The Importance of a Good Mattress for Your Immune System
Gemma HenryWe all know how amazing it feels to wake up refreshed after a great night's sleep. It’s the secret to better moods, clearer thinking, and overall happiness. But here’s something you might not have considered: the mattress you're sleeping on could be playing a huge role in keeping your immune system strong.
Yep, mattresses aren’t just about comfort. A good mattress is central to quality sleep, and quality sleep is essential for your immune health. Let’s break down why:
1. Sleep and your body’s defences
When we sleep, our bodies do more than just rest — they repair. This is when your immune system gets to work, producing proteins called cytokines (1) that help us to fight off infections, inflammation, and stress.
Not getting enough sleep means that your body doesn't have time to pump out these immune-boosting proteins. The knock-on effect is that it can leave you more vulnerable to catching colds, flu, or just feeling generally run down.
2. A bad mattress = poor sleep
Have you ever tossed and turned all night or woken up with a stiff back? That could well be your mattress letting you down. A bad mattress can keep you from being able to get into the deeper stages of sleep where your body really recovers. And if your sleep is constantly interrupted, your immune system doesn’t get the chance to recharge properly. Over time, all that missed sleep can add up, making you more prone to getting sick.
3. Better sleep = stronger immune system
On the opposite side of the coin, a good mattress supports your body properly, helps you fall asleep faster, and stay asleep longer. That should equate to more deep sleep and REM sleep — both of which are essential for a healthy immune system. This means that a well-rested body is better prepared to stave off viruses and infections, and even to bounce back quicker if (and when) you do get sick.
4. The allergies factor
Another reason your mattress could be messing with your immune system? Allergies. Old mattresses can collect dust mites, mould, and other allergens over time. If you’re sleeping on a mattress that triggers allergies, it can cause your immune system to work overtime, leaving you more susceptible to getting sick. Investing in a hypoallergenic or quality mattress can help you avoid these issues.
How to choose a mattress that protects your immune system
If you’re considering buying a new mattress to help you fight off illnesses this winter and beyond, you’re in the right place. At Bensons, we have a plethora of different mattress types to ensure that we are able to cater for the different needs of different sleepers.
But, if you want to be matched up with the mattress that dreams are made of, come pay us a visit! Pop into your local Bensons for Beds store for a free sleep consultation. One of our sleep experts will be on hand to help you every step of the way. Plus, our SleepPro technology is great when it comes to analysing your sleep needs and preferences too. It will have you matched up with your ideal mattress in no time at all.
For more information on the different mattress types we have here at Bensons for Beds, check out our Bed and Mattress Buying Guide. It will take you through the ins and outs of the different mattress materials and what they’re good for too.
Stay healthy this winter: our final thoughts
A good mattress is more than just a place to sleep — it's an integral part of our overall health plans too. In giving our body the support and comfort it needs, we’ll also be giving our immune system the opportunity to do its job properly. So, if you’ve been waking up a little groggy or feeling like your sleep isn’t as refreshing as it ought to be, it might be time to look at buying a new mattress. Your immune system will thank you!
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Gemma Henry - Content Lead
Gemma finds sleep fascinating and describes the discovery aspect of her role as eye-opening. Her keen eye for detail and dedication to thorough research ensures that Bensons customers get the informative sleep-based advice they're looking for.