Amelia Grant

When you're having trouble sleeping, your mattress might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But your body can warn you when it is time to change your mattress before you do. There are several reasons why a mattress is damaged or has to be replaced in order for you to sleep better.

Proper sleep is vital if you want to perform at your best every day. Unfortunately, our mattresses degrade with time, with no obvious indication that it's time to replace them. Mattresses don't demonstrate a lot of wear and tear. However, after years of usage, they progressively become an adversary of a good night's sleep. Here is a list of five weighty reasons to change a mattress.

1. Your mattress is more than eight years old

One of the first factors to evaluate is the age of the mattress. Most people can’t recall the last time they purchased a mattress. If you don't keep excellent records, write the date of purchase on the mattress label. It is recommended to replace mattresses every 7 to 10 years. 

Many consumers who have purchased a mattress with a 20-year guarantee may be surprised by this. You should be aware that the guarantee only covers certain parts (springs) and craftsmanship, not the general comfort of the mattress.

2. You hear unpleasant sounds

Once the springs and other mattress components begin to fail, your bed may begin to squeak and creak. Such sounds are obviously annoying and may wake you (as well as other people in the house) up at night. The source of these sounds might possibly be hidden within the bed itself. That's why it is recommended to inspect the bed before replacing the mattress. 

You might just need to tighten a few screws or replace a few damaged bed slats. If the bed is in good condition, it may be high time to get a new mattress. The squeaking is more than simply irritating. It indicates a considerable decrease in mattress quality.

3. You wake up stiff and achy

Do you wake up every morning with aches and pains? Is it necessary to wait a while before you feel your muscles have relaxed? Needless to say, this is not meant to happen, and you should not tolerate it. Sleep deprivation can exacerbate severe back pain.  

If you wake up stiff every day, your mattress might be a key factor. Aching when you wake up might be an indication that your mattress isn't giving the support and comfort you require.  If your back hurts when you wake up but relaxes when you stretch and move, it indicates that your mattress is causing or contributing to your problem.

4. Your mattress has an unpleasant odor

Even if you wash before going to bed, your body secretes oils, perspiration, and other fluids. The problem is that these liquids are easily absorbed by the soft surface of a mattress. A tiny quantity of liquid on a mattress might host a colony of bacteria or function as a breeding ground for mold and mildew, lending a musty odor to your mattress.

In addition to exacerbating asthma and allergy problems, sleeping on a foul-smelling mattress may result in bad nightmares. Because disruptive dreams are harmful to sleep, the consequences sometimes persist into the next day, causing symptoms such as brain fog, anger, and general lethargy. In a nutshell, stinky bedding, bad nightmares.

5. You have an allergic reaction to your mattress

If your allergies have worsened even though it isn't allergy season, your mattress can be a culprit since it collects dust. Dust mites might be more common in older mattresses than you might imagine.  

Though older mattresses have the largest concentration of dust mites of any object in your home, your old mattress may contain more than just dust mites. Dust mite feces, mold, germs, and other allergies may also be present. Dust mite feces can cause respiratory issues, as well as allergies and asthma attacks.