The Sleep Council have undertaken many surveys and investigations over the years but one of the more popular and informative ones related to the seven year hitch and whether indeed it is time to get a new bed.
Is it time to replace your bed?
This study by the Furniture Industry Research Association highlighted the fact that some beds which are only six years old will see a significant reduction in their comfort and support. The reason for the reduction in value for money is not just general wear and tear but also the fact that during the night we lose around half a pint of fluid, skin, hair and other body debris.
The difference between old and new beds
A number of studies over the years have highlighted a significant difference in the quality and length of sleep between an old bed and a new bed. The so-called seven year hitch will see an older bed offering you sleep which is 42 min less than that from a new bed. Even the variety of sleeping aids available on the market will only increase your sleep by between 5 min and 10 min each night.
The comfort factor
It seems obvious to suggest that you are more comfortable with a new bed and a new mattress but again surveys show that you will experience less physical movement with a new bed, two times fewer waking periods and feel more comfortable.
Allergies and asthma
When you take into account the fact that we lose half a pint of fluid each and every night, we can shed around one pound of skin in a year not to mention hair and other body debris it is not surprise that more and more people are suffering from allergies and asthma. This is a perfect environment for dust mites which can cause all kinds of problems for many people.
Back pain
A study in America confirmed that 63% of those questioned saw a massive improvement in back pain after acquiring a new bed. Indeed 82% of back pain experts also backup the case that a new bed can make a major difference.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many surveys which have been carried out in relation to sleeping patterns, quality of sleep and bedding arrangements and while much of the advice given is fairly straightforward and very simple it can make a major difference to your quality of sleep. When you bear in mind that very often the quality of our sleep is directly related to the mood in which we wake up then surely it is worth considering a change if your bed has seen better days?