Don't Lose Sleep Over Your Mattress in the New Year Study shows a new mattress may reduce back pain
ALEXANDRIA, VA, January 20, 2004— Still waking up in 2004 with an aching
back and not quite feeling like yourself? A new study published in the British
medical journal, The Lancet suggests your mattress may be the cause.
A Spanish study of more than 300 individuals with chronic lower-back pain
tested if mattress firmness improved or exacerbated participants’ symptoms.
Participants that previously slept on both very-firm and medium-firm mattresses,
were asked to sleep on new, very-firm and medium-firm mattresses for 90 days.
Both test groups confirmed they experienced an improvement in their level of
pain. Partners of those experiencing back pain also experienced improvement
as well.
“This study demonstrates that replacing your mattress may help alleviate
lower back pain and thereby improve your quality of life,” said Nancy
Shark, executive director of The Better Sleep Council. “It is important
consumers recognize that they have the ability to start each day with a good
night’s sleep by finding out what mattress is right for them.”
Choosing the Right Bed for You
The Better Sleep Council has a number or resources for consumers to assist
them in buying a new mattress, including this Web site: www.bettersleep.org.
The new site offers a test that mattress shoppers can take to help them evaluate
their sleep patterns and mattresses, as well as a Better Sleep Guide, which
outlines additional factors consumers should consider when deciding if it is
time to buy a new mattress.
Consumers wanting to determine if it is time to shop for a new mattress should
consider the following when evaluating their existing mattress:
Do you wake up with pain, stiffness, or soreness?
Do you sleep as well as you did a year ago?
Did you have your best night’s sleep somewhere other than your own bed?
Does your mattress show visible signs of wear and tear?
If you answer “yes” to any of the above, it may be time to consider
buying a new mattress.
The Better Sleep Council has also developed the SLEEP
Test to help individuals evaluate which new mattress is the appropriate purchase
for them.
Select a mattress. Lie down in sleep position. Evaluate the level of comfort and support. Educate yourself about each selection. Partners should shop together.
“The Lancet study confirms what many consumers have known for years
- investing in the right mattress is an investment in your health,” Shark added. “In
the new year, resolve to take the time to consider if you are getting the best
night’s sleep possible on your current mattress.”
Spokespersons from the Better Sleep Council are available for comment regarding
the importance of getting a good night’s sleep and the role a proper
mattress plays. Please contact Katie Fouts at 202.828.8828 or foutsk@fleishman.com for
more information.
For more information on the study, or to request a full copy of the article,
please contact The Lancet directly at USLancetCS@elsevier.com or
visit the Lancet Medical Journal web site at www.thelancet.com.
Please visit http://www.bettersleep.org to download a free copy of the 16-page Better Sleep Guide, or for a free copy
send your request to P.O. Box 19534, Alexandria, VA 22320.
