Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial to your health. Yet nearly a third of Americans get less than the recommended seven to nine hours of shut-eye a day, according to federal health officials. One reason: Many aren’t sleeping on the right type of mattress.

“Sleep is something all human beings do, but most not very well,” says Johns Hopkins neurologist and sleep expert Dr. Rachel Salas.

When you don’t get enough sleep you raise the odds of developing diabetes and heart disease, claims a recent British study, and increase your risk of death by 12 percent, Salas adds.

Sleeping on the right mattress is crucial to promoting healthy ZZZs, says Joe Alexander, founder of Nest Bedding.

“Shopping for a new mattress can be stressful,” Alexander tells Newsmax Health. “Make the wrong decision and you end up regretting the pricey purchase, or even worse, you land up with a bed that’s not right for you and have a hard time getting to sleep.”

Alexander says that there are two types of mattress shoppers:

The first group need a new bed because of some disrupting event in their lives such as a breakup, a new relationship, downsizing or upsizing their home, or a disaster or accident involving the mattress.

The second group has had enough of the tossing and turning, the back pain, and is finally ready to shop for a comfortable new mattress.

“If you are having issues with your back, side or neck, don’t put off making that purchase,” he advises. Alexander recommends making an informed decision by following these tips.

Shop online. This is the latest trend in purchasing mattresses. “The advantages are great because you see smaller, less top heavy companies online,” says the expert. “This translates to cheaper prices and better quality materials as the overhead is less.”

Look into foam mattresses. “In my experience, foam mattresses are the most comfortable mattresses. Although the firmness is subjective, I recommend a medium mattress. Firm tends to be too tough on the shoulders and hips and too soft causes you to sink in the middle,” he says.

Try the mattress at home. Testing a mattress in a retail store for 5 minutes is an inadequate way to try before you buy, notes Alexander. Speak up and ask for details about customer service and guarantees.

“We have a l00-night no risk trial offer with our products and work one-on-one with people to help them with their selection. As a result very few of them are retuned and those are donated to nonprofit organizations.”

Check the company’s history. Verify how long the company has been in business and its reputation. You want to make sure that your warranty will be honored so investigate the company’s background. Read the Yelp reviews to see what others are saying.

Don’t buy into myths. “One of the most pervasive myths is that latex is dust mite proof,” says Alexander. Latex is more breathable than regular foam, so it can be mold resistant, but when you expose your mattress to dead skin cells and moisture, as we all do, you’re going to have dust mites and mold. Also, be wary if the company claims their products are “green.” The FTC is only beginning to regulate these claims.

Expect to pay more for a better product. Like most things in life, you will get what you pay for in a quality mattress. “If you are starting out with your first new mattress, you can find a great bed in the $599 to $999 range,” says Alexander. “If you are an established couple working hard and want a little more comfort and durability you can buy a luxury mattress in the $1,200 to $1,500 range.

In addition to having a great mattress, sleep experts say that following a regular bedtime routine is important.

“Having a pleasant nightly ritual like taking a lavender scented bath or reading an inspirational passage helps you fall asleep more easily,” says Dr. Helen Emsellem, of the Center for Sleep Disorders in Chevy Chase, Md.

She tells Newsmax Health that you should also exercise daily and avoid alcohol before going to bed.

While technology in the bedroom is normally frowned upon, there is a new creation called the White Noise App that cancels out other noise interruptions by generating soothing sounds over several frequencies.

According to its creator, Todd Moore, “you not only fall asleep faster, you stay asleep.”
For more information, check out the White Noise App Website.