Sleep Comfort

Mattress Guidelines for Sleep Comfort

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:10:15 -0800

The right mattress can really help one have a good night’s sleep and wake up feeling rested and refreshed; and sleeping on the wrong mattress can cause sleeplessness, back pain, and overall aches and pains. For people with a back problem, a mattress isn’t a good fit can make the pain worse.

Using Medication to Manage Pain and Reduce Sleep Problems

Ben Parr — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:37:10 -0800

If behavior changes and environment have not proven to be sufficient sleep aids, patients should discuss with their physician whether over-the-counter or prescription drugs should be used to treat their pain, improve their sleep or both.

Psychological Techniques, Sleep Environment, and Better Sleep

Ben Parr — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:37:08 -0800

Two additional sleep aids include utilizing psychological approaches to reduce pain and fall asleep and setting up a sleep-conducive environment.

Using psychological approaches to minimize pain at bedtime

"Mind over matter” can help patients override or re-balance pain signals with more pleasant, sleep-inducing thoughts. A few techniques that have proven successful are:

Tips on Buying a High-Quality Mattress

Ben Parr — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:21:39 -0800

Before buying a mattress, it is best to try sleeping on it. People may try different beds in hotels, at other people’s houses, etc. and when they find the best mattress for them, then they buy the same make/model. If it’s not possible to sleep on a mattress first, it’s advisable to at least lie on the mattress in the store until feeling sure that it is a comfortable fit.

There are two main factors that comprise a mattress:

Pillows for Different Sleeping Positions

Ben Parr — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:09:53 -0800

One’s sleep position will dictate how a traditional mattress top pillow can be used to provide the appropriate support.

Using a pillow while sleeping on the back

When lying on the back, a pillow should support the natural curvature of the cervical spine, with adequate support under the head, neck, and shoulders.

Additional Factors That Affect Sleep Comfort

Ben Parr — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:23:45 -0800

The type of mattress one uses is not the only factor for patients with pain and sleep difficulty. Many other factors need to be considered that may affect sleep, including:

Medication side effects
Irregular sleep patterns
Caffeine/alcohol/tobacco use
Sleep apnea
Anxiety/stress

If comfort is not the only thing making sleep difficult, it is advisable for the patient to consult his or her family physician to discuss other possible causes and treatments for sleeplessness.

Mattress, Back Support and Sleep Comfort Advice: Mattress Topper, Sofas, and AEROs

Ben Parr — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:10:23 -0700

Back-to-Back: Spine-Health Users share tips on experiences with Sleep Comfort

Want to know more about sleep problems and insomnia from those who have been affected most? In our Back-to-Back section, users and patietns share tips and advice about back support, mattresses, and sleep. Please read through our Back-to-Back pages or discuss sleep and insomnia on our message boards

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Mattress, Back Support and Sleep Comfort Advice: Select Comfort, Pillow Choices, and Simple Mattresses

Ben Parr — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:10:21 -0700

Back-to-Back: Patients share tips on experiences with Sleep Comfort

Want to know more about sleep problems and insomnia from those who have been affected most? In our Back-to-Back section, patients share tips and advice about back support, mattresses, and sleep. Please read through our Back-to-Back pages or discuss sleep and insomnia on our message boards

Article continues below