Sleeptastic

According to the Better Sleep Council (BSC), in 2006, at least 32 percent of Americans were losing sleep at least one night per week. The study also stated that 65 percent of Americans claimed they were losing sleep due to stress, and 16 percent reported insomnia related to stress. BSC's recommendations for a better night's sleep include establishing a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding stimulants such as caffeine before bedtime, and purchasing a mattress and pillows that are comfortable and support the body.

Mattresses have come a long way since the days of the pioneer, when rough ticks were filled with straw. Not only were these primitive mattresses uncomfortable, but they were also very attractive to insects, mice, and other unsavory creatures. While the innerspring mattress, introduced in 1871, was a giant leap forward in terms of comfort and cleanliness, many people find that they still toss and turn--and don't get the sleep they need each night.

People who sleep on traditional innerspring mattresses often complain of aches and pains that actually worsen after a "good" night's sleep. This could be because innerspring mattresses are not designed to properly support the body and can help exacerbate uncomfortable "pressure points." People who have "slept wrong" on their necks or joints may be sleeping on the wrong mattresses. Memory foam mattresses, on the other hand, offer several benefits that traditional mattresses do not.

Space-Age Materials for a Heavenly Night’s Sleep

Memory foam mattresses are typically made from visco-elastic polyurethane foam. NASA developed this material to help combat G-force pressure in space. This material distributes pressure evenly across its surface, which also made it a viable--albeit expensive--choice for invalids who were candidates for bed sores. Today, the technology to create visco-elastic polyurethane foam has become far less expensive. In fact, a memory foam mattress is typically $400-500, on par with a traditional luxury mattress.

The major benefit of a memory foam mattress is that it can precisely conform to the sleeper's body, eliminating pressure points and cradling the body comfortably. This is because visco-elastic memory foam is sensitive to temperature. It warms to the touch of the sleeper's body and softens accordingly, allowing his or her body to sink into the bed. However, the surrounding material remains cool and firm, offering support and increased comfort. Most importantly, the head, neck, and spine are kept in perfect alignment. Because the sleeper is so well supported, he or she can drift into a deep sleep without interruption.

Memory Foam Mattresses Offer Custom Options

Many memory foam mattresses include two layers of supportive, high-density foam. Each layer offers a different rate of density (for example, "firm" or "extra firm"). These layers are stacked under the memory foam layer and can be switched to increase or decrease the desired level of support.

Although memory foam mattresses are a vast departure from old-fashioned innerspring models, they are similar in terms of size and shape. These mattresses are available in twin, double, queen, king, or California king sizes and can be used with traditional sheets. Unlike innerspring mattresses, however, these mattresses do not need to be flipped every few months to ensure even wear.

Also, unlike traditional mattresses, memory foam mattresses are resistant to dust mites. The average innerspring mattress can house 100,000 to 10,000,000 dust mites, which can aggravate allergies. This is another reason the medical community has embraced memory foam mattress technology.

Alternatives to Memory Foam Mattresses

For those who are loath to spend the money on a new mattress--or those who wish to "test drive" visco-elastic foam before making the commitment--memory foam toppers are also available. These toppers can be placed on top of traditional mattresses--like mattress pads--yet offer benefits similar to memory foam mattresses. These toppers can be found at about half the price of memory foam mattresses.

Doctors recommend about eight hours of sleep each night--that means people spend about a third of their lives in bed! With this in mind, a quality mattress isn't a luxury; it's a basic requirement. Many retailers offer warranties on their mattresses. For example, Sleepstastic.com offers a 10-year warranty on its MemSleep mattresses. For additional convenience, this online retailer offers free shipping to the 48 contiguous states.