Keep up late, and sleep deprivation will keep you down. Sleep deprivation is tied to seven leading causes of death in the United States, including heart disease and diabetes. 

But there are things you can do to create good-quality and healthy sleep. Buying a firm mattress can help you sleep easily, yet you shouldn't rush out to the store just yet. You need to think about how a firm mattress affects your sleep.

How can your mattress impact your spine and pain during and after your sleep? How can you determine the firmness of a mattress? What do you have to do besides finding the right mattress? 

Answer these questions and you can keep your health up with great sleep. Here is your quick guide.

Spinal Alignment 

Your spinal alignment can impact your sleep quality significantly. A misaligned spine can cause pain, even in the middle of the night. It can affect your posture, preventing you from lying down properly. 

The firmness of your mattress impacts how your spine aligns. A firm mattress can help keep your spine straight, while a soft mattress can make your spine sag. Yet getting a very firm mattress can put pressure on your vertebrae and push them out of line.

Your sleep position affects your spinal alignment just as much as your mattress does. Sleeping on your stomach can put pressure on your spine and back muscles. Lying on your side supports the contours of your spine without overextending your muscles.

A medium-firm mattress may be your best option to keep your spine straight. But it is not enough to buy a mattress. You should tuck pillows under your stomach or between your knees to help align your spine.

Pain

Spinal alignment is one factor that contributes to pain while sleeping. A soft mattress can stretch your neck out because the center of the mattress sags under your weight. 

But a firm mattress can push against your shoulders and head. If you sleep on your side, you may pin your arm between your mattress and your body. This can cause you to wake up in the middle of the night. 

A medium-firm mattress will not provide as much pressure on your body while holding firm under your weight. You can do some small things to achieve a decrease in pain.

Consider performing some stretches before bed. Doing a bear hug can stretch the muscles of your upper back and minimize your pain. 

If you experience chronic pain and do not awaken refreshed, you may have a medical condition causing your symptoms. You should talk to your doctor about your symptoms, including any emotional or psychological ones.

Degrees of Firmness

Not all medium-firm mattresses are made alike. Some mattress companies have metrics to rank the firmness of their products.

Before you buy any mattress, you should look at the metric to see what it means. In general, you should try to find a mattress with a ranking between five and seven. This will give you enough firmness to support your back without being too tough on your joints. 

The best way for you to find the right firmness is to test out mattresses. Go to a store and lie down on different products. 

Don't abandon a mattress just because it feels a little uncomfortable. Try adjusting your position, bedding, and pillows. If you can't find a comfortable arrangement, you can then find a different mattress.

Don't discount a mattress because the company describes it as "soft" or "firm." Give it a shot and see if it works for you. Descriptions and metrics are baselines, and the only way to know if a mattress is good is to test it.

Mattress Materials

The firmness of a mattress comes through construction and materials. Most mattresses are made with foam. A mattress may contain several kinds of foam, which can help improve stability.

If you are looking for a medium-firm mattress, you should opt for a mattress made primarily with memory foam. Memory foam is made with flexible materials that adapt to your body through time. Your body weight will be evenly distributed across the mattress, creating maximum support for your body. 

Foam mattresses tend to last several years. They can get worn out and lose their elasticity. 

If you want a very durable mattress, you can try a latex mattress. Latex is flexible, but it resists wear and tear better than foam. You can find natural latex mattresses made with organic materials. 

Bedding and Accessories

A firmer mattress is one tool you can use to get quality sleep. Bedding can help you remain comfortable and support your back. 

The most important tools besides your mattress are pillows. As with mattresses, you can find memory foam pillows that adjust to your head through time.

You should find a mattress protector that goes over the top of your mattress. It can reduce the temperature under your sheets and prevent your body from damaging the mattress. 

A blanket should cover your body without restricting your movements. You can use a traditional blanket, but a weighted blanket can be more comfortable. It can offer support to your shoulders while keeping you warm at night. 

Find a Firmer Mattress

A firmer mattress is a great tool for increased sleep. You should find a mattress that keeps your spine straight. You should avoid one that can put too much pressure on limbs and joints.

A medium-firm mattress will offer just enough support for alignment. Yet you need to find the right materials. You should opt for memory foam, including in your pillows.

Test mattresses out before you buy them. When in doubt, talk to your doctor for sleep tips. 

Don't go far for great mattresses. Nest Bedding provides premium mattresses at affordable prices. Browse our collections today.