Dangers of sleeping on a Bad Mattress

by William Banks | February 11, 2018 5:50 pm

Mattresses are not made to last forever. In fact, the average lifespan of a mattress is around ten years, according to Consumer Reports[1]. This is, however, the case for higher end mattresses. Cheaper mattresses are not made to last as long. If you are sleeping on an older, worn out mattress, then you could actually be causing yourself some health issues.

Here are a few of the dangers of sleeping on a bad mattress.

#1 – It Can Exacerbate Allergies
Did you know that your mattress actually collects sebum, dead skin cells, dust, and dust mites over time? Dust mites are microscopic, so you don’t see them. They feast on your dead skin cells, and can actually lead to allergies, eczema, sore throat, and even damage to your lungs. Just washing your sheets and mattress covers isn’t enough. You have to replace your mattress to avoid these things.

#2 – It Can Make Your Back Hurt
Mattresses often form dips and curve with the curvature of your body over time. This is especially true if you sleep in one position in the same part of the bed night after night. This can really do a number on your skeletal system, and can even make your back hurt. Sleep[2] is supposed to allow your body to recover after a day of activity, not make the situation worse.

#3 – It Can Lead to Insomnia
The inability to get comfortable on your mattress can actually keep you from getting a good night of sleep. This is often referred to as insomnia. Insomnia is the inability to sleep, and can lead to a variety of health problems over time. Sometimes it may be caused by other environmental or psychological factors, but some people find that replacing their old mattress does help.

#4 – It Can Weaken Your Immune System
An inability to get adequate sleep at night can often make your immune system weaker. This is because your body uses the time that you are sleeping in order to replenish what you have depleted during the day. With a weakened immune system, you can actually get more colds and other diseases easier than you would with a stronger immune system[3].

#5 – It Can Actually Hinder Memory Retention
Finally, sleeping on an bad mattress can hinder your ability to remember things. When you sleep, specifically when you get into the deep sleep of rapid eye movement (REM), memories are actually being formed in your brain. If you do not get into this deeper sleep state, then your brain will not be able to form the memories like it should. This can cause long term memory impairment[4] over time.

As you can see, there are quite a few ways that sleeping on a bad mattress can really be pretty dangerous to your health. These are actually not the only ways that it can affect[5] you.

It is really important to sleep on a good mattress.   Nest Bedding[6] is a Yoga Digest editor favorite. If it has been some time since you have had your mattress replaced, then it may be time to consider getting a new one.

  1. Consumer Reports: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2007/12/q-a-how-often-should-i-buy-a-new-mattress/index.htm
  2. Sleep: https://youtu.be/FRoGTrRae_c
  3. immune system: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/lack-of-sleep/faq-20057757
  4. memory impairment: https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-deprivation-effects-on-memory
  5. affect: https://sleepmentor.net/27-terrible-side-effects-of-not-getting-enough-sleep/
  6. Nest Bedding: https://www.nestbedding.com/

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