Did you know that in 2020, 203 million people worldwide experienced neck pain? Meanwhile, a whopping 619 million people, or nearly 10% of the world’s population, suffered from low back pain in the same year, according to a study by The Lancet. Neck and back pain might be more common than you think, and this can disrupt many aspects of your life – from performing duties at work to overall mobility. In some cases, prolonged neck and back pain may also be a severe health concern, making preventive measures all the more critical.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, neck and back pain may be caused by strenuous activities, muscle tension, or poor muscle tone. However, studies have also shown that poor sleeping positions can trigger pain in the neck and back. If that’s the case, then picking the right bed size might help you sleep in a more comfortable position. Below, we look at the struggles caused by neck and back pain and what bed sizes might suit your needs.
The burden of neck and back pain
Neck pain can affect many aspects of health. As mentioned in our previous post on , it can make it challenging to perform basic tasks such as looking over your shoulder while driving and bending your head down. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that back pain forces up to 10% of US workers to stop working or change jobs due to the pain. Preventing these risks is, therefore, essential, and one way to do so is by finding the perfect bed size to help you sleep in an optimal position. As per the UK Sleep Council, bed size can significantly affect overall sleep quality, and bigger bed sizes allow sleepers to sprawl out and stretch to avoid muscle discomfort.
That said, here are some bed sizes to consider for better sleep quality:
Bed sizes to try for better sleep quality
California king bed
This particular bed size is perfect for taller sleepers, especially since its dimensions are longer than a regular king-sized bed. A California king bed measures 72” wide x 84” long, while a king-sized bed is 76” wide x 80” long. So, if you’re looking for extra leg room and length for a more comfortable sleeping position, you can check out California king bedroom sets like the Austen Black or Pierce. These bedroom sets provide ample space so sleepers over six feet tall won’t have to feel cramped while sleeping, and they also come with three-drawer nightstands for storage. Opting for a bed with enough leg room can help you achieve the correct sleeping position, allowing you to stretch out more comfortably as you rest.
Queen-sized bed
Meanwhile, a queen-sized bed is an excellent choice for solo sleepers who want ample room to stretch out without feeling too overwhelmed by a mattress that is too large. A queen-size mattress measures 60” wide and 80” long, providing generous space for up to two adults. A CNET article on queen-size mattresses mentions several options you can try for your queen bed, such as the Brooklyn Bedding Signature and DreamClout. These mattresses help average-sized people sleep comfortably through layers of memory foam that provide enough softness to prevent neck and back pain from developing overnight. If you’re looking for smaller than a California king, the queen-sized bed could be the best option for you.
Double-sized bed
A double-sized bed might do the trick for petite sleepers or those with limited bedroom space. A double-sized bed measures 53” wide and 75” long. For this bed size, you can try a latex mattress, as it combines a base layer of springs with several layers of latex foam to provide pressure relief. Manufacturers like Avocado provide latex mattresses made from sustainably sourced materials that you can try. Despite its smaller size, any bed with a comfortable mattress that relieves pressure can help you avoid neck and back pain as you sleep.
Sleeping in uncomfortable positions may trigger unwanted neck and back pain. To avoid that, consider these bed sizes and mattresses that are big and comfortable enough to help your muscles relax overnight.
