80% of shoppers spend less than two minutes trying out beds on which they will spend up to a third of their life, but ensuring you are sleeping on a quality mattress is important for maintaining good back health.

Back pain can often be eased simply by making a few adjustments to the way you sleep. Follow these top tips for a better night.

Choosing a Mattress

Mattresses and pillows wear out over time, and research has shown that people with uncomfortable beds sleep on average one hour less each night than people with comfortable beds.

Everyone is different and you should test a variety of mattresses until you find one that is comfortable for you and your spine. The spine has a natural, double S-shape and when forced in an unnatural position by an unsupportive bed this can cause pain and discomfort.

Recommended by over 30,000 Medical Professionals worldwide, TEMPUR® Mattresses are made from a unique pressure-relieving material which moulds to the exact shape and position of the body. The unique material supports the spine in the correct position, which doesn’t just help protect the back and ease pain for those who are sufferers of back pain, arthritis or sciatica, but also helps to prevent future musculoskeletal problems.

A Comfortable Sleeping Position

A position that is comfortable for one person may not be comfortable for another, therefore you should try different positions until you find one that suits you. Generally, it is advised that back pain sufferers should not sleep on their stomachs as this can place strain on the spine.

On your back
If you sleep on your back, try placing a pillow under the knees and under your neck for additional support. It is very important to keep the spine aligned, therefore consider a pressure-relieving mattress, or on a conventional mattress use as many pillows as necessary to keep your spine level.

On your side
If you tend to sleep on your side, you should bend your knees, and many back pain sufferers find that placing a pillow between the knees can be helpful.

On your front

This may be the most comfortable way to sleep if you have a disc problem in your lower back. A small pillow placed under your hips and stomach may help.

Getting In and Out of Bed
When suffering with back pain, it can also help to consider the simple routine of getting in and out of bed.

Ensure your movements are slow and gradual so as not to risk making your back pain worse. To get into bed:

• Sit on the side of the bed with your palms resting on the mattress
• Then slowly lower your body sideways and simultaneously raise your legs so you end up lying flat on your side
• Use your hands and then your forearms to ease your movements from sitting to lying and then you can move into your favourite sleeping position

Just reverse the movement to get back out of bed again, ensuring that you avoid putting stress on the back at all times.