that it is firm enough to provide adequate support, but not so much that it is uncomfortable. The key is to ensure that the natural curvature of the spine is respected. The choice of stiffness is mainly a matter of personal preference and also depends on body weight.
Habits and body weight
It is very important to also pay attention to your usual sleeping habits. For those who sleep in a supine position it is advisable to opt for a firmer mattress that offers the right support to the spine. On the other hand, side sleepers may prefer a less firm mattress that allows the shoulder to sink in slightly to ensure a comfortable position. Body weight is also an important factor to consider, as people of different weights require different levels of support. For example, heavier people may need a firmer mattress, while those with slimmer builds may benefit from a more flexible mattress that conforms better to their body.
In the case of sharing a double mattress by two people with very different weights, instead of opting for a single mattress that represents a compromise between their different needs, one could consider the idea of using two single mattresses with different degrees of rigidity, so that both can enjoy the correct support during rest.
Try it before you buy it
It is advisable to dedicate at least 10 minutes to testing the mattress before purchasing it, considering that you will sleep on that mattress for at least ten years. It is advisable to lie down and try the different positions that you usually assume during sleep. There is no absolute perfect mattress. If, for example, when you lie down there is too much space between the mattress and the lumbar area, it means that the mattress is too firm for your physical characteristics. Continue searching and you will find the one that will best suit your needs.