Sleep

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.

Considerations When Buying a New Mattress

Ben Parr — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:11:30 -0800

When shopping for a mattress, it is important to be aware of the quality and value of each potential purchase. The following are things a patient should consider when purchasing a new mattress:

Using an Adjustable Bed for Back Problems

Ben Parr — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:36:16 -0800

An adjustable bed has the potential to help anyone who feels more comfortable in an inclined position (such as sitting on a recliner with the feet up) rather than when lying on a regular flat mattress. The following provides a few examples of certain back conditions and how an inclined position in an adjustable bed can sometimes help the patient feel more comfortable.

Over the Counter (OTC) Medications as Short-Term Sleep Aids

Ben Parr — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:29:31 -0800

Over-the-counter medications for the treatment of a sleep problem are those that can be purchased without a prescription. Examples of over-the-counter sleep aids include:

Sleep-Eze
Sominex
Nytol, and others.

OTC sleep medications should only be used on a short term basis, since extended use of these medications can actually exacerbate insomnia. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, antihistamine is the most common ingredient in OTC sleep aids.

Herbal Remedies as Non-FDA Approved Sleep Aids

Ben Parr — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:29:27 -0800

There are many natural and herbal remedies available over-the-counter for sleeping disorders. These include such things as Melatonin, which is a hormone that is known to be involved in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness. In addition, herbal products include such things as valerian, chamomile, Kava Kava, and others. It is important to note a few things about these herbal remedy products:

Non-Benzodiazepine Sleep Aids

Ben Parr — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 09:51:34 -0800

In recent years, a newer class of medications has been developed often termed the “non-benzodiazepine, benzodiazepine receptor agonists”. These newer medications appear to have better safety profiles and less adverse effects. These medications are associated with a lower risk of abuse and dependence than the benzodiazepines. Examples of medications in this class include:

Melatonin Receptor Agonists (Rozerem) for Falling Asleep

Ben Parr — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 09:51:30 -0800

Rozerem (ramelteon) is a prescription insomnia medication that was approved by the FDA in July 2005 and began to be marketed to consumers in 2006. Rozerem has a unique mechanism of action – melatonin receptor agonist -- that selectively targets specific receptors in the brain that are responsible for controlling the body’s sleep-wake cycle. It works by mimicking melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone that is produced during the sleep period.

Antidepressants as Sleep Aids

Ben Parr — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 09:51:27 -0800

Depression is a common occurrence in a chronic pain condition, and insomnia is quite common in depression. If the individual with chronic pain is also experiencing clinical depression, treating the depression with psychological treatment and an appropriate antidepressants (antidepressant medication), if indicated, may also help with the sleep disruption as well as other symptoms of depression.

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.

Pain and Sleeping Problems Need to be Treated Together

Ben Parr — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 11:28:33 -0800

A sleeping disorder associated with chronic back pain should always be addressed as part of a multi-disciplinary, chronic pain treatment approach.

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

Pages in this Article:

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