Think like Goldilocks when purchasing your mattress
14/02/2012
Finding the right mattress can be an arduous task, so when you come to choosing one for yourself, think like Goldilocks did when she found herself sleepy in the three bears' home.
Contrary to what the title suggests, I am in no way advocating porridge theft or disturbing a bear's natural habitat. In fact, I am referring to a logical comparison that can be made when it came to the choice of bed in which she wanted to settle.
Goldilocks had a choice of three mattresses, and the twist in the tale came in that she chose the smallest and most intimate bed over the grand mattresses of the bigger bears. This shows that choosing a mattress is a very personal choice, and what may seem comfortable to some people may not be comfortable to you.
In this way, it is important to test different beds before making a choice. Fortunately, there are now ample amounts of mattresses to choose from that can make this a very pleasant task. There are two factors that should be weighed up when making this decision: comfort, and support.
Support is essential for keeping a good posture during the night. Neglecting this factor often leads to back pains which can last for extended periods of time, and are only exacerbated by poor sleeping positions. The common misconception is that a firm mattress is best for your back. Although this may be true in some cases, not all people benefit from using a firm mattress.
Clete Kushida, director of the Standford Centre for Human Sleep Research, advised WebMD, a leading online publication for health and medical news: "Lie on your side. If your shoulders and hips are sinking, if you feel your spine is not aligned, it’s probably too soft. If you feel pain and discomfort, it’s probably too firm."
Memory foam mattresses are often cited as being the most personal mattresses in terms of support. The material moulds to the shape of your body, resulting in a well supported posture that can be maintained throughout the night. Miracoil is also a popular choice for the back, giving you zoned support and pressure relief that enables a peaceful night's sleep.
Sleep is important for two primary reasons. The first is that it rests the body, which makes support an important element of the night. The second is that it rests the mind, which is why comfort is also very important.
Many experts believe it is the latter element that makes sleep so important. A weary brain cannot develop adequately, and can lead to a lack of productivity throughout the day fuelled by dreariness and restlessness.
Chiara Cirelli, associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin, said: "Without sleep, the brain reaches a saturation point that taxes its energy budget, its store of supplies and its ability to learn further.”
Choosing the right mattress for comfort is also a process of trial and error, and what might look like the right mattress, may not turn out to be. The Miracoil 3 Pocket 2100 mattresses provide unique spring comfort that provides comfort and support for all shapes and sizes. The springs provide support where it is needed the most, making them a very popular mattress for those who are big advocates of a comfortable night's sleep. Just like the Goldilocks dilemma, they are available in single, double, king and super king sizes with comfort layers including memory foam and latex, so evaluate which type and size will support you the most.
A further reason why sleep is important is health. Sleep deprivation has been linked with a number of health problems, such as high blood pressure and even obesity.
The moral of the story, is not to be satisfied with the first bed you lie on. Just like Goldilocks, feel free to look around before making that all important choice.
Posted by Elizabeth Mewes
