Just like Goldilocks in the classic fairy tale found out, a soft bed is just as uncomfortable as a hard one. It wasn’t until she found a bed that was “just right” could she lay down and fall asleep.
How did Goldilocks know that one bed was too hard? She felt it in her body. The mattress provided more support than she needed, and more. Read this informative article and find out the signs that your bed mattress is too hard.
1. Remember the “H”
When you lay down on a mattress, your spine, hips and shoulders should form a wide H shape. Imagine a line from shoulder to shoulder, a line across your hips, and a line extending down your spine to form the H. If the mattress is too hard, your shoulders and hips can’t sink down, so they curve in and bend your spine. The unnatural position of your hips and the spine causes strain on your muscles. The hardness of the mattress can make the hips and shoulder joints tend to separate. Your muscles will prevent this from happening, but they’ll feel tight and uncomfortable.
2. Pressure On Shoulders and Hips
Another sign that your bed mattress is too hard, is that your shoulders and hips fall asleep (probably before you do). A bed mattress that provides too much support puts pressure on these parts. Not only will that pressure make your body feel uncomfortable, but it can cause temporary numbness.
3. Try a Simple Test
Lie down on the mattress so you’re flat on your back. Try to slide your flat hand between the mattress and the arch (lumbar section) of your back. If you can easily do this, the mattress is too hard. Your shoulders and hips can’t sink in properly, and your spine is unsupported.
Additional Notes: Persons who suffer from bursitis over their hips are more susceptible to feeling aches and pains from sleeping on a hard mattress. The same goes for people who sleep on their sides. Also, sleeping on a hard mattress for a prolonged period of time can harm your body.
References
http://www.bettersleep.org/onbettersleep/mattress_shopping.asp
http://www.spine-health.com/wellness/sleep/selecting-best-mattress
http://www.merrimansfurniture.com/merrimans-mattress-buying-guide.htm
http://www.cockettsbeds.co.uk/?page=buying