Looking to prove that mattresses have a positive impact on long term health

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Looking to prove that mattresses have a positive impact on long term health

Hello and thank you for submitting your request regarding whether mattresses have a positive impact on a person's long term health. The short answer to your question is that the mattresses can have a positive impact on long term health by reducing overall stress and decreasing pain, both of which can impact the quality and duration of sleep. In addition, the quality of sleep and duration can directly impact long-term health issues. Below you will find a deep dive of my research.

METHODOLOGY

To research your question, I first considered the impact that sleep, or the lack thereof, would have on long-term health. From there, I considered how mattresses impact the quality of sleep, thus having an impact on long-term health and well-being. I consulted websites from universities or well-known medical sites for my research.

Finally, to address the comment in your intended use section of this research about sleeping on floors, I did perform an internet search for any relevant studies that addressed this. My findings were limited with respect to university or medical studies; therefore I included a brief commentary based on other sources found.

Based upon the findings, the focus of the research below was primarily on the impact of mattresses on long-term health.

IMPACT OF SLEEP ON LONG-TERM HEALTH

Quality of sleep has been shown to impact a person's long term health. Below are a few examples of studies that tested various aspects of sleep quality with long-term health issues.

A study conducted by the University of Copenhagen with 35,000 participants found that maintaining a good night's sleep makes it easier to maintain healthier lifestyles. Participants who maintained consistent sleep patterns and consistent sleep duration were less likely to engage in adverse lifestyle changes, such as physical inactivity, smoking, and increases in alcohol consumption.

Other studies exist as well showing correlations between quality of sleep and related health issues. These include;

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine posted an article that young adults, aged 17 - 24, were twice as likely to experience mental distress if they obtained less than 6 hours of sleep each night. In their study, the risk of psychological distress increased 14% for each hour of nightly sleep loss.

The Mayo Clinic reports a correlation between lack of sleep and weight gain. Sleeping less than five hours or more than nine hours per night can impact weight gain in adults and children. In their article, women who slept less than six hours or more than nine hours per night gained an average of 11 pounds. Recurring sleep deprivation in men appeared to result in men increasing their intake of higher-calorie foods.

In an article posted on WebMD, the European Heart Journal reviewed correlations between heart disease and sleep in 15 medical studies that included almost 475,000 participants.
In their review, they found that short sleepers (less than six hours of sleep each night) had almost a 48% increased risk of developing or dying from coronary heart disease within 7 to 25 years. They also noted that lack of sleep increased the risk of stroke by 15%.

The article also notes a University of Chicago study finding a link between lack of sleep and increased coronary arterial calcification, which ultimately would lead to coronary artery disease. Lack of sleep also increases the insulin resistance, which can contribute to developing Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Based on the cases and articles above, quality and duration of sleep appeared to have a direct impact on long-term health.

IMPACT OF MATTRESSES ON SLEEP HABITS

If sleep quality and duration affects long-term health, what impact can mattresses have on sleep quality and, potentially, duration? Below are some specific studies that were conducted that evaluating different aspects of mattresses and sleep quality.

In a study titled "Effects of Interface Pressure Distribution on Human Sleep Quality", the impact of differences in pressure distribution in mattresses as they relate to sleep quality were investigated. The results of this study found that sleep quality increased when there was an appropriate distributed interface pressure, versus over-concentrated pressure or over-even distribution.

Some specific results from the study found;
a) Patients with back pain and sleep disorders reported that they slept better with mattresses made of foam and latex.
b) Sleep quality increased when participants slept on mattresses with comfortable temperatures, as opposed to high temperatures (which can result in memory foam mattresses).
c) Observations of participants sleeping on mattresses with an appropriate distributed interface pressure, as opposed to over-concentrated or over-even distribution, had an increase in duration of non-rapid eye movement in stages 3 and 4 of their sleep, as well as fewer micro-arousals. This appears to indicate a higher quality of sleep.

Another study titled "Effects of an adapted mattress in musculoskeletal pain and sleep quality in institutionalized elders" explored the correlation between sleep quality, pain, and medium-firm mattresses (MFM). In this study, the sleep habits of 40 older adults with musculoskeletal pain were observed over a period of four weeks. The results of this study found that MFM significantly reduced musculoskeletal pain and improved sleep latency.

In the study titled "The Effect of Bedding System Selected by Manual Muscle Testing on Sleep-Related Cardiovascular Functions", researchers attempt to evaluate if manual muscular testing (MMT) could predict the impact that different types of mattresses (strong bedding systems versus weak bedding systems) have cardiovascular functions. In this study, 10 participants were studied over a two week period of time, using variations of strong and weak bedding systems. The results of the study found that stronger bedding systems had a greater, positive impact on cardiovascular functions than weaker bedding systems.

In addition to the specific studies noted above, mattresses can have an impact in overall sleep quality as well. In a 2011 Sleep Foundation poll, over 92% of respondents indicated that sleeping on a comfortable mattress is important to a good night's sleep.

Respondents in a small study who slept on their existing mattresses for 28 days and then new medium firm mattresses for 28 days reported reductions in stress levels, anxiety, headaches among other factors. This reduction in stress was associated with an increased level of sleep quality and decrease in pain due to the firmness of the mattress.

SLEEPING ON THE FLOOR

Sleeping on the floor can provide some health benefits, specifically to those who have back problems. A comfortable floor can provide even support to those who have back problems and ultimately increase the quality of sleep. However, it was not recommended for those who have documented health concerns, as well as joint problems.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the quality and duration of a person's sleep habits has a direct impact on their long-term health. Sleeping on a mattress can reduce stress and decrease pain, which ultimately can impact their quality and duration of sleep. By improving the quality and duration of sleep, mattresses can make a positive impact on a person's long term health.

I hope you find this research useful. Included are the links to sources cited within the text, as well as other resources that I consulted. Thank you for using Wonder! Please consider again for any future requests.

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