Why Can’t I Get Comfortable In My Bed?
A good mattress will support your body, relieve pressure, and help you get a good night’s sleep. However, you may have noticed that your comfy bed has become harder to snuggle into. But is the discomfort because of the day’s events, or is there something wrong with your mattress?
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why can’t I get comfy in my bed at night?”, this article is for you. Read on to learn why your bed has suddenly become uncomfortable, and what you can do to change this.
Why Is My Bed So Uncomfortable All Of A Sudden?
Your bed is uncomfortable due to a variety of reasons which include your sleep environment and your mattress. Here are common reasons and what to do about it.
Dirty Bedding
Dust, mites, and mold can cause itching and sneezing, disrupting your sleep. Routinely wash and change our beddings to remove these particles, breathe easier at night, and sleep more comfortably.
Temperature Differences
Do you find yourself reaching for a thicker blanket or tossing off covers in the middle of the night? If your room is too hot or too cold, this may be disturbing your sleep.
The recommended temperature for sleep is 66 to 69 degrees Fahrenheit, but it varies from person to person. Check your thermostat and adjust it as needed. Also, consider getting a thicker blanket for colder weather and a thinner one for the summer.
Pillow Issues
Your pillow may not be giving your head and neck enough support, making you toss and turn at night. Choose the right pillow for your sleeping style so the upper part of your body is comfortably aligned.
If you’re a back sleeper, choose a soft and flat pillow. Side sleepers need a firmer pillow to keep the side of their head comfortably elevated. Stomach sleepers need very thin pillows so their faces don’t feel muffled – they can even sleep cozily without a pillow!
Purple offers the Harmony pillow that provides breathable comfort with support that never falls flat.
Wrong Mattress Firmness
An uncomfortable mattress is the biggest enemy of sleep. Even if you’ve comfortably settled into your bed at night, you may find yourself tossing and turning later on if your mattress doesn’t cradle and support your body.
Many people think that a soft, cushy mattress can help them sleep more soundly, but it may not provide enough support for their body’s pressure points. Despite a soft mattress’ plush surface, it can end up giving you aches and pains in the morning if it doesn’t suit your sleeping position.
If your mattress is fairly new but you still have problems sleeping, the firmness level and mattress type may be responsible. Ask your preferred mattress manufacturer which mattress type is best for your sleeping style – for example, a hybrid mattress is best for those who sleep hot or shift positions throughout the night.
Purple offers mattresses for all sleeping positions and a variety of firmness levels from more soft to more firm. Check out our mattresses to see which one best fits your needs.
Old, Worn Mattress
Maybe your mattress used to cradle your body comfortably, but, over the years, it’s become less cozy. This is a sign that your mattress is too worn to provide support while you’re sleeping.
Mattresses typically have a lifetime of seven to ten years – if you’ve had yours for longer than this, it’s probably time to replace your mattress.
Why Does My Bed Feel Better In The Morning?
Your bed feeling better and comfier in the morning can be due to melatonin, the hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycles. Our bodies produce melatonin right before and during sleep, making us feel restful and relaxed.
As soon as we wake up, our bodies stop making melatonin. However, melatonin takes time to dissipate, so there are still traces of it in our bodies in the morning – this is why we feel so relaxed and comfy upon waking and want to stay a little longer in bed.
Simple Tips To Improve Your Sleep Hygiene & Maximize comfort
Making significant changes to your sleeping environment can make your bed comfortable again. Take it a step further and make it easier to drift off with proper sleep hygiene. Sleep hygiene refers to good sleep habits and behaviors that promote a good night’s sleep.
Below are some things you can do to help you sleep better at night and hit the ground running the next day.
Room Temperature
Have a consistent room temperature that is comfortable for you. Recommended sleep temperature is 66- 69 degrees fahrenheit.
Choosing The Right Pillow
Choosing the right pillow can make all the difference. This keeps your head and neck in alignment, which allows your neck muscles to relax.
Cut Your Screen Time
Many people scroll endlessly online while waiting to fall asleep. However, this late-night doomscrolling might actually be delaying your sleep, as the light from our computers and mobile devices can disrupt our body’s production of melatonin.
At night, keep your cellphone or other mobile devices off or away from your bed for at least an hour before going to sleep. Be mindful and avoid the temptation to scroll. Over time, your body will adjust and you’ll fall asleep sooner.
Reduce And Time Your Caffeine Intake
Caffeine takes approximately eight hours to leave your body, so that mid-afternoon cup of joe may be keeping you from falling asleep at night. As a result of falling asleep later, you’ll wake up feeling groggy and sleep-deprived. This is a vicious cycle that’ll have you reaching for more caffeinated beverages, like coffee or tea, just to keep you going through the day.
Limit your caffeine consumption to morning hours – this ensures that you won’t feel buzzed and unable to sleep by bedtime. Consider gradually reducing your caffeine consumption as well, such as going from two cups to just one cup of coffee a day.
Set A Consistent Bedtime
You may find your bed much comfier in the morning because your body doesn’t recognize that you should be awake already. This usually happens if you don’t have a consistent bedtime and wake-up time.
By waking up at roughly the same time every day, you train your body’s internal clock to “kick in” naturally as this hour approaches. Over time, your body will adapt, allowing you to hit the ground running as soon as you wake up.
Set an alarm to remind you of when you need to start your bedtime routine. Give yourself one or two hours before you need to be asleep to wind down, if you need to fall asleep by midnight to get your eight hours, get ready for bed by 10 p.m. or 11 p.m.
Don’t Eat Too Close To Bedtime
Food activates your digestive system. If you eat a meal late at night, your muscles will be too busy metabolizing your food instead of resting – this may make it harder for you to fall asleep. However, this doesn’t mean that you should skip dinner because your body still needs fuel to repair itself as you sleep.
Experts suggest eating a heavier lunch earlier in the day, then eating a lighter dinner. This gives your body the fuel it needs and keeps the hunger pangs away while also allowing you to digest your food fully before bed. This reduces digestive strain on your body and will prevent you from sleeping in.
Try Light Stretching And Meditation
If you have problems sleeping, a little light stretching might help you doze off more quickly. Stretching improves your blood flow, which helps your body release the tension it’s built up throughout the day. This will help you relax and settle into your bed comfortably.
Meditation is another pre-bedtime practice that can help you nod off faster. We often have trouble going to sleep right away because we’re preoccupied with the day’s events or random thoughts, but meditation can help you clear your mind from distractions. Some meditation apps even offer guided meditations designed to calm racing thoughts and help you fall asleep faster.
Get A Good Night’s Sleep On A Clean, Comfy Mattress
Poor sleep can leave you tired and aching in the morning, unable to focus on the day ahead. Improving your sleep quality is a sound investment in your physical and mental wellbeing.
If your bed doesn’t feel comfy, there’s a strong chance that your mattress isn’t relieving your body’s pressure points. Save yourself the sleepless nights and replace your mattress with the right one for your sleeping style. With plenty of support, you’ll wake up well-rested and be less likely to dawdle in bed.