Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that causes the joints to swell and become painful or stiff. Although there is no cure for arthritis, several treatments are readily available to those who find themselves suffering from degenerative joint pain. While pain management and prevention are very important, as is eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly, your posture and how you sleep can also affect your pain levels and discomfort. Since our bodies lay at rest for a good portion of our days, we must have sufficient support from a good mattress while sleeping. Not only can a poor-quality mattress contribute to back pain, bad posture, and sleepless nights, it can also worsen symptoms of arthritis and leave you howling in pain every time you wake up. To avoid this, you need to choose the right mattress for your body and lifestyle. Memory foam may be a popular and comfortable choice for many, but is it a good choice for those with arthritis?
Arthritis and Sleep Quality
Although arthritis can affect anyone, it is more common amongst the elderly, women, and those who are overweight. While it causes joint pain and tenderness, many people with arthritis also complain about poor sleep quality. Often, the pain they experience hinders their ability to sleep well, especially when paired with an ill-fitting mattress that worsens their issues. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the main types, with the former being an autoimmune disease, while the latter breaks down bone cartilage causing serious joint pain. Both conditions can cause serious pain and keep you up at night; however, osteoarthritis is directly related to your sleeping habits and can actually worsen over time when you sleep on an improper mattress.
If you or someone you know has arthritis, it’s best to speak to your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate treatment and course of action. Nevertheless, finding the right mattress can also provide benefits that help you sleep while alleviating pain and pressure on the body. Ultimately, the bed you sleep on each night should support important areas of the body, such as your head, neck, shoulders, back, and hips. It should conform to your body and enhance spinal alignment for better sleep quality and comforting relief at night.
Benefits of Memory Foam
Memory foam is regularly praised for its ability to conform to the body and provide cushioning and support while you sleep. Memory foam mattresses are constructed with multiple layers of foam and are valued for their pressure-relieving properties, which are beneficial to those who have arthritis and joint pain. High-quality memory foam can help evenly distribute the weight of a sleeper so that pressure cannot easily build up in certain areas and cause more pain.
Memory foam is also a great choice for isolating movement, as the cushiony layers are great at absorbing motion and twists and turns throughout the night. Those who have arthritis can attest to waking up in the middle of the night from pain, changing sleeping positions, or shifting due to pain throughout the night. Memory foam can help you (and anyone that sleeps beside you) stay comfortable and unbothered by movements and turning during the night. Furthermore, a mattress with a medium-firm rating accommodates different sleeping positions, provides soft comfort and pressure relief.
What to Consider When Buying a Mattress
Pressure relief, spinal alignment, comfort, and responsiveness are all points to consider when choosing a mattress. These factors are especially important when you have any type of arthritis or aches and pains. One of the most important factors to consider is the support and foundation of your mattress. Make sure that the foundational layer is strong and made of high-density foam if you choose a memory foam mattress. You will need to take your sleeping style and body weight into consideration when choosing your mattress as well, as those who weigh more need extra support.
If you are prone to waking up hot and sweaty or often get cold throughout the night, you may also want to consider how your mattress promotes or restricts airflow. Some mattresses are optimal for those who are cold during the night, while some are better suited to those who carry more heat. Depending on your preferences, this may be an important consideration and could impact your overall sleep quality.
Mattress Warranty and Sleep Trials
It can be difficult to know which mattress is the right one for you. This is why so many mattress companies and brands stand by their products with warranties, return policies, and sleep trials. This ensures that you are satisfied with your purchase and can fully commit to your choice. After all, you sleep on your mattress every night, so why shouldn’t you love it? When choosing a mattress, look into any trials, warranties, or return policies that the company offers so that you can rest easy, even if you are purchasing it online.
Don’t let arthritis and joint pains keep you from getting the sleep you need and deserve. If you have arthritis or any aches and pains, it’s important to seek the right mattress to lessen your pain and improve your quality of life. Poor sleep can negatively affect stress levels and how your body manages pain. For more information on memory foam mattresses, please call Mattressville at 905-212-7722 or contact us here.
