During the winter of 2006 a study was released following a 56 day analysis involving 59 men and women. These men and women were asked to sleep on their current mattresses for 28 consecutive days and record their perceived back pain, discomfort, stiffness, and sleep quality. After the intial 28 day analysis, subjects were asked to sleep on new beds and again record for the same information. Scientific analysis found that new medium-firm mattresses were beneficial across the board, regardless of the participant’s age, weight, or sex. The study also found that sleep improvement increased as more time passed. Does this mean that medium-firm mattresses are the right choice for everyone? Of course not, but more customers choose medium-firm mattresses that any other type. “In a 3-month period, about one-fourth of U.S. adults experience at least 1 day of back pain. It is one of our society’s most common medical problems (NIAMS).” As we age, back pain increases as our abdominal and back muscles weaken, as weight is gained, and physical activity is reduced. For all of you out there sleeping on old mattresses, mattresses that have become too soft with wear and no longer have support, it may be time to look into getting a new mattress.
NIAMS. “Handout on Health: Back Pain.” National Institute if Arthritis and Musculoskeletal an Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Back_Pain/default.asp#2
Jacobson, Bert. H., Wallace, T., Gemmell, H. Subjective Rating of Perceived Back Pain, Stiffness, and Sleep Quality Following Introduction of Medium-Firm Bedding Systems. Journal of Chriopractic Medicine. 2006 (Winter), 5(4): 128-134.
