What is the reason for Sandman’s absences – do you find yourself thinking at night about the state of the world, relationship worries, or your list of unfinished tasks?
A worry journal often helps with this problem: it allows you to unload restless thoughts and solve challenges in the days to come. Most likely, however, you are not worrying about whether your bed, pillow, and blanket are suitable.

A sagging mattress does not support good sleep ergonomics

The average lifespan of a mattress is seven years, so it is perfectly normal for the materials to wear down and the mattress to become loose or develop dips. This worsens sleep ergonomics and can, for example, lead to back pain. Specialty mattresses can have a significantly longer lifespan — for example, Tempur mattresses come with a 15-year warranty.

To find a comfortable sleeping position and achieve high-quality sleep, the best mattress material is one that reduces pressure, conforms to your body, and provides support. TEMPUR mattresses, for example, are designed to support the sleeper at the right points, and the pressure-relieving material completes the sleeping comfort.

Mattress toppers loosen quickly

“The purpose of a mattress topper is to finalize the support provided by the mattress and to distribute surface pressure on the body. A worn-out topper won’t do this, and if surface blood circulation is hindered, the sleeper will begin to move around to keep circulation unobstructed. This movement disrupts sleep,” explains trained sleep ergonomics specialist (KNA) Minna Aulavuo from Helsinki Outlet’s Tempur Brand Store.

“Often we notice that the topper has never been replaced. Regular toppers should be changed about every two years. Tempur’s eight-centimeter-thick topper has a 15-year warranty, so its lifespan and health benefits are many times greater,” she continues.

Do you sleep with your hand under the pillow?

Fiber-filled pillows are the most common pillow type in Finland. According to research, about 55% of users of fiber-filled pillows report that such pillows do not provide enough neck support, and 57% sleep with a hand under the pillow. This indicates that the pillow does not support the cervical spine in a neutral position, leaving the head ergonomically too low.

Sleeping with a hand under the pillow is an attempt to increase pillow height and correct head position. This sleeping posture is not ergonomic and can unnecessarily wake the sleeper. It may also cause numbness in the hand as nerves and blood vessels become compressed. An ergonomic pillow that conforms to body heat supports the neck significantly better than a fiber-filled pillow.

If you have difficulty finding a suitable pillow, the cause may also be a poor mattress: for example, when sleeping on your side, your shoulder may not sink into the mattress enough — in other words, the mattress may be too low or too firm. Replacing a topper may help in some cases, but it is also worth carefully evaluating the condition and suitability of the base mattress for your body.

An expert to assist with choosing a bed, mattress, and pillow

Trained sleep ergonomics specialist Minna Aulavuo encourages turning to a trained expert when selecting a bed and pillow.

“A trained sleep ergonomics specialist (KNA) can choose bed, mattress, pillow, and blanket solutions that support your functional ability, as well as guide you in sleep maintenance.”

At the Tempur Brand Store in Helsinki Outlet, you always receive assistance free of charge from a trained sleep ergonomics specialist or a physiotherapist specialized in sleep ergonomics. By booking a private sleep ergonomics assessment, you will also receive a TEMPUR gift (value up to €119). For both minor and more significant sleep-related challenges, it is wise to turn to a skilled professional.

Book a free sleep ergonomics assessment at the Tempur Brand Store in Helsinki Outlet & receive a TEMPUR gift.