David Fesman

Do you prioritize healthy sleep habits? You spend over one-third of your life in bed, and sleep habits can have incredible, long-lasting effects on overall health and quality of life. 

So why do we still sleep on old or uncomfortable furniture? Everyone has different preferences for what they require for an optimal night’s sleep. Your bed and mattress are two of the most important investments you can make toward your overall health. For loved ones who require extra bed functionality, multiple positions, or pressure point relief, this is exponentially more important. 

In this article, we’ll cover the importance of quality sleep as well as how to select an optimal bed frame and mattress for you or a loved one’s needs. 

A night of tossing and turning does more damage than needing an extra cup of coffee the following morning. Poor sleep has significant consequences to long-term health, including: 

Getting fewer than six hours of sleep increases susceptibility of high blood pressure. Without sufficient rest, your body is unable to balance hormone levels, which increases cardiovascular risk. 

During sleep, the brain produces brain waves that preserve memory. As sleep quality deteriorates, so do neural connections and information storage. It can be more difficult to process and retain information while running on insufficient sleep. 

If you are part of the one-third of US adults who struggle with insomnia, you have a 10x higher risk of depression. Without the restorative properties of sleep, the body struggles to balance mood and stress systems. 

Almost everyone, unfortunately, has experienced feeling a little drowsy at the wheel after a night of poor sleep. In the right circumstance, poor sleep can lead to fatal or life-altering consequences. One study found that individuals with poor sleep patterns were twice as likely to die in a workplace accident than their counterparts.

Disturbed sleep is also associated with an increased risk of falls in senior populations. Falls are one of the most common risk factors among seniors, with one in five leading to a serious injury like a broken bone or head trauma. 

And that’s just the start. Poor sleep patterns lead directly to weight gain, risk of diabetes, weakened immunity, and a long list of other risks. Insufficient sleep keeps your body from the restorative process that keeps it safe and functioning optimally. 

A good right’s sleep starts with the right bed. The right bed and mattress for your needs can make an incredible difference in health outcomes. 

With proper sleep being so critical to good health, it’s important to start with the right bed. If you are bed-bound or a fall risk, bed selection can make an enormous difference in the quality of day-to-day life. You need a bed that is safe, provides adequate customization, and can be comfortable enough for a great night’s sleep. 

Two highly-configurable beds we recommend are the EasyCare® SE Hi-Low Homecare Bed and the Carroll CS7 Hi-Low Bed. These best-sellers are Hi-Low, meaning they can raise or lower with a push of a button: accommodating easy transfers, reduced caregiver strain, and more. 

Both models include auto-contour functionality, which raises both knees and head at the same time, preventing abrasion from sliding down the bed. A hand pendant can change to any number of positions with the press of a button. 

Let’s be honest: not every mattress is built the same. Consider desired mattress material, coolness, firmness, foam density, and more based on your individual needs. 

If you choose to purchase a foam mattress, take into account the important role foam density plays in mattress support and durability

Low-Density Foam: Soft, and quickly regains shape because of more air inside the material. These mattresses are cooler to sleep on and often are available at a lower price point. On the other hand, low-density mattresses are less durable. 

High-Density Foam: Packed with more material per cubic foot, high-density foam is best for durability and pressure relief. These mattresses conform to your body’s unique shape and retain heat. 

For the “best of both worlds”, we recommend the best-selling Total Care VLX Tri-layered Foam Mattress. Cooling memory foam draws away excess heat from the body while sleeping, while still offering the pressure point relief of a foam mattress. 

Don’t be afraid to look beyond traditional foam mattresses, either. There are a wide range of mattress materials that provide specific benefits. 

Foam: Foam mattresses combine pressure relief with conforming, soft material. They may run warmer than other mattress types, but provide good support for sleepers. 

Air Pressure: Designed for those who require extra care around pressure sores and back pain relief, air mattresses support blood circulation and movement without causing damage to skin or back.

We recommend the bestselling Deluxe Air LAL 2-1 Alternation Mattress or Triple Air 3-1 LAL Alternation Mattress. These low-weight mattresses give extra stability and comfort while sleeping. 

Innerspring:  Classic innerspring mattresses have an inner steel coil support system covered by a thin topper. They offer firm support at a low price, and don’t trap heat in. However, they aren’t able to conform to relieve specific pressure points. 

Gel Mattress Toppers: For those needing additional comfort, a gel mattress topper helps regulate body temperature while providing extra support. 

Choosing a bed and mattress isn’t only about finding somewhere to rest your head at night. Your bed and mattress selection can play a major role in long-term health and well-being. 

Our team of product experts at MedMart can help you find the perfect bedframe and mattress set to support deep, restful sleep no matter your needs. 

What a year 2020 has been. COVID-19 continues to change every American’s day-to-day life, and, even with the promise of new vaccines, we have a long way to go. This country has endured so much this year – from tens of millions of Americans out of work for the first time to a turbulent election cycle that dominated our news outlets for months.