Patients with both lower back pain and sleep difficulties need to consider more than just switching to a new mattress. Many other factors that commonly interfere with sleep need to be taken into account, including:

  • Use of electronics before bedtime
  • Irregular sleep patterns
  • Sleep apnea
  • Anxiety and/or stress
  • Lack of exercise

See Chronic Pain and Insomnia: Breaking the Cycle

If mattress comfort is not the only factor contributing to sleep difficulties, consulting a physician to discuss other possible factors and available treatments is recommended.

If sleep apnea is suspected of interfering with sleep, a physician may recommend further testing. If an issue such as anxiety, depression, or stress is suspected to be the cause, a referral to a psychiatrist or other mental health professional may be advisable.

See Psychological Approaches for Insomnia

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Persistent back pain may be the result of an underlying back condition and in no way related to the mattress. For anyone with persistent back pain, consulting with a health care provider for a thorough exam, diagnosis, and treatment program is the first step to take.

See Specialists Who Treat Back Pain

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Switching mattresses or beds typically does not alleviate lower back pain completely. Sleeping on a different mattress is best thought of as a way to sleep more comfortably, rather than as an overall cure for persistent back or neck pain.

Dr. Richard Staehler is a physiatrist at the NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin. He has more than 20 years of experience providing non-surgical treatment for spine pain.

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