Since most of us spend at least a third of our lives lying down, a good quality mattress goes a long way in avoiding a whole host of musculoskeletal problems later in life. In addition, a quality mattress will help you get a good night's sleep, which most health practitioners agree is essential to a well-balanced, healthy life-physically and emotionally.
A quality mattress allows you to maintain the same natural spinal alignment that you have while standing. It can be an innerspring, foam, flotation (waterbed), or air mattress. The most important thing is choosing a mattress that offers you the most support and comfort.
Believe it or not, the position in which you sleep can make a big difference in your waking disposition, and help you avoid skeletal, muscular, or nerve problems down the road.
Here's why: One of the best positions is on your side, with knees slightly bent and a pillow between your knees. Place a pillow under your knees if you are a back sleeper; this helps maintain the curve in your lower back. If you are a stomach sleeper and sleep with your head on an oversized pillow, it sometimes forces your lower back to curve excessively, putting pressure on your diaphragm and lungs.