Do you ever wake up with a sore neck or back and blame it on the position you slept in? This could actually be due to the mattress you're sleeping on.

The short-term effects include headaches and drowsiness and are easily noticed as soon as you wake up. The long-term effects usually take slightly longer to develop and these include weight and respiratory issues.

Your mattress plays a more important role than you'd think and if it's not supportive enough, it might be preventing you from getting a quality night sleep.

Director of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizone College of Medicine, Micheal Grandner, told "Firmer mattresses tend to be better for chronic pain because they provide adequate support."

If you're experiencing any of these five signs, you might need to look into an upgrade!

1. A stuffy nose

If you wake up with a stuffy nose, this could be down to dust mites. These are microscopic insects that feed on mildew (degraded house dust).

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and an itchy mouth or throat.

German researchers conducted a study in 2010 that found people who slept on mattress toppers reduced the presence of dust mites and mildew they enjoyed a 43% drop in allergy symptoms.

2. Drowsiness

It's no surprise that a low quality sleep will leave you feeling more tired and drowsy. If your mattress is stopping you from having the best nights sleep, this can effect your alertness and energy levels throughout the day.

Extreme drowsiness is abnormal and will cause you to feel unnaturally tired.

3. Back pain

Although a wide range of things can cause back pain, a low quality mattress means you're sleeping in an unnatural and uncomfortable position.

Twisting and turning strains your back and could mean you eventually injure it. A soft and supportive mattress that lets you sleep comfortable on your back or side allows your back to stay straight and could prevent injuries from developing.

4. Your skin doesn't look as good as it could

A poor quality sleep is often associated with a surge in stress-related hormones like coristol.

A study from the Sleep Medicine Clinics showed hows this rise in cortisol can promote wrinkles, a loss of skin firmness and elasticity and dull skin.

A recent study from the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that switching to a new mattress improved sleep and lowered stress.

5. A weak immune system

Low quality sleep can wear down your immune system which in turn makes you more likely to become sick.

From fevers to the common cold, a weak immune system makes you more likely to get caught by a wide range of illnesses. It's important to keep yourself protected with a mattress that gives you the support and comfort you need for a great sleep/

Is it time to ditch your old mattress?