The side effects of sleep deprivation

We’ve all experienced a few nights of disturbed sleep, which may not seem like a big deal at the time. However, when it becomes a regular occurrence, there are several unpleasant side effects of sleep deprivation to be aware of.

1. Skin

Lack of sufficient sleep not only affects your appearance in the short term but also has long-term effects. Proper sleep allows for the repair and regeneration of collagen and other proteins that maintain skin elasticity. Without enough sleep, you’ll notice increased signs of early aging and an increased risk of developing conditions such as acne.

2. Hair

Although lesser known, research suggests a connection between insufficient sleep and hair loss, particularly in men. Sleep deprivation, combined with the stress it often brings, impacts hormone levels in the body and can trigger male pattern baldness in susceptible individuals.

3. Weakened Immune System

If you find yourself catching every cold that goes around, your sleep schedule may be the cause. Chronic sleep deprivation can disrupt your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses.

4. Weight

Sleep has a role in regulating hormones that affect appetite, such as ghrelin and leptin. Sleep deprivation increases ghrelin levels, which can cause cravings, while decreasing leptin, which signals satiety. This can be problematic if you’re trying to lose weight.

5. Fertility

Regular sleep disruptions can hinder conception by reducing the secretion of reproductive hormones.

6. Serious Health Issues

Sleep deprivation raises the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes. In the case of diabetes, inadequate deep sleep affects glucose processing in the body, potentially leading to type Two diabetes.

7. Memory

Lack of sleep can leave you feeling sluggish, and some studies have shown that it can impair cognitive function to the equivalent of having a blood alcohol content of 0.1%. Additionally, REM sleep, which is often compromised due to sleep deprivation, is essential for the consolidation of short-term memories into long-term ones.

Of course, achieving restful sleep is challenging if your mattress is not in good condition. A quality mattress is vital for your overall health. When your bed provides comfort and proper support for your body weight, you’ll enjoy a more restful sleep. This can contribute to improved physical and mental wellbeing, potentially benefiting a variety of conditions.

Alternatively, a mattress topper can improve the quality of your mattress without the expense of buying a new mattress. Our memory foam mattress toppers will provide you with luxurious comfort and support, and add a layer of protection to your existing mattress.

If you need advice on buying a new memory foam mattress or memory foam mattress topper then our friendly, experienced team are always available to help. Just call us on 01293 871744 or email sales@bodymouldmattresses.co.uk.

Photo by Vladislav Muslakov on Unsplash

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Replacing your mattress can be expensive, so a mattress topper can be a less expensive and more effective way to revitalise your bed instead. So how do you choose a mattress topper that’s right for you? Doing some research first means that the right topper can adjust the way your bed feels for less than changing the mattress itself.

Mattress toppers

Mattress toppers add a more substantial layer of material to your bed which can significantly change the way the bed feels when you lie on it. But this could be in differing ways. For example, they might change the softness, firmness, cushioning, warmth, breathability, motion isolation, springiness, or level of support you feel it gives your body.

But there are things to consider when buying a mattress topper.

Price

A higher price doesn’t necessarily guarantee it would be better for you. Buy simply buying the most expensive one doesn’t mean it is the best at meeting your needs.

• Microfiber, polyester, and cotton toppers are usually the cheapest.
• Higher quality cotton, feather, and down are in the middle of the price range, but some can be more expensive depending on the feathers or down used.
• Memory foam toppers have a wide range of prices.
• Wool and latex can be the most expensive.

Pain relief, firmness, and extra support

If you require extra support for your back and other pressure points, then memory foam is worth considering. Some people find that they cushion better as the memory foam molds to your body. And they tend to be more durable too as they don’t flatten as quickly as other materials do.

Comfort and Softness

With a huge range of materials, densities, and thicknesses, there is plenty to choose from. If your preference is a topper that molds to your body, then memory foam would be a good choice. But if you prefer lying on a soft and fluffy surface, then microfiber, cotton, feathers, or down could suit you better.

Thickness options

Most mattress toppers have a range of between one to four inches in thickness, either to start with or once you have used them for a while and they flatten under your weight.

If you need to revitalise an aging mattress, sleep on your side, or if you or your partner are heavier, three or four inches is best. The material with the best range of thickness is memory foam.

In addition, the density of a topper is important in determining how much support it will give you. Memory foam toppers tend to have a great range so you can easily find just the right comfort level you need.

Motion isolation

Memory foam can help reduce how much you’re disturbed at night when your partner moves in bed. If you sleep with someone who keeps you awake with their tossing and turning, it is an excellent choice.

Body heat

Some memory foam and microfiber mattress toppers tend to retain the most body heat and perhaps aren’t the best choice if you tend to overheat in bed. But there are some memory foam mattress toppers that use open cell technology that dissipates body heat and moisture whilst you sleep providing you with a cooler sleep experience.

Allergies

Some materials are better for certain allergies, helping reduce some serious problems such as bed bugs, mites, mildew, and mold.

Ease of moving and cleaning

Remember that you need to remove your mattress topper from the packaging, get it onto the bed, and remove it from time to time for cleaning. Some types of mattress toppers can be machine washed, but many can’t. So using a removable cover over your topper will help protect it from spills and wear and tear.

Warranty

The standard warranty time can be as short as one year and as long as ten, depending on the company. You won’t get a replacement just because it’s compressed under your weight over time. But BodyMould provides a 10 year guarantee for their mattress toppers so you can be sure you won’t have to worry if your topper doesn’t last the way you want it to.

Here are the pros and cons of a memory foam mattress topper:

Pros

• The memory foam will conform to your body in all sleeping positions, providing good support for the entire length of the body.
• It helps with pressure points.
• Good motion isolation.
• Different density options mean you can find just the right level of softness or firmness.
• More durable than microfiber or feather toppers.

Cons

• Memory foam sometimes has an initial odor that takes a few hours to dissipate.
• You may find it holds body heat. If you tend to overheat, look for a breathable memory foam topper. Cheaper brands may not have the best breathability.

Understanding memory foam thickness

If you’re looking at memory foam toppers, you’ll find a huge range of thickness options. So it’s useful to understand that thickness can affect the level of comfort and support. Most memory foam toppers tend to be sold in one, two, three or four inch thicknesses. Some companies have just a couple of thicknesses available, while others have a wider range.

1 inch – usually provides a little extra comfort, but can be quite firm if the density is also high. Good for those with a firm mattress who just need a little extra comfort and support for the body.

2-3 inches – a popular choice if you’re not sure which thickness to choose. Provides a good balance of comfort and support.

4 inches – provides even more support for the body parts that most need it.

If you like a firm surface to sleep on – try a 2 inch topper. This will provide a firm density and you shouldn’t sink into the topper in an uncomfortable way.

If you prefer a medium firmness – try a medium thickness of 3 inches which will provide you with a soft-med or medium firmness.

If you want a softer surface – try 4 inches or more in thickness

So if you are looking to improve your existing mattress or your nights’ sleep without breaking the bank then a memory foam mattress topper is the ideal choice. With free delivery and a 10 year guarantee plus the support of our team if you need help ordering, give us a call on 01293 871714, we’d be delighted to help or order direct now.

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