The quality of sleep is an important aspect of overall health, yet there is a significant number of people who struggle to get adequate comfort.

In fact, 59% of Indians get a uninterrupted sleep of less than six hours daily, according to a survey by a civil engagement platform, a civil engagement platform.

Sometimes, this is not just about how long you sleep but how well you sleep. Poor quality sleep can affect the function of the brain and heart, weaken immunity, and can increase the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

While adults sleep about one third of their lives, the role of a mattress in sleep quality has often been ignored.

A recent study by the Teaching Hospital Mass General Brigham of Harvard Medical School introduced the Boston Gathad Santosh Questionnaire (BMSQ) to assess the quality of the mattress and its effect on sleep.

The conclusions published in frontiers in the sleep, highlight the important role of satisfaction with a mattress that helps in sleep quality.

“A mattress provides a foundation for a good night sleep, and gold on a comfortable surface is one of our major behavioral recommendations to improve the quality of sleep, but scientific literature lacks research on mattresses,” Dr. Rebecca Robins said to the division of sleep and circadian disorders at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

The study surveyed over 1,000 American adults and found an average mattress satisfaction score of 6.9 out of 10. It was also revealed that hybrid mattresses (a combination of springs and foam or feathers) were associated with high satisfaction than the traditional spring mattress.

In addition, the person who slept with a partner reported more satisfaction with his mattress.

How the mattress type affects the quality of sleep

Choosing the right mattress can often determine if you have a good or bad night sleep.

Dr. Ashish Chaudhary, Director and Head, Department of Orthopedics and Joint Replacement, Akash Healthcare, emphasized the importance of mattress selection. “A quality mattress can reduce pressure points, ensure spinal alignment, and maintain body temperature, contributing to uninterrupted sleep and a pain-free, refreshing awakening,” he told India Today Digital.

She also warned against using inappropriate mattresses, stating that they could lead to chronic health issues such as pain, discomfort and even back pain and allergies. “A mattress represents an important investment, and careful research is necessary before committing to one,” he said.

Results suggest that new foam or hybrid mattresses provide better sleep comfort.

Scientists also warned that 17% of respondents reported to use a mattress over 10 years of age, which could negatively affect the quality of sleep.

Finding the right perseverance level

The correct mattress vary depending on firm sleep conditions and body weight. Dr. According to Chaudhary:

Soft mattress: Best for side sleepers because they suit the shoulders and hips.

Medium mattress: Balance of comfort and support, suitable for back and combination sleepers.

Firm mattress: Recommended for abdominal sleepers to maintain straight spinal alignment.

The firmness of a mattress directly affects spinal alignment and pressure distribution. A highly soft or firm mattress can cause stress and discomfort over time.

Role of mattress in spine and joint health

Dr. Dhruv Chaturvedi, Neurosurgeon, PSRI Hospital highlighted the importance of a mattress in maintaining body currency.

“A good mattress suits the body and helps to distribute the pressure equally, prevent stress at specific pressure points. An inappropriate mattress may cause poor spinal lordes and combined discomfort,” he told India Today Digital.

He highlighted major factors to consider while choosing a mattress:

Motion isolation: A quality mattress should prevent movement transfer between sleep partners.

Proper circulation: A mattress should promote good blood circulation and reduce pressure construction.

Spine Support: It is necessary to maintain the right spinal alignment to prevent back pain.

How many times should you change your mattress?

The mattress depends on longevity material, use and maintenance.

Dr. Chaturvedi recommended to replace a mattress every 4-5 years. “Over time, mattresses lose their support and become less effective in maintaining proper sleeping posture. Regularly turning and rotating the mattress can expand their lifetime,” he advised.

Additionally, hypoallergenic mattresses, such as latex, can help prevent allergies by opposing dust particles and allergies.

This makes them a better option for individuals suffering from respiratory issues.

Effect of a good mattress on the sleeping cycle

A high quality mattress can improve sleep duration and efficiency.

Dr. Chaturvedi said, “The right mattress will help you sleep fast and sleep for a long time, ensuring that you get enough deep sleep and REM cycle.”

Studies indicate that medium-firm mattresses, especially adjustable firm, increase comfort and maintain alignment in the right spinal cord.

Dr. Chaturvedi said that memory foam mattresses can help reduce pain and improve the onset of sleep. Latex foam, which puts a lower peak pressure than the memory foam, can also help maintain a comfortable temperature and sleep posture.

Invest in your sleep health

Sleep is an important component of overall health, and a good mattress is an important factor in achieving restructural sleep. This means that a mattress needs you to give you the kind of sleep that helps to fix, heal and feel your body and mind when you wake up.

During good quality sleep, your body itself repairs, your brain processes memories, and you feel well relaxed. If you get good restoration sleep, you will have more energy, better attention and a strong immune system.

On the other hand, poor sleep can make you feel tired, moody and unwell.

With experts underlining the importance of mattress selection, investing in the right mattress can be the key to fresh and painful waking up every morning.