Imagine you and your spouse coming home tired from work every day, only to carry on that fatigue to work the next day. In this case, you should ask yourself, “Are you waking up more tired than you actually were before going to bed?” If your answer is yes, then this is a sign that your mattress is taking a toll on your health. As with many things in life, your mattress needs an update. But sadly, according to many Americans, changing mattresses is one of the most neglected tasks. Most Americans just don’t see the need for a new mattress and they begin to take their sleep quality for granted.
Just because most of the life you spend on your mattress is your unconscious life, it doesn’t mean the effects of poor sleeping do not extend beyond your sleep life and ultimately affect your breathing and overall health. The consequences of sleeping on a poor mattress include a wide array of symptoms (discussed below) with chronic back pain and allergies being the most brutal of all.
On average, mattresses must be changed about every eight to ten years. If they’re overused beyond the recommended period of use, they’re likely to become a host of dust mites, bed bugs, and whatnot. Getting rid of a mattress in the US is a matter of concern for many as they find the task quite a hassle. There are rules in place for mattress disposal. Some donation centers just won’t take them. Find out what you need to know about getting rid of your old mattress. Seeking proper guidance makes every hassle easier.
Symptoms of Sleeping on an Old Mattress
Body Pain
Over time, a mattress forms indents wherever the weight is put on the most. This usually creates pain in the body from bowing into these recesses or notches. As a result, you may wake up with muscle soreness and stiffness. If you’re constantly waking up with fatigue, you might want to consider changing your mattress. Allowing these symptoms to persist can cause your pain to become chronic.
Back Pain
Back pain is the most common problem that results from using old mattresses. This also interferes with your overall sleep quality and prevents you from sleeping well. For those of you who already experience back pain from other causes, there are mattresses which are specially designed to provide more relief to back pain.
Allergies
Old mattresses accumulate debris in the form of dust and other particles which might as well be alive and breeding. Beg bugs, dust mites, and other microscopic creatures feed on the dead skin cells that you shed as a part of your body’s natural mechanism. These conditions contribute to health issues and provoke allergies in people. Not to mention, over twenty million Americans are already allergic to bed bugs. Whereas, dust mites tend to irritate your airways, possibly causing snoring and making breathing difficult.
To prevent allergens from getting into your system, it is best to dispose of your mattress every 6 to 8 years, depending on the life expectancy determined by the company.
Eczema
Poor hygiene is definitely the culprit causing eczema in many cases, but sometimes the causes are rather invisible and you may not suspect them at all. Your bed traps dust mites, pet dander, dust, pollen, and other deadly creatures and exposes them to your skin. The accumulation of all this can irritate your skin to the point you may develop eczema. You may also develop respiratory conditions as dust and pet dander itself can be a constant source of aggravation for your lungs. You may also develop respiratory conditions as dust and pet dander itself can be a constant source of aggravation for your lungs. So alongside deep-cleaning or purchasing a new mattress, it would be worth using eczema cream to speed the recovery process up.
Microorganisms
The fecal matter of microorganism is the real culprit that causes skin irritation, eye itchiness, and difficulty in breathing. Not to mention, an unhygienic pillow or mattress may also attract mold and mildew. These things build up insidiously over time and are overlooked due to their invisibility.
Replacing your mattresses on time demonstrates your commitment to cleanliness. It also carries an aesthetic benefit as it transforms your home, making it look well maintained. Not every home renovation process has to be exhausting involving construction and labor. Sometimes, the simplest changes can do the trick just fine. Doing it yourself, when it comes to home renovation, saves you a ton of money that you can spend on necessary needs such pillows, blankets, and mattresses.
Source: Unsplash | Ty Carlson