Sleepless nights are a major problem for American adults. In fact, more than one-third of adults fail to get enough sleep each night.
Though there are many factors that contribute to lack of sleep, one of the biggest contributors is the mattress they’re trying to fall asleep on.
When your bed is in good condition, it makes it easy to fall asleep and wake rested every day. So, how can you tell if it’s time to start looking for a new mattress?
Here are a few key signs that will tell you when to replace a mattress.
1. You Can’t Remember the Last Time You Bought a Bed
High-quality mattresses are able to last for years at a time, but they won’t last forever. Think about how old your mattress is. If you can remember going to the store and picking one out in the last few years, your mattress probably still has a bit of life left.
However, if you can’t remember how long it’s been since you bought your mattress, it’s time to look into a replacement.
Old beds can still be comfortable, but the older they get, the less supportive they’ll be. Over time, you may notice a decrease in your sleep quality every night. In this case, the only way to improve the quality of your sleep is to replace your mattress.
Once you replace your bed with a new mattress, you’ll be more comfortable every night. Even better, you won’t have to worry about investing in a new bed for years to come.
2. You Can’t Get Comfortable at Night
Age isn’t the only contributing factor when it comes to deciding when to replace a mattress. Your comfort can also play a huge roll in the process.
Unfortunately, mattresses don’t always stay as comfortable as they were when you bought them. Sometimes, you won’t even know if they’re truly comfortable until you have a chance to sleep on them for a month or two.
If you find yourself unable to get comfortable at night and end up having trouble falling asleep, it’s time to look for a new bed. Just remember to make a note of the type of bed you currently have before you go shopping. This way, you’ll be able to avoid buying the same type of troublesome mattress that keeps you from falling asleep easily.
3. The Mattress Is Visibly Sagging
Most people sleep in the same spot every night even if they tend to move around and change positions throughout the night. That consistency can lead to sagging in certain parts of the mattress.
Though sagging beds might not seem like a huge problem, they change the way your body rests against the surface of the mattress. It can lead to serious strain on your low back, neck, and even your shoulders.
Take a look at your bed. If you notice a deep depression where you normally sleep or see that the bed is starting to sag in the middle, it’s time to replace it.
Remember, there’s no easy way to repair a sagging bed. The best thing you can do is upgrade to a new mattress. Do some research on what types of mattresses are best for back pain to get a good idea of what to look for before you make a purchase.
4. Your Bed Smells Musty or Dirty
Unless you wrap your mattress in plastic, it will absorb odors. These could be anything from dust and laundry detergent scents to body odor and allergens.
Though letting your mattress air out while you change the sheets can help reduce those odors, it won’t prevent them completely.
Think about the way your bed smells when you tuck yourself in for the night. Is there a strange musty odor? Do you constantly wake up with watering eyes and a stuffy nose?
If so, it’s time to upgrade. Once you do, those strange smells and allergy issues will be a thing of the past.
5. It Creaks With Each Movement
If you’ve been sleeping on a bed that creaks under your weight and are still asking, “when should you replace your mattress?” the answer is now. Those creaks are a surefire sign that your bed is starting to break down.
As the springs and internal supports start to lose strength, they start to make noise. Once they do, the noise will only get worse over time. For some sleepers, those noises can keep them up at night or disturb the quality of their sleep.
Pay attention to the way your bed sounds as you lay down. If it’s silent, you can likely keep the mattress for a while longer. However, if it creaks, it’s time to replace it.
6. You’re Sore in the Morning
Everyone deserves to sleep well throughout the night. This is relatively easy to do on a mattress that is in good condition and provides adequate support.
However, if you’re waking up sore every morning or discover new aches and pains waking you up throughout the night, your mattress is likely the problem.
As mattresses break down or get old, they start to trigger new pressure points on your body. Over time, those pressure points can lead to new sore muscles and increased stiffness in the morning.
Upgrading to a new mattress that supports your body the way you need it to will get rid of those aches and pains once and for all. You’ll end up waking up rested, relaxed, and ready to start your day.
Now You Know When to Replace a Mattress
You deserve to sleep well each night and knowing when to replace a mattress is the first step toward helping you get the sleep you need. Watch for these telltale signs with your bed.
If you notice even a single one, it may be time to start looking at new mattresses. Once you replace your old one, you’ll be able to sleep better and more restfully every night.
Looking for more tips and tricks to help you and your family improve the quality of your sleep? Check out our latest posts.
