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Best Positions For the Best Sleep

August 25, 2011 By Admin Leave a Comment

How do you sleep at night? No, this isn’t an accusatory question designed to invoke feelings of guilt, but rather a genuine interest in your sleep patterns. For years we’ve read articles and listened to doctors with regards to the healthiest ways to sleep, but ultimately we tend to take the position that is most comfortable and effective for us. We are the ones who must manage getting forty winks a night, but if you find that you spend more hours shifting than snoozing, it’s time to re-evaluate your position.

Depending on your current state of health, some positions in bed may be more beneficial to you than others. Comfort is not only an important factor, but it’s important to make sure your airways are clear and that you are able to enjoy a deep sleep to help restore your energy after a long day. How you sleep can affect certain parts of your body, so let’s take a look at some of the better positions to try.

Back Sleeping: When you lie on your back with your head elevated, you can assist healthier digestion and put less pressure on your back. You are less likely to cause sagging skin in this position, too.

Side Position: The side position is generally recommended for pregnant women, as it helps maintain good blood flow to the womb. Sleeping on your side is also believed to help reduce snoring. A more extreme side position – the fetal – is also good for the aforementioned conditions, but if you worry about wrinkles it’s suggested to try something else.

Naturally, the position you most want to avoid – but probably do not because it is comfortable for some – is the stomach position. Not only does this way of sleeping cause distress to your spine, back and neck, but for women there is the risk of sagging breasts and skin.

One thing to remember, too, is that the pillow you buy will depend on the regular position you take in sleep. Thin pillows are usually suggested for stomach sleepers, and if you’re on your side a thick pillow is best for support.

However you sleep, it is important to listen to your body and consider how it reacts. If you feel pain, definitely switch for comfort, and consult a physician if you have other problems associated with sleep. Don’t let another night pass awake in the dark.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on latex mattresses and organic mattresses.

Filed Under: Latex Mattresses, Organic Bedding, Rest, Sleep Tagged With: ,

Best Positions For the Best Sleep

August 23, 2011 By Admin Leave a Comment

How do you sleep at night? No, this isn’t an accusatory question designed to invoke feelings of guilt, but rather a genuine interest in your sleep patterns. For years we’ve read articles and listened to doctors with regards to the healthiest ways to sleep, but ultimately we tend to take the position that is most comfortable and effective for us. We are the ones who must manage getting forty winks a night, but if you find that you spend more hours shifting than snoozing, it’s time to re-evaluate your position.

Depending on your current state of health, some positions in bed may be more beneficial to you than others. Comfort is not only an important factor, but it’s important to make sure your airways are clear and that you are able to enjoy a deep sleep to help restore your energy after a long day. How you sleep can affect certain parts of your body, so let’s take a look at some of the better positions to try.

Back Sleeping: When you lie on your back with your head elevated, you can assist healthier digestion and put less pressure on your back. You are less likely to cause sagging skin in this position, too.

Side Position: The side position is generally recommended for pregnant women, as it helps maintain good blood flow to the womb. Sleeping on your side is also believed to help reduce snoring. A more extreme side position – the fetal – is also good for the aforementioned conditions, but if you worry about wrinkles it’s suggested to try something else.

Naturally, the position you most want to avoid – but probably do not because it is comfortable for some – is the stomach position. Not only does this way of sleeping cause distress to your spine, back and neck, but for women there is the risk of sagging breasts and skin.

One thing to remember, too, is that the pillow you buy will depend on the regular position you take in sleep. Thin pillows are usually suggested for stomach sleepers, and if you’re on your side a thick pillow is best for support.

However you sleep, it is important to listen to your body and consider how it reacts. If you feel pain, definitely switch for comfort, and consult a physician if you have other problems associated with sleep. Don’t let another night pass awake in the dark.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on latex mattresses and organic mattresses.

Filed Under: Organic Bedding, Sleep Tagged With:

Back Pain Cures – Upgrading Your Mattress

July 15, 2011 By Admin Leave a Comment

So, how well did you sleep last night? If you sat up this morning to a pain in your lower or upper back, and various day-time treatments have done little to help the problem, you may need to consider a cure in a new bedroom investment. Upgrading your mattress to something firmer and more supportive of your body as your sleep may not cure all health problems instantaneously, but taking preventative measures like improving your sleeping habits could assist you in improved health as time passes. A new mattress may be the key to diminished back problems.

When you prepare to upgrade your bed’s mattress, you should first determine the composition of your current model. More than likely you have the traditional coil mattress found in most department and furniture stores. If so, you may wish to consider a different style if only to find a better support system for your weight. In recent years, people have turned to memory foam and natural latex as useful alternatives in the fight against uncomfortable sleep. Whether you sleep on your back or side, you may wish to test these types of mattresses to determine if either will work to relieve your back pain at night.

Memory foam, some owners may claim, molds to your shape as you sleep and reduces jostling at night if you sleep with a spouse or partner. While some find this is the case, not all components of a memory foam mattress are allergen-free. If your back and other health problems are linked to allergies, you need to make sure there is nothing in the mattress you buy that will affect you poorly down the road.

Organic mattresses, like ones made of latex and wool, are less likely to cause irritations in that the components are mainly hypo-allergenic. Some people, thought, might be put off by the cost of a latex mattress, or else have difficulty finding one in their area. While prices on such models may be a bit higher than the standard coil mattress, the longevity connected to these models could make the cost worth it if you want relief as you lie down.

For those suffering back pain, a change in mattress could be beneficial to your health. Look for a firm surface that doesn’t feel uncomfortable as you lie down, and natural components that don’t irritate your senses and inflame other health problems. You can achieve good rest again when you upgrade your mattress.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on latex mattresses and organic mattresses.

Filed Under: Latex Mattresses, Nutrition, Organic Bedding, Rest, Sleep Tagged With: ,

The Best Mattresses for Overweight People

June 24, 2011 By Admin Leave a Comment

For those carrying a few extra pounds, the thought of a purchase for the home, particularly furniture, may intimidate. Regardless of your budget, you want to buy a sofa or chair that supports your weight and is also comfortable and easy to get in and out of on a daily basis. Same goes with buying a new mattress for your bed – since you spend (hopefully) at least eight hours a night in bed, you need a mattress that works with your body so you rest well.

Deep, uninterrupted sleep is a key to a healthier lifestyle, and can actually help you lose weight. Therefore, it is in everybody’s best interest – regardless of your size – to own a mattress that promotes healthy sleep. You should not have to spend endless downtime hours tossing and turning to get comfortable. The combination of a good mattress with a pillow that supports your head and neck and keeps air passages clear will bring you a lifetime of healthy sleep.

Many sleep experts may suggest a natural mattress, one comprised of organic components, is the best choice. Organic cotton and wool, and the latex mattress that makes up the mattress core is less likely to receive chemical treatment in a plant. This in turn means your body does not absorb fumes from the chemicals and therefore you are less likely to have an allergic reaction or other irritation while you sleep.

Will a memory foam mattress work for you if you are overweight? While the top brands of this model tout the benefits of memory foam – in particular the ability to sleep undisturbed if your partner shifts – you should note that memory foam doesn’t necessarily mean the components are organic. Check with the manufacturer of any mattress to learn what is used on the mattress for preservation and stain resistance.

Ultimately, you will want to test potential mattresses with a visit to your bedding shop. Lay down on the models that most appeal to you to discern how they will hold up during the night. You may also wish to comparison shop online through customer feedback sites that offer unbiased reviews of bedding and similar products. Social review sites are also a good resource of reviews that can help you find what you need for a good night’s sleep.

Regardless of your size, you need to sleep well at night for a productive day. When you find the right mattress, sleep health begins.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on latex mattresses and organic mattresses.

Filed Under: Latex Mattresses, Nutrition, Organic Bedding, Rest, Sleep Tagged With: ,

Tips for Buying a New Mattress to Reduce Your Back Pain

June 17, 2011 By Admin Leave a Comment

When you work all day and your body cries out for relief, you want to look forward to a good night’s rest without any complications. The last thing you want is to lie down and further irritate your back – the mattress you use in your bed should support your weight and provide comfort when you need it most – when your body recharges for another day of activity. If you find your current mattress isn’t doing what is expected, and you spend more time tossing and turning than dreaming, it’s time to get something new.

What sort of mattress should you get to help relieve back pain at night? Many top brands will try to sell you on their models, touting specific features like supportive components and soft batting. Ultimately, though, you need a mattress with a good core, that works with your body to help you relax, and is not comprised of materials that could make you sick. As you shop, here are a few things to take note of:

Coils or foam? Or something new?

If you have slept, or tried to sleep on one or the other you may have experienced different sensations. Each style of mattress has its advantages, but what sleeps well for one person may not for you. You may wish to test possible candidates for how they feel when you lie down, though five minutes in a store may not properly represent a full night’s sleep. Still, you get an idea of what to expect.

If the traditional styles aren’t cutting for you, this may be a good time to explore alternative models. Organic and other natural mattresses, like those made with latex cores, can also provide the support you need.

Is it more than just your back?

Problems with other parts of your body can hinder total healing. If you find after sleeping on a specific mattress that your pain hasn’t gone away, despite feeling supported and comfortable, there could be more to it than the core. Consider what else is on the mattress – what covers the core, and what was used to treat it in the factory. If you have certain allergies, they could be affected by what you’re lying on, and that in turn can keep you up at night. Consequently, your back won’t feel any better. You may wish to investigate models made with minimal to no preservatives that irritate your senses.

Whether testing out in a store or ordering through a catalog, know that the mattress you choose should keep you rested at night and recharged for a new day.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on organic mattresses and organic pillows.

Filed Under: Latex Mattresses, Nutrition, Organic Bedding, Rest, Sleep

How Long Should Mattresses Last?

June 8, 2011 By Admin Leave a Comment

The purchase of a new mattress is important in that you likely intend to keep what you buy for a number of years. Some people consider a mattress furniture rather than a component of bedroom furniture, and as such it represents a serious investment. Depending on what you get, you could spend anywhere from five hundred to over a thousand dollars on where you sleep at night, so not only do you want to get it right the first time, you want your mattress to last! So, how long should a mattress stay on your bed?

Search the Internet for answers, and you will discover that answers range from five to ten years. Of course, one should take into consideration that there really is no pat answer because everybody has a different living and sleeping situation. How long a mattress lasts in your home will largely depend upon a number of factors, including:

1) How often will the mattress be used? If you’re a homebody, assuredly you will use your bed nightly as opposed to somebody who travels often for work. Regular wear and tear will play a role in whether or not you’ll replace the new mattress sooner.

2) What is your body style? If you are overweight, this could shorten the life and usefulness of your mattress. As you grow older, you may require more support for your body as you sleep. Of course, you will change over time, too – if you lose weight you may enjoy improved sleep patterns, but you’ll need to discern for yourself how that has affected your mattress.

3) Where will the bed sit? Your room helps determine the usefulness of your mattress, too. Temperature, the sturdiness of the frame, whether or not you use a mattress topper and how often you move the mattress are a few things to consider.

4) What is the mattress made of? A traditional coil mattress will have a lifespan different than that of a memory foam mattress and an organic latex mattress. Some answer Web sites claim that a cheaper version of the memory foam model may only last a few years because they have a greater propensity toward sagging as opposed to a mattress with a latex core. Remember, you do get what you pay for in bed furniture.

In short, a mattress can last several years provided it is cared for and your take care of yourself. As you sleep, watch for noticeable changes in the way it feels when you lie down, and you’ll be able to tell when it’s time to get up and look for a new mattress.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on organic latex mattresses and organic latex pillows.

Filed Under: Green Living, Latex Mattresses, Organic Bedding, Rest, Sleep Tagged With:

I Can’t Sleep Through the Night!

June 3, 2011 By Admin Leave a Comment

It must be the worst sensation ever felt – to lie in bed, dead tired yet unable to simply close your eyes and sleep. For millions of people around the world, insomnia is a menace that affects not only one’s ability sleep peacefully, but function well during the day. If you have problems sleeping through the night – be it as a result of insomnia or some other affliction – know there are steps you can take toward finding the release you need so you can rest well at night and on through morning.

Here are a few things to think about while you’re awake at night:

1) What are you eating? Your diet can play a role in your sleep habits. If you tend to eat late into the night, and greasy, junk-style food at that, chances are your stomach is having a time digesting everything. As a result, you are kept awake by the discomfort. Consider changing your eating habits – stop about four hours before sleep, for example – and note a difference when you next try to sleep.

2) Where are you sleeping? Is your mattress lumpy or old? Too soft or too firm? Has it been treated with chemicals that irritate your skin or sinuses? Believe it not, you may be better off sleeping in the grass than certain name brand mattresses for the materials that go into them. You may wish to give your bedroom an organic makeover, starting first by getting a natural latex mattress that doesn’t give off dangerous fumes.

3) Who’s making that noise? Is your room off a busy street, or maybe there are night owls at home who like to have the TV on while you’re trying to rest? There are ways to combat the distractions if simply closing the door doesn’t work. You can try special earplugs designed for night use, or a white noise that gently lulls you to a calm sleep.

4) Is everything done for the day? Insomnia is often caused by stress. Between work and home and relationship issues, there’s enough to keep everybody awake. To combat sleeplessness, you need to work toward mentally freeing yourself from pressures and worries. Accept that some things cannot be resolved immediately – if you have work with deadlines, do as much as you can during the day so that’s one more thing off your mind.

Simple steps toward clearing the clutter in your sleep space, and your mind, is the best defense against insomnia.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on natural latex mattresses and sleeping tips.

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Finding the Right Mattress Can Make All the Difference

May 25, 2011 By Admin Leave a Comment

Thanks to the growth of social media, we probably have learned more about our friends and family in one week than we have in our entire lives. Every mundane feeling and announcement is relayed in short status updates, and inevitably somebody will comment on the lousy night of sleep he endured. The upside to social media is that you have the immediate opportunity to suggest that maybe his nighttime habits – which can contribute to sleep deprivation – are not the whole problem. You can recommend a change of mattress, because the right mattress can make all the difference when you want to sleep well.

What’s so great about the perfect mattress for support of your body? In order to experience a restful sleep, one’s body must be at rest, correct? When you sleep, your comfort plays an important role in determining how quickly and how deeply you sleep. Hours spent shifting intermittently for an ideal position in bed leads to a restless night, and consequently you are tired during the day and unable to concentrate. This pattern stands to do serious damage in the long run, because restorative sleep is needed not only to recharge your energy, but help maintain weight and mental sharpness.

The right mattress makes all the difference in how you sleep. Most people look into components like memory foam thinking the material is firm yet soft enough to encourage a body to relax. While memory mattresses have enjoyed a boost in popularity as opposed to the traditional coil models which seem harder, one must consider other factors that come into play. What else is inside that mattress that could cause problems? You may not be aware of the different preservatives and chemicals used to treat the surfaces so they remain stain resistant. As you sleep, these chemicals are inhaled or absorbed, perhaps causing you irritation.

If you are eco-minded and have sought to green your home to save money and energy, you may wish to consider an organic mattress made with natural materials. Organic cotton, latex rubber, and wool for batting are just some of the thing you will want to look for when shopping. On paper they may not sound like much, but once you test an organic mattress for comfort you may definitely think differently. Latex rubber does not have the texture or “bounce” one expects with regular rubber – the core of such a mattress provides support where it is needed – for your back and neck and legs. The less they shift in sleep, the better the chance for a productive day in the morning.

Regardless of what type of mattress you buy, make sure you find the right one for you.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on sleep health tips and latex mattresses.

Filed Under: Green Living, Latex Mattresses, Organic Bedding, Rest, Sleep Tagged With:

What Is The Difference Between a Latex Mattress and Memory Foam?

April 18, 2011 By Admin Leave a Comment

One more rough night trying to sleep, and you are ready to toss out your ancient, spring-coil mattress. Good for you! Recognizing that you need to invest in a new bed that supports your body and promotes healthier sleep is the first step toward improving your life. Of course, with all the different ergonomic beds and mattresses on the market, how do you know which is best for you? You will see ads that tout memory foam over traditional coil mattresses, and perhaps latex mattresses as well. You might think latex and memory foam are one and the same, but the fact is – there is a difference.

If you are familiar with the brand-name memory mattresses, you know they are touted as having no coils. In fact, the mattress is basically a long block of foam material – firm enough to support weight and allegedly able to prevent bouncing and discomfort. Commercials will show a glass of wine resting on one corner while somebody jumps up and down on the opposite end, and the wine is undisturbed. The idea is to show you that if you have a spouse that tosses and turns, you are not affected. While it is nice not having to feel as though you are sleeping on an adrift raft, unless the mattress beneath you truly is comfortable, you still won’t sleep.

Latex models, by comparison, are typically made with a large percentage of natural latex rubber combined with other components to ensure firmness and comfort. One may find at the core of the mattress a block similar to memory foam, poked with holes throughout. This helps with the breathable quality of the latex. One will never find a 100% latex mattress because if one were to be constructed, the rubber would prove too hard for sleeping.

Appearance-wise, you may not see a difference, but there is one not necessarily visible. Not all memory foam brands are made of organic materials, and therefore may not be produced through natural and organic methods. An organic, latex model is not treated with chemical preservatives that can linger in your home and possibly affect your breathing. If you feel a memory model is better for your back, bear in mind that how it is manufactured could have lasting effects on how you sleep.

As you decide between memory foam and a latex mattress, take the time to note the differences – the materials that go into them, and how they are produced. The more you know, the easier it will be to sleep at night.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on organic mattresses and latex mattresses.

Filed Under: Latex Mattresses, Nutrition, Rest, Sleep Tagged With: ,

Know Your Latex Mattress and Its Components

April 5, 2011 By Admin Leave a Comment

You really have to watch labels these days. Seems with everything you eat and buy, there is a label attached that is supposed to disclose all ingredients and/or cautions. If you are in the market for a new mattress and want to try something organic, you naturally want to make sure what you are buying is authentic. For anything to be known as organic – whether it’s food or housewares – the products must go through a strict evaluation. If you aren’t familiar with the process when it comes to buying bedding, here are some things you should know about what you’re sleeping on.

Is That Rubber or Latex?

If you are totally committed to living the green way, you have probably shopped around for an organic mattress. Wool, organic cotton, and latex are typically the main components that go into one – with the latex rubber coming from a type of rubber called Talalay. Now, if you were to go to a store and ask for a 100% natural rubber mattress, you may leave disappointed. This is because, in all truth, it isn’t something you see. For a mattress to be comprised of that percentage, the texture would be too hard for sleeping – latex undergoes a process where it is mixed with other ingredients to achieve its soft yet firm composition. On average, the best latex mattresses will contain anywhere from eight to ninety percent natural rubber. So if somebody does try to sell you a 100% slab, chances are it’s not the real thing.

The highest ratio of natural rubber to other components in a latex mattress is usually 80/20. You want to be careful when you shop, lest somebody try to sell you a product that is nowhere close and uses instead a synthetic foam passed off as natural. If you are serious about discovering the truth underneath those stitches, your first thought might be to look for some kind of certification or badge that proclaims the mattress you want to be natural.

Well, here’s the thing: right now there is no organic certification process or standard for latex mattresses. There are certificates that confirm the products were manufactured using green methods, and are tested for safety, and that’s about it right now. This is not to stay there are no trustworthy manufacturers out there – you just need to shop with care.

Ask green living experts you trust, and check the Internet for more information on natural latex components. If you live near an organic furnishings store, talk with the people there to learn more about what you need in a mattress.

Buying a natural mattress is a process, but once you find the right one you’ll definitely hang onto it for years and years.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on finding the right latex mattress and tips on green living.

Filed Under: Green Living, Latex Mattresses, Nutrition, Rest, Sleep Tagged With: