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
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.
In This Article:
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.
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.
