Sleep & Mattresses

by John J Collins, DC

Sleep

Everyone knows the important role that sleep plays in keeping us healthy. I won't go into why good sleep is important, as this is explained in so many other sites on the internet. I will say one important thing about sleep: If you regularly (most of the time) need an alarm clock to wake up and start your day, then you are chronically sleep-deficient! I repeat: If you regularly need to use an alarm to get up and start your day, then you are chronically sleep-deficient! It is harming your health. You will eventually pay a health price for this chronic lack of sleep. You must make a change! Do it as soon as possible. The reasons for poor sleep are many, but the easiest thing to change is to simply go to bed earlier than you have been. Give it a try!

Mattresses

We chiropractors get asked about mattresses a lot. My basic advice is this: Your mattress plays a VERY important role in restoring and maintaining good health. We spend 1/3rd of our lives on our mattresses, so the importance of one's mattress should not be underestimated! Proper care and attention should be given when purchasing to make sure your mattress is adequate (at least) or optimal (ideally). I do not believe that there is one type of mattress design that is superior for most people. Ideally, when buying a mattress, you should try at least a half dozen models. Lay quietly on it and feel the mattress for 5-10 minutes. How does it feel? It shouldn't feel too soft and it shouldn't feel too firm. Don't let salespeople's talk sway you too much. It can be tempting to believe their entire sales pitch (especially if you suffer from chronic back or neck pain). Please take what they say with a healthy dose of skepticism, because while they may give some good information, it is primarily a 'sales pitch'. The number one factor to consider is this: HOW DOES THE MATTRESS FEEL TO YOU?! Everything else is secondary. Another important factor is price. Only you know what your budget is! My main advice here is to not go too cheap when it comes to mattresses, you will probably regret it. But don't assume that the most expensive mattress is the best one for you, it probably isn't. Make sure there is a good moneyback guarantee. If you are in the market for a mattress, I wish you good luck! I hope you find my advice helpful.

Here Is One Reputable Mattress Company

While I don't believe there is a 'scientifically-proven' superior mattress manufacturer, I believe some are better than others. The American Chiropractic Association has reviewed and "endorsed" about 10 different mattress brands, click here to see the list of companies. Personally, I am concerned about whether the materials and methods of contruction are environmentally-conscious. Also, I personally prefer products that are made or assembled locally, as opposed to being shipped half way around the world. Among the many mattress companies, Saatva is (to the best of my knowledge) one company that makes high-quality, thoughtfully-sourced mattresses in the USA. Since I am a member of the American Chiropractic Association, I have made an arrangement with Saatva that allows you to receive a 15% discount (just click on the word Saatva, or click the photos or link below and get a 15% discount!

Click here or on photos above to shop for Saatva Products and get 15% off.