The senior years seem to be a laidback stage where our folks have the time to enjoy what they want. They have done their share in the workforce, thus deserves a secured retirement. But as much as seniors have the time and money to indulge in little luxuries, they are also prone to chronic pain. Their bodies no longer have the physical zest and they usually complain about one thing: pain after sleep. It’s one reason why the best mattress for seniors should be used.
The age of 60s and on is mired with brittle bones and muscle issues. Seniors always look for a mattress that will support their back and joints while absorbing minimal heat. And true enough, a study in the Oklahoma State University proved that a comfy mattress improved the sleep quality of those experiencing chronic pains.
For some reasons, older folks tend to easily wake up at night. And the surprising fact is that senior individuals need sleep as much as they do in their early 20s. This is why a mattress that isolates motion and with zero noise is ideal.
Why seniors have trouble sleeping
Sleep problems seem to be associated with aging. Older folks tend to wake up multiple times each night due to a variety of reasons. They may have burning joints, aching back, or other health issues. This is the reason why a small detail like choosing the right mattress is crucial. A senior would exhaust all means just to have restful nights and to sleep like a baby again.
One common condition among seniors is insomnia. It can be due to the medications they take or discomfort from various health conditions. Insomnia can also be triggered by anxiety about aging as well as the lack of the best mattress for seniors. Aside from that, there are more possible reasons why our old folks have trouble sleeping at night:
Sleep disorders
For some reasons, seniors are more prone to different sleeping problems. They could have sleep apnea or the stopping of breathing while at sleep as well as restless leg syndrome. For someone suffering from arthritis, the restless leg syndrome becomes a battle with chronic pain in the middle of the night.
Arthritis and scoliosis
These bone problems are the leading causes of chronic pain among adults. Their joints swell and it doesn’t cease even if they are in deep slumber. Scoliosis, on the other hand, strains their back and neck, especially if they don’t have the best mattress for seniors.
Fibromyalgia
This musculoskeletal disorder results in widespread chronic pain in the body. Fibromyalgia is an excruciating disease that affects about five million adults in the United States.
Delayed sleep phase
When the senior’s sleep patterns are disrupted, the body clock resets and fails to follow a specific bedtime schedule. This becomes worse as other conditions inflict discomfort to the senior.
Frequent urination
Seniors tend to pass more urine than younger people. This is due to changes on their bladder muscles where it doesn’t get totally empty, thus the frequent need to pee.
Health risk of not sleeping properly
Poor sleep or lack thereof makes nights and days tiring for seniors. It makes them more lethargic and easily exhausted. And as said earlier, seniors need enough sleep as much as they do in their younger years.
Seniors who have lingering illnesses may experience a massive decline in strength if they don’t get enough sleep. Although they have the luxury of time to sleep in the afternoon, it’s not as good as getting a nice night of deep slumber.
Also, there are suggestions that lack of sleep among seniors impact their memory. The fewer hours of sleep they get, the faster their cognitive abilities decline. Aside from this, lack of sleep also spikes the stress levels of the body which can cause tiredness and mental exhaustion. This is the reason why some seniors border to anxiety and depression.
Medical experts also found out that seniors who sleep poorly will have a higher risk of heart diseases, stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure. All these are directly related to lifespan and overall health.
And just like how sleep works for younger people, it boosts creativity and fights mood swings. For seniors, it also helps prevent obesity.
But how would seniors get a restful sleep? Believe or not, the mattress has a big role to play here.
Types of the best mattress for seniors
A lot of seniors are in denial that they need a new mattress. They don’t want to spend their hard-earned retirement money on a new bed. Although it looks expensive upfront, a new mattress with a $1,000 price tag used in a span of 7 years would only cost 40 cents per night. That’s such a cheap fee for a more comfortable doze. Here are five of the mattress types that seniors should consider when switching to a new cot:
-Memory Foam
-Air Mattress
-Innerspring mattress
-Latex mattress
-Adjustable bed mattress
MEMORY FOAM
This type of mattress is a big hit among seniors. Since the foam conforms to their body while lying down, it helps distribute weight and release pressure points. Memory foam also has an excellent motion isolation property which makes it the best mattress for seniors. However, it’s hot to sleep on if not infused with a cooling technology.
AIR MATTRESS
For seniors who are sharing the bed with their partner who has a different firmness requirement, an air mattress would be excellent. It uses separate air chambers that allow the person to customize the firmness. However, one should be careful as an improperly set up air mattress can aggravate back pain.
INNERSPRING MATTRESS
An innerspring mattress would be excellent in cushioning the body weight. However, it loses its functionality as the springs get worn out. It’s advisable to get an innerspring mattress with a layer of memory or adaptive foam.
LATEX MATTRESS
Seniors who have back pain would benefit from using a firmer latex mattress. This material usually bears the properties of memory foam but in a firmer nature.
ADJUSTABLE BED MATTRESS
Older folks who have trouble getting out of bed or lying flat on their backs would like adjustable beds. There are mattresses made specifically to suit this type.
What to consider when shopping for a mattress
As a rule of thumb, the best mattress for seniors should be firm enough to support spine alignment but still soft to cushion the weight. Take note that a lot of the members of the community are hot sleepers so a mattress with a cooling system would be excellent.
Here are some of the things to consider when you’re a senior planning to buy a new mattress:
Medical condition
Even before you dive into the commercial options, make sure that you know what your doctor recommends. For those who pee frequently, a mattress with excellent motion isolation and low nose would idea. Meanwhile, for those with arthritis and scoliosis, a conforming mattress would be best.
Firmness
The wrong mattress firmness will worsen back pain. For seniors, there is no middle ground although most of us prefer medium firmness. Always keep your sleeping position in mind. If you’re in doubt, the opinion of a chiropractor will be helpful.
Adjustability
For those with adjustable beds, an equally adjustable mattress would also be great. This will allow variation in the sleeping position.
Sleep trial
Seniors are not apt to throw away their money to inefficient mattresses. Always look for mattresses with a lavish sleep trial allowance.
Cost and warranty
A top dollar mattress doesn’t guarantee comfort. What a senior should do here is to scout many options and pick one that gives the best bang for the buck. Also, most mattresses would bear 10 years of warranty coverage.
Our picks for the best mattress for seniors
Comparison Chart
Linenspa Memory Foam and Innerspring Mattress
If your retirement budget won’t allow an expensive mattress, the Linenspa Memory Foam and Innerspring would be a saver. It is very affordable but it’s cozy enough to support body weight and minimize pressure points.
This mattress has one layer of memory foam, comfort foam, and then the innerspring. This has a medium firmness, best for those with back issues. Even if the memory foam is thinner than usual, it still conforms ideally to the body.
Seniors don’t have to worry since the innerspring is quiet and not one of those that are squeaking wildly in every move. This comes with a 10-year warranty which is already the best bargain for the price and quality.
Take note that this is a bed-in-a-box type so seniors might need help for the setup. Nevertheless, it inflates well, and if there are problems, the customer service representatives of Linenspa would be very accommodating. However, remember that this is a bit on the smaller side.
Tuft & Needle Adaptive Foam Mattress
For more support and conformity without the hot feeling, Tuft & Needle’s Adaptive foam mattress would be unbeatable. It’s not made of latex but it’s not memory foam either. This is made from the exclusive adaptive foam of T & N that help ease pressure points.
It has a medium firm which is characterized as something between not too hard and not too soft. This mattress is great for most seniors with different sleeping positions. The bounce and motion are localized on this mattress which makes it an excellent investment. It’s in the mid-range of the price ladder which isn’t really expensive as the best mattress for seniors.
Besides, you’ll get 100-night trials and 10 years of warranty. This is a bed-in-a-box so seniors would appreciate a little help with the setup. Let the foam stabilize within 72 hours for it to achieve its optimum firmness. If you want to make it a little softer, a topper would do the job.
How seniors can sleep better
Getting the right mattress is a key point here. It will ensure that your body gets the cushion that will ease pressure points and support the sensitive joints. But aside from that, there are more tips that will make nights bearable:
Limit caffeine
Some folks love coffee to the points that they will hit another cup just before bedtime. Reducing caffeine intake will help older folks doze off easily with less chance of waking up prematurely.
Comfy bedroom
One thing that sabotages the quality and duration of sleep is the disturbance present within the bedroom. As much as possible, make the bedroom conducive for sleep by blocking noise and dimming the lights.
Sticking to a specific sleep schedule
Going to bed the same time each day will help regain the circadian rhythm of the body. Waking up at the same time each morning is also imperative.
Exercising
Stretching early in the day will help improve sleep. Doing it outdoors will give the body a dose of sunlight plus it will keep the joints and muscles in check. The result? Less pain at night.
Get out of the bed
For those who are tossing and turning in bed for about 15 minutes, it’s best to get up and do something relaxing. Just avoid watching TV or using mobile gadgets. Reading a book or drinking milk would be great.
Additional sleep aids
If the chronic pain is keeping the old folk at night, it will help to utilize sleep aids like pillows and towels. Cushioning a pillow between the legs on a side sleeping position will help ease the strain on the hip and knee. Meanwhile, folded towels can be placed on the neck area for added cushion.
Keep it cool
For hot sleepers, keeping the room cool (not cold) will help during sleep. It will prevent premature waking due to sweating or discomfort.
The best mattress for seniors will help ease their night pain and discomfort. Although this is just one little aspect of sleep, it makes a difference for those have back and neck issues.
