Trouble sleeping? It might be time to ditch your old mattress

Are you feeling tired in the morning, even after a full night’s sleep? It could be time to replace your mattress.

Sleep is essential for maintaining good health, and the foundations of quality sleep begin with your mattress.

“We spend a third of our lives in our beds – making our mattress critical to our spine health,” sleep expert Elina Winnel explains.

“If we have an uncomfortable mattress, we may wake up during the night, take a long time to get cosy, and not get enough slow-wave sleep – essential for deep regeneration and healing.”

Generally, the lifespan of a mattress is seven to 10 years.

“Your mattress quality degrades over time, and it won’t provide the proper support your back and spine needs,” Elina says

Here are the key signs it’s time to replace your mattress:

Your mattress is sagging

“If you can see that your mattress is sagging, it’s definitely time for a new one, as it may be a sign that the springs are starting to go,” sleep scientist and psychologist Dr Theresa Schnorbach says.

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There’s an odour to your mattress

While there are many physical indicators you may need to replace your mattress, one you may not consider is its smell.
“Not only can a bad smell be unpleasant to be around, but it can also be a sign there is mould or fungi growing in the mattress,” Dr Schnorbach says.

Your mattress is making strange noises

A good mattress won’t make noise, Dr Schnorbach says.

“If your mattress is squeaking, this is one of the most obvious indications that it’s time for a new one, as it’s another sign the springs are starting to sag.”

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You’re waking up with aches and pains

Waking up with aching muscles and pain can be a signal your mattress is breaking down, causing pressure points when you sink onto the firmer support core.

“It could be that the springs have worn over time, or that the memory foam has lost its shape,” Dr Schnorbach explains.

Your allergies are acting up

If you’re experiencing allergies worse than before, your mattress might be to blame.

“This is another sign that your mattress may have mould or fungi growing in it, and possibly (may even have) dust mites,” Dr Schnorbach says.

You’re experiencing excessive sweating

Excessive sweating affects roughly three in 100 Aussies.

While this could be a sign of menopause, infection or an autoimmune disease, if you sweat excessively at night, your mattress may also be the culprit.

“When a mattress loses its resilience and no longer returns to its original shape, it may also lose its breathability,” Dr Schnorbach says.

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You’ll have sleep deprivation

If you’re losing precious hours tossing and turning at night, you could be sleeping on the wrong mattress.

“When people don’t sleep well, they age prematurely,” Elina says.

“Good sleepers, on the other hand, are more youthful and healthier.”

What to look for in a new mattress.

Let’s face it, mattresses aren’t cheap – so what should you look for before you purchase a new one?

“A mattress that is too soft will not provide enough support for your body, causing your spine to sink and become misaligned,” Dr Schnorbach says.

However, if it’s too firm, it can put too much pressure on your joints, she explains.

For good spinal health, Dr Schnorbach recommends a medium-firm mattress.

Written by Alexandra Feiam.