We’ve all woken up with a headache at some points in our lives. Perhaps we had a few too many drinks the night before, or our spring allergies were acting up. Aside from a few isolated incidents, if you suffer from regular morning headaches or migraines (that is, between three and five times a week) you may have a severe problem that needs to be addressed. While there are many reasons people get migraines, one hidden cause could be an improper sleep set up. You spend so much time in your bedroom, so you want to redesign it so that it’s a place you feel comfortable, healthy and rested! Having a good mattress can do more than just ensure that you sleep peacefully – it can even help you get rid of those pesky migraines. For this year’s picks of best mattresses for migraines, browse the wonderful selection on BedAdvisor.com.
Causes of Migraines
Migraines are one of medicine’s mysteries. Over 36 million Americans reportedly suffer from migraines, but what exactly causes them is still up for debate. Migraines are characterized as strong, recurring headaches often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and even vomiting. Most scientists agree that individuals suffer from migraines because of a genetic propensity to them, but various factors can trigger them. Stress, hormonal changes and changes in weather or diet are all common causes. Consuming too much (or not enough) caffeine can also provoke migraines, as can consuming alcohol or foods rich in preservatives or MSG. One of the main triggers for migraines, however, is physical discomfort and an irregular sleep schedule. Fortunately, both triggers can be addressed with the right mattress.
1. A good mattress provides adequate support.
Perhaps the number one way that your mattress can help you stave of migraines is, fittingly enough, support. If your mattress is not a good fit for the curvature of your spine and your sleeping preferences, your body may not be receiving the support it needs. The body will recompensate by tensing muscles somewhere along our spines, especially around the skull and neck. Considering we spend about a third of our lives on our mattresses, that’s a lot of tension that can build up, triggering headaches. Hence, a good quality mattress can offer your adequate support to ensure sound sleep, thus preventing migraines.
2. A quality mattress will ensure regular sleep.
The quality of your mattress directly impacts the quality of your sleep. In this fast paced, stress-filled world we live in, it is difficult to get enough rest. Your mattress should be helping you to rest easy and recharge for the next day. As you sleep, your brain replenishes the hormones it needs to control your muscles. Insufficient sleep could mean the body does not have time to produce enough of these hormones, and you might wake up with tense muscles around your neck and face. Having a mattress that helps you maintain a regular sleep schedule is invaluable in the fight against migraines!
3. Firm mattresses prevent tension in your body.
Mattresses, if properly maintained, have a life span of around 7 years. Any longer and spring mattresses start to compress in ways that are unhealthy for us. Pillowtop mattresses especially may start off giving lots of support but wear out quickly. Even if cleaned properly and regularly, older mattresses can build up dust and other allergens. Hard springs or dust mites could very easily be the root of that splitting headache you wake up with. Buying a new mattress will ultimately be an investment in your health and happiness.
Pillows, as they support your head and neck as you sleep, could also be the culprit behind migraines. Pillows should be cleaned regularly and replaced at least once every three years. Make sure your pillow is giving you the right level of support overnight and not leaving you with tension headaches.
4. Mattresses with natural composition keeps you safe.
One last potential cause of morning migraines is chemicals in your mattress. Some foam mattresses are manufactured according to proprietary formulas and may contain trace amounts of harmful chemicals. Even after that new mattress smell is gone, your mattress could continue to release, or off-gas, manufacturing chemicals. The biggest culprits are typically formaldehyde or methylene chloride. Your mattress may only contain trace amounts of these, but cumulative inhalation of even a small amount when you sleep can surely leave you with a headache. If you are sensitive to artificial substances and odors, make sure you know what your mattress is made of! Therefore, ensure that your mattresses are not composed of harmful material and exhibiting any strong odors that may trigger your migraines. Investing in a good quality mattress will save you from this trouble!
Sleep Better, Feel Better
Whether we work a 9 to 5 or spend our days taking care of the kids and the house, we deserve our rest. Get the right mattress for you, because resting easy shouldn’t be a headache!
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A former school teacher, Jocelyn Brown created Hip Mama’s Place in 2007. Her motto for this blog is: get inspired, create and share! Jocelyn loves sharing about food and recipes, crafts, DIY projects and her random travels with her family. She also loves all things social media, but her latest obsession is Instagram.
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Oh wow, I didn’t know this. Nonetheless, I invest in a good mattress for comfort 🙂
yass, i changed my mattress a few years ago and it made a huge difference!
kileen
cute & little
Oh, I never thought that migraine can be connected to the mattress. Thanks for sharing this.
I just got a new mattress and I have been sleeping so much better so i totally agree!!!
oh wow this information is completely new for me..i haven’t any idea that mattresses can also be the reason for migraines…Thanks for sharing such valuable info..great work..
I did not know that mattresses could help with migraines. I really need a new one and this one works!
I agree with all that you said. We used an orthopaedic mattress before and we have been planning to purchase a new one for replacement.
Migraines are nightmares! I never thought a good mattress could help big time. I will keep this in mind.
I agree, having a mattress you’re not comfortable with could lead to migraines, I don’t experience migraines much but thanks for spreading awareness!
My migraine usually attack when it’s so hot and lack of water. I would love to have this mattress soon.
Like you said, mattresses are crucial for a good sleep. Ever since I purchased a new mattress, I realized how bad my old one was and how much it would impact my sleep.
I’m a long time migraine sufferer so this is something I’m going to have to look closer at. I know I sleep better on some beds than on others.
I woke up this morning with this throbbing head pain and I think this is caused by the mattress we are using. I think we are due to get a new one.
I would have never thought that a mattress could be the culprit for a migraine. My mother-in-law used to have a lot of back problems that improved when she got a new mattress.
I get migraines quite often especially when I’m stressed and I never thought about whether the quality of my mattress might be affecting it. It would certainly make sense.
I agree that a good mattress is key. I need to get an upgraded mattress.
This is a useful reminder to change the mattress every seven years to improve our sleep quality. We are lucky in the UK, there is a company that will send reminders about changing your mattress if you purchased your mattress with them.
A quality mattress can help with a good night’s sleep which is essential for overall health.
We need a new mattress ASAP! I have been waking up sore and with headaches.
I had no idea that a mattress could prevent migraines. I get them from time to time and they are horrible. unfortunately I didn’t learn what triggers them yet.
Spending some money on a good quality mattress is so worth it. At the end of a tiring and busy days you may want to relax on a cozy and comfortable bed.
Sleep is good for you, your body and for physical, emotional, mental and psychological health. A great mattress is worth the investment as we spend 1/3 of our lives sleeping. Thanks for this great writeup
A good mattress could sure help with having a good night sleep. We got a new one a couple of years ago and we’re loving it.
I have about one year left on my mattress, but it’s still going strong and super comfy! And fortunately no side effects on my body for now.
We’ve been traveling for the last month and the ONE thing that I missed desperately was my own mattress. I know I need to replace it very soon, but even in it’s run-down shape it was heaven!
I couldn’t agree more. I enjoyed reading this blog so much.
wow! I’ve never thought that there is a relation between the mattress and the migraines. Thanks for sharing!
I would love a new mattress. Ours is going on 12 years old. My body never feels that great when I wake up each morning.
The mattress is such a critical point for our healthy living and sleeping. Migranes can be directly related to the quality of a mattress for sure.
I really enjoyed reading this post. You made a lot of wonderful points.
I never knew about migraines and mattresses. I have a friend that suffers from migraines, definitely gonna pass this along to her.
Oh nice. I hate when I get migraines. I will keep this in mind. Anything that can help stop them is a win for me.
I haven’t had migraines in a couple years and my doctor told me that it was because of atmospheric pressure. I had no idea that your mattress could interfere with you head that much.
This is good to know! I don’t get migraines often but it’s something to keep in mind. Thanks for sharing!
This is really good to know. I have a few friends who suffer from migraines.