When you're not sleeping well, every area of your life suffers.
It's crucial to get a good night's sleep every night.
There are many different factors that play into how well you sleep, but one of the biggest ones is right beneath you.
Mattresses can make the difference between a restful sleep and an uncomfortable night of tossing and turning.
Sometimes the best way to fix poor sleep habits is to purchase a new bed.
This guide helps you sort through all your options to find the best one for you.
Your body needs to lay on material that is a good balance between firm and soft.
Ideal mattresses provide support to your body with your head, shoulders, buttocks and heels in proper alignment, while allowing your spine the proper curvature.
If you experience lower back pain, you'll typically want to go with a material that's slightly on the firmer side.
When testing bedding that fits the above criteria, you'll want to bring your pillow from home to replicate your normal sleeping conditions.
Spend about 15 minutes in the bed, trying out all the positions in which you'd naturally sleep.
If you're looking at innerspring mattresses with coil springs individually enclosed inside, keep in mind that more coils don't always make for a more comfortable bed, just as the most expensive bed isn't always the best.
Most people can find an innerspring that fits their physical needs, and they come in a wide variety of prices to fit most budgets as well.
Latex is another option.
These are firm and they provide your body with a lot of support and comfort.
Latex is great for people with back pain, so if you wake up sore every morning you may want to check out latex bedding.
Memory foam beds are known for superior comfort because they conform to the natural shape of your body.
Memory foam is a great option for couples who constantly wake each other up.
Since the foam absorbs movement, you're less likely to feel when your partner rolls over.
These are a great option for people with chronic pain or fatigue.
While they come with different types of mattresses, adjustable beds are an option to consider.
These have become increasingly popular with couples who prefer different sleeping conditions.
With an adjustable bed, you don't have to commit to one position.
You can raise or lower yourself to get in and out, to watch TV, or to sleep in different positions that work best for your body.
Some types of mattresses are better for certain health problems, so you may want to ask your doctor for a recommended type.
Ultimately, you should listen to your body when picking out your new bed because your entire quality of life can be affected by how well you're sleeping at night.