by Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo

Sleep challenges like snoring, restless leg syndrome, sciatica pain, low back pain, sleep apnea and more are some of the most common challenges in need of a proper sleep solution. A sleep situation that involves a box spring could be preventing a night of restful sleep.

Blaming poor sleep on a mattress that’s too firm or too soft is unfair to the mattress. People may experience a variety of sleep issues such as low back pain, snoring and reflux. There’s no mattress in the world that, on its own, can help those issues. Proper positioning of the body on the mattress is essential; not back, side or stomach sleeping, but the ability to alter the mattress’ flat position into an elevated angle of comfort.

Sleeping flat is often the root of the problem. In this position, the muscles attached to the base of the spine work harder to support the vertebrae, which leads to discomfort and pain throughout the night, and especially in the morning. Circulation to the extremities is restricted, the effects of acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are worsened and even breathing is more challenging when lying flat.

The sleep issue solution is actually quite simple; it involves replacing a box spring with a bed base that can elevate the head section of the mattress to improve breathing, reduce reflux and the effects of sleep apnea and help to eliminate snoring. It also can elevate the legs by bending the knees to improve circulation and reduce restless leg syndrome, sciatica pain and lower back pain.

The goal is to allow the bed to adjust to each individual’s sleep needs, as opposed to fighting all night to find a comfortable sleep position. An adjustable bed helps people fall asleep more quickly, remain in one position throughout the night and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start the day.

An adjustable bed may sound expensive, but it is not. Adjustable base popularity has skyrocketed over the past 15 years, leading to significantly improved technology at much more affordable prices. A consumer wishing to solve their sleep issues can now invest in an adjustable bed base that costs half the price of what it did years ago. They’re also much more stylish and don’t have the old-style institutional or hospital bed look of days gone by.

A variety of mattresses, including natural and certified organic models, work well on adjustable bed bases. In addition, natural mattresses made without harmful chemicals that do not off-gas help us to create a healthy environment while sleeping elevated.