What to Look For in a Bed
Whether you’re shopping for your first mattress or just replacing an older one, the right bed can mean a better night’s sleep and improved health. You want a mattress that supports your spine in a neutral position throughout the night, relieves pressure points and reduces pain, helps you keep good posture and avoid back problems, and prevents you from waking up with aches and soreness. The mattress should also feel sturdy enough to provide a solid surface for your pillows and sheets.
A bed is a piece of furniture for sleeping and other activities, typically consisting of a frame that holds a mattress or box spring, and headboards, footboards, and bed rails (also called side rails). Beds come in many sizes (twin, full, queen, king), styles, including platform, sleigh and storage, and are often made from wood or metal.
In addition to reducing back and joint pain, a comfortable mattress can help improve your mood and increase energy by providing an excellent night’s rest. Getting a great night’s sleep is also linked to fewer health conditions, such as heart disease and depression. A mattress that’s too soft can cause chronic neck and back pain, whereas a mattress that’s too firm can be uncomfortable and cause aching joints.
While there’s no exact lifespan of a mattress, experts generally recommend replacing it every eight to 10 years or so, depending on the type of mattress and how you use it. It’s also important to regularly rotate your mattress and to clean it as needed, since this will extend its life.
If you’re in the market for a new mattress, consider your preferences and your budget when making a decision. Generally, beds with more layers of foam and memory-foam mattresses tend to cost more than hybrids or latex models. If you’re a back or side sleeper, look for a bed with dense foam towards the bottom of the mattress to offer support where you need it most.
Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by repeated episodes of binge eating and related feelings of distress. It’s most common in people who are overweight or obese, but it can occur in a wide range of body weights (1, 2, 3). Yale Medicine Psychiatry is home to a BED clinic that provides state-of-the-art psychological and behavioral treatment for this complex disorder, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. People in early-stage treatment can expect to see a decrease in the frequency and duration of their BED episodes. They may also develop alternative strategies for soothing themselves and managing their emotions that don’t involve food. BED can also be accompanied by co-occurring mental health and medical disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders, and by metabolic problems like diabetes and high blood pressure. (4)