While there are numerous causes of back pain, sleeping on an old, worn-out mattress can certainly be one of them.
Here is a list of signs that your mattress may be causing or contributing to your back pain and consequently decreasing the quality of your sleep:
You Wake Up Frequently During the Night
If you wake up frequently during the night without an obvious reason, your mattress could be contributing to the problem. An old mattress may lose its ability to provide the support and comfort your body needs, making it harder to stay comfortably asleep throughout the night.
You Keep Shifting Sleeping Positions
Do you consistently shift sleeping positions because you can’t get comfortable? Constant tossing and turning may be a sign that your mattress is no longer providing the support you need.
Your mattress should allow you to settle into a comfortable position without constantly adjusting throughout the night.
Pressure Points Feel Uncomfortable
Pressure points, like your shoulders and hips, can feel uncomfortable when you're sleeping on your side. An old or worn mattress may not distribute your body weight evenly, which can create uncomfortable pressure in areas that need proper support.
You Need a Pillow Under or Between Your Knees
If you regularly place a pillow under or between your knees to find relief from discomfort, your mattress may not be providing enough support.
While using a pillow can be part of a comfortable sleep setup, needing additional support every night may be worth paying attention to, especially if you also experience back discomfort.
Your Mattress Is Sagging
You may feel pushed toward the center of your bed by a sagging, unsupportive mattress. Visible dips and uneven areas are common signs that a mattress is wearing out.
When a mattress can no longer properly support your body, it may affect your sleeping position and overall comfort. If you're noticing significant sagging, it may be time to explore new mattress options that can provide a more supportive sleep surface.
You Wake Up With Back Pain
Another potential warning sign is waking up with back pain that decreases after 20-30 minutes.
If your back feels uncomfortable when you first get out of bed but gradually feels better once you're moving, take note of how your mattress feels and whether it could be contributing to the problem.
When Should You Replace an Old Mattress?
Ultimately, mattresses should be replaced every 8-10 years to maintain a clean, supportive sleeping surface. It’s gross, but more sweat, dead skin, and dust mites accumulate over time than you’d like to believe.
If you're unsure whether the age and condition of your mattress mean it's time to replace your mattress, look at the warning signs above. Sagging, discomfort, frequent waking, and changes in how you feel when you wake up can all be reasons to take a closer look at your current mattress.
Choosing a New Mattress
If your mattress is showing several of these signs, replacing it may be a worthwhile investment in your sleep setup. Before making a purchase, a mattress buying guide can help you understand what to consider when choosing a new mattress, including comfort, support, and the features that matter most to you.
And if your current mattress is still in good condition, proper maintenance can help you get more use out of it. Following a few mattress care tips can help keep your mattress clean and comfortable and may help extend its lifespan.
If you’re suffering from back pain, use the list above to evaluate whether your mattress could be worsening the problem.
