As anyone suffering from fibromyalgia knows, sleeping comfortably is an ongoing struggle. According to Oxford Journals Rheumatology, seventy-five percent of fibromyalgia sufferers report nighttime sleep difficulties and related daytime sypmptoms, including excessive fatigue and continuing morning stiffness. Doctors know that fibromyalgia pain—which includes chronic pain in the muscles and connective tissues and creates ultra-tender points at places like the neck, shoulders, hips, and knees—has an especially intimate correlation with sleep. So do many kinds of pain. Several studies have shown a strong correlation between non-restorative sleep patterns and the musculoskeletal symptoms characteristic of the disease. An article published by The National Sleep Foundation not only acknowledges this correlation, but stresses the importance of attending to sleep disorders as a critical element of fibromyalgia treatment. “Reduction in sleep disturbance is usually followed by improvement in pain symptoms. This also highlights the importance of healthy sleep and access to sleep specialists in treating this disease.”
The specifics of how and why fibromyalgia disrupts sleep are still under investigation. However, because fibromyalgia causes increased pain sensitivity, we know that at the very least, sleeping on a mattress that reduces contact pressure can help. For fibromyalgia patients, sleeping on the right mattress can be as important for pain management as finding the right medication.
An overly hard mattress exerts excess pressure on the joints, especially for side sleepers. This type of mattress doesn’t provide enough support for the body, especially if certain areas are exceptionally tender. Conversely, an excessively soft mattress, while it may reduce pressure, fails to provide the necessary stabillity. It can also make it difficult to shift positions, which leads to increased pressure and morning stiffness.
But hard vs. soft doesn’t tell the whole story. To help someone with increased sensitivity and significant pain sleep better, a holistic approach to mattress design is required. A variety of factors come into play. First, it’s vital to find the right balance between pressure reduction and musculoskeletal support. The mattress must also be able to regulate temperature and humidity. Lastly, it should be free of chemical and natural respiratory irritants.
How a European Sleep Works Mattress Can Help
We've gone to great lengths to design a mattress that posseses nuance, elasticity, and responsiveness. The "not too hard, not too soft" consideration is important, but a bit simplistic. We understand that in order to create true, lasting support and comfort, a mattress must function beyond simply providing a soft or firm feel. It must adapt to the curves and weight variablity of the body. It should be made of clean, breathable materials. And people need choices.
We use a combination of durable, elastic natural latex cushioning and highly flexible pocketed steel coils to create a mattress that yields to your body’s curves instead of adding excess pressure. We’ve designed our flexible, adjustable slat system (which we use in place of a box spring) to map to your shape, evenly distribute your weight, and relieve pain-causing contact pressure.
To preserve the mattress’s ability to accurately contour to your body, we envelop our mattresses with organic stretch-knit cotton covers. Add a thick free-floating pillow top made from natural latex for extra plush comfort. Finally, to enable optimal spinal alignment through the neck and head, we offer the custom-fitted Oxygen Pillow.
