Choosing the Right Mattress for Your Teenager

Teen years are a time of rapid growth, not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally. Providing the right environment for their rest and rejuvenation is crucial for their overall development.

Between social obligations, schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and the setting in of hormones, a teenager’s life can become quite chaotic and result in lack of sleep. Their quickly changing bodies require good sleep to replenish and continue to grow healthily.

One of the critical components of this environment is the mattress on which they sleep. Selecting the right mattress for teenagers can be a challenging task, given the plethora of options available in the market. This detailed article aims to assist you in making an informed decision to choose the best mattress for young adults.

 

The Significance of Sleep for Teenagers

Adolescence is a critical period in an individual's life, characterized by rapid growth and development. Sleep in adolescents is an essential factor that supports this development. Studies shows consistently that sleep is not just necessary, but its importance is amplified for teenagers. So why is sleep important for teens, and how does sleep affect academic performance in high school students?

Regular, high-quality sleep promotes brain function, enhances school performance, fosters physical health, uplifts mood, and aids effective decision-making. As teenagers' brains and bodies are swiftly evolving, the adverse effects of sleep deprivation can be intensified.

A suitable mattress can help teenagers achieve the sleep they need more conveniently. A bed that caters to a teenager's requirements translates into more comfort, better body support, and one less hurdle to a healthy sleep routine. However, determining the most suitable mattress can be a challenging task, especially considering that many teens may not be enthusiastic about accompanying their parents on a mattress shopping spree.

Thankfully, there are numerous commendable online options that are robustly built, affordable, and come with a flexible return policy. This allows teenagers to try out a mattress over a few months to ensure it's a perfect fit. This guide introduces the best mattresses for teenagers and elaborates on the essential aspects to consider when shopping for a teenager's new bed.

 

The Role of Mattress Size

One of the primary factors to consider when choosing a mattress for a teenager is the size of the bed. As your teenager grows, they are likely to need more room. While this might result in a slightly higher initial cost, it ensures that the bed will be suitable for your teen for a considerable duration. Check out the following dimensions that provide an overview of the various mattress sizes available.

Mattress Size Dimensions:

Twin: Measuring at 39 inches by 75 inches, a twin bed is a solid choice for a teenager. It is also a popular size choice as it doesn’t occupy a lot of space and allows for more room to place things such as desks and dressers.

Twin XL: A slighter longer version of the twin bed, the twin XL measure at 39 inches by 80 inches. The additional five inches can be key if your child is on the taller side.  

Full: Not quite a queen but bigger than a twin, the full-sized mattress comes in at 54 inches by 75 inches. If you’re looking for a larger bed but are constrained by space, this is a great choice.  

Queen: One of the most popular mattress choices for teenagers and adults, the queen mattress measures 60 inches by 80 inches. This size will allow your teenager to grow into their bed and can be carried over well into adulthood.

King: Not the most popular choice because of its large size, the king mattress measures 76 inches by 80 inches and occupies a good amount of room. If you have the space, your teenager will appreciate this very comfortable bed size.

California King: Have a big bedroom and don’t know how to fill it? This mattress size will help with that. Measuring at 72 inches by 84 inches, the California King is every teenager’s dream come true.

Anticipating Growth Spurts

Teenagers often experience quick growth spurts as they undergo puberty. There's a likelihood that their current bed and mattress may soon become unsuitable. Although growth spurts generally occur in the early teenage years, it's worth considering that your teen may grow even more as they approach their later years. Investing in a larger bed and mattress will certainly be worth the money, particularly if your family is traditionally tall.

The ideal mattress for teenagers would be something that will support them and meet their needs as they grow older. There are many mattress types to consider, for example latex foam mattresses are said to be much more comfortable and relieve growing pains as they offer far more ease to those aches than inner-spring mattresses.

 

Identifying the Ideal Mattress Firmness

The type of mattress, especially firmness of the mattress is another crucial factor that needs attention. The preferred sleeping position of your teenager can guide you in determining the best mattress firmness. Sleeping positions are generally something that is determined early on in life.

During our most cognitive years, we begin to develop our sleeping habits. Through these, we figure out which sleeping position works best for us, and your mattress buying journey should be greatly influenced by this. According to neurologist, Dr Heirdi Moawad from her article on teenage circadian rhythms, she states " Research shows that teenage and adolescent sleep patterns are hormonally influenced, and not laziness or rebellious statements."

If you've ever observed a teenager sleep, then you'll know that they can get into some odd positions, so it's doubly important to check this before looking for a mattress. Their position can help you determine what would be the better bed for a teenager who sleeps in that specific position, so they are comfortable and not in pain.

Here's a quick guide to help you understand the correlation between firmness levels and sleeping positions:

• Stomach Sleeper: A firm mattress will provide the necessary support to ensure a stomach sleeper's spine doesn't curve too much. It will also ensure there is no feeling of sinking into the mattress, meaning there'll be little reason to move around into a different and less comfortable position.
• Side Sleeper: Soft to medium memory foam mattresses are designed to support the way side sleepers sleep. If you're lying on your side then there is a high likelihood is that you'll be lying on your arm, so you want your mattress to mold to your body's natural contour in that position.
• Back Sleeper: Back sleepers can enjoy almost any firmness, so they should choose a mattress that feels most comfortable for them. Firm or soft can be suitable depending on existing neck or back issues. Lumbar support is key for back sleepers, so they should find a mattress that provides the necessary support whilst offering the same amount of comfort.

 

Understanding Sleep Requirements of Teenagers

How much do teenagers sleep? According to the National Sleep Foundation, teenagers generally need 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Healthy sleep habits and a good sleep environment must accompany a good mattress. This includes things like reducing screen time before bed, turning off the lights, comfortable temperature and more.

However, most teens do not get enough sleep (especially on school nights), and what sleep they do have is irregular, meaning that finding the right mattress to support their growing bodies is extremely important.

We have compiled a list of our most recommended mattresses for teenagers, with different comfort types and price points. These will be great for adults as well.

The Top Five Mattresses for Teenagers

After considering the above factors, we have compiled a list of the top five mattresses that can provide the best sleep experience for teenagers. These include:

1. Serta Perfect Sleeper Hybrid Mattress: This mattress provides even better pressure-relieving comfort and support, while maintaining a balanced sleeping temperature to help promote undisturbed sleep.
2. Kingsdown Tight Top Firm Mattress: This mattress features individually wrapped coils, contouring to the body, maximizing postural alignment and reducing motion transfer across the sleep surface. Two-sided design allows to flip and sleep on both sides of you mattress.
3. Doctor Firm Orthopedic Euro Top Mattress: This firm orthopedic mattress is designed with the focus on providing the correct support for your body, making sure you adopt the correct sleeping position, prover spine posture, and increase blood circulation.
4. Sealy Repreve Tight Top Firm Mattress: Each mattress features SmartSurface™ Fibre technology to ensure you stay dry and comfortable while NexGen™ Pocket Coils move independently for targeted support of your entire body and reduced motion transfer.
5. Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Align Medium Mattress: Tempur-Pedic mattresses are like buying a custom fit mattress as they conform to your body, providing you with the personalized support you need. Their design eliminates stress and pain from your pressure points, helping you wake up rested and rejuvenated.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right mattress for your teenager is no small task. Consider their sleep habits, body size, and personal preferences before making a decision. Our goal is to guide you in choosing the best bed for teens based on their unique needs and preferences. A good night's sleep is crucial for their growth and development, and the right mattress can make a world of difference.

Though your teenager will grow and change, their mattress will last for quite some time so it is important to select one that will fit their specific needs. Remember, the ideal mattress should provide a balance of comfort, support, and pressure relief to ensure your teenager gets the restful sleep they need for their growth and development.

 

FAQ

Q: How much sleep do teenagers need each night?

A: According to the National Sleep Foundation, teenagers generally require 8-10 hours of sleep per night to support their rapidly developing bodies and brains.

Q: Why is sleep important for high school students and how does lack of sleep affect a teenager's academic performance?

A: Insufficient sleep can hinder brain function, leading to decreased concentration, memory retention, and problem-solving skills. This can result in lower grades, reduced attention in class, and difficulties in completing assignments.

Q: Why are teenagers more susceptible to the effects of sleep deprivation than adults?

A: During adolescence, the body undergoes significant physical, emotional, and cognitive changes. Sleep is crucial for these developmental processes. The effects of sleep deprivation, such as mood swings, impaired judgment, and physical health issues, can be more pronounced in teens because of these ongoing developments.

Q. What other factors affect quality of sleep in teens?

A. Aside from mattress comfort, type, and size, your teen might be experiencing one of these common sleep disorders: Delayed sleep phase (night owl) syndrome, insomnia, and periodic limb movement disorder or restless legs syndrome to name a few. It is important to consult with a medical doctor or specialist to get a proper diagnosis. Learn more about sleep disorders

 

 

TL;DR Why is sleep important for teens?

Teen years are marked by rapid growth, requiring ample sleep for healthy development. Adequate sleep enhances teens' brain function, mood, and academic performance. The right mattress, tailored to size and comfort needs, is vital for quality sleep. Other factors, such as sleep disorders, can also impact a teen's rest.