Does Your Back Hurt After You Sleep On Your New Mattress?
When you shift to a fresh mattress, it’s common to experience some short-term back discomfort as your body adapts. Don’t worry; this is usual. However, there are ways to make the adjustment smoother. Consider adding a mattress topper on your new mattress, choosing the correct pillows, and incorporating regular stretching into your routine. These steps can ease the transition and help you sleep better.
Investing in a top-notch mattress is a great step toward better sleep. However, when you change to a brand new mattress that offers excellent lumbar support and brand-new components, it might take a bit of time for your body to adjust. In fact, it’s completely normal to feel some slight back discomfort initially.
Want to know why this happens and how your new mattress might connect to back pain? Keep reading to get the scoop.
Why does sleeping on an absolutely new mattress cause back pain?
There are many key reasons that explain why a firm, brand-new mattress might cause some discomfort in your back. Let’s dig into them.
Adjustment Period
Switching from an old, poor/unsupportive mattress to a brand-new, high quality supportive one involves a bit of an adjustment period. You see, if you’ve been snoozing on a not-so-great mattress for a long time, your body gets accustomed to it, even if it’s not doing wonders for your back. Now, when you transition to a more supportive mattress, it might not feel super comfy right away, even though it’s much better for your back.
It’s similar to when you straighten up after slouching for a while – it feels a bit strange at first. But that is exactly what happens when you change from an old saggy mattress to a new one that can help your spine stay in a healthy, straight line.
Being patient during this adjustment is well worth it. A fresh mattress brings better support, which means improved alignment for your spine. And here’s the cool part: research shows that when your spine stays in a nice, straight line while you sleep, you’re likely to experience less back pain.
There’s even a study that found folks with severe back pain who switched to a mattress designed for their sleep position felt better right away.
Another study showed that when people with mattresses over five years old got new ones, they had less back pain, slept better, and felt less stressed. Plus, a good mattress helps you sleep soundly and a proper night’s sleep helps your body to heal and recover. So, hang in there; it’s all about feeling better in the end!
Break in time
Think of your new mattress like a new pair of shoes – it needs a little time to break in. The springs and foams might feel stiff at first, but don’t worry; they’ll gradually soften up and start molding to your body. That’s a good thing; it means the mattress is working.
In case your new mattress feels a tad too hard at the start, you can try sleeping on a mattress topper till it gets more comfy.
And don’t forget about your pillows. The right ones can really help during this break-in period and can even keep back pain away long after your mattress is fully broken in. So, it’s all about finding that perfect combo for a great night’s sleep!
• For a back sleeper – Put a little pillow under your knees. This trick supports your lower back and can help reduce any back discomfort while you snooze.
• For a side sleeper – If you like sleeping on your side, hug a simple body pillow when you snooze. It gives some extra support to your upper arm as well as upper knee, which helps keep your spine nice and straight as you rest.
• For a stomach sleeper – If you’re a tummy sleeper, consider changing your sleep position. It might sound tough, but it can be a big help. If you can’t make the switch, put a pretty flat pillow under your tummy. This can lift your pelvis a bit and ease the strain on your lower back. A small change can make a big difference in your comfort!
A simple stretching routine can do wonders to soothe your back pain caused by your fresh mattress.
Think about it: we spend a lot of time hunched frontward while sitting, so it’s essential to counter that. Try leaning your head backward, placing your hands on your lower back, and arching your back gently. Another good move is to pull your knees up to your chest before you hop out of bed. These stretches can help your back feel more comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long it takes for your back to get used to a new mattress?
Well, it’s typically around 2 to 4 months. That’s why lots of mattress companies give you a trial period of a minimum 90 days. It’s like a test run for your mattress. This way, you’ve got all the time you need to adjust to the new feel and let your body get comfy on the fresh sleeping surface.
What do I do if the new mattress causes me back trouble?
No worries! You can try using a mattress topper. It’s like a comfy foam layer, usually about one to three inches thick, that you put on top of your mattress. It’s a quick fix to add some extra coziness to your bed and make it gentler on your back.
