Mattress Causing Pins and Needles? Chiropractor Explains Why

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Do you ever experience pins and needles in your arm or leg after sleeping on a mattress for an extended period? Believe it or not, the culprit could be your mattress.

This blog post will tell you about mattress-causing pins and needles and what you can do to prevent them. So keep reading to learn more!

As a general rule, an excessively firm mattress can cause pins and needles if your mattress is too firm or does not provide pressure relief, spinal alignment, and comfort. This can place pressure on a nerve or restrict circulation, causing numbness & a pins and needles sensation.

My name is Dr. Lawrence Woods, DC, and I have been designing orthopedic mattresses for over 20 years. As a chiropractor, my goal has always focused on improving the health of my patients by optimizing their sleep. My designs have been nominated for numerous awards, and I continue to be at the forefront of this industry, helping people get the best night’s sleep possible.

Many people assume that the mattress is to blame, but is that the case? While it’s true that a poor-quality mattress can undoubtedly lead to discomfort, several other factors can cause this type of sensation. In this post, we’ll look at some of the most common causes of pins and needles and ways to alleviate the pain.

What are pins & needles?

pins, needles and numbness in a persons hand

Pins and needles are often caused by pressure on the nerves. When the nerves are compressed, they can become irritated and cause the sensation of tingling or numbness. This can happen when you sleep, sit or stand in one position for too long, causing the nerves to become compressed. It can also occur if you wear tight clothing that puts pressure on the nerves.

The sensation of pins and needles can also be caused by nerve damage. This can be due to an injury or medical condition that causes the nerve fibers to become damaged. In some cases, the sensation of pins and needles can be a sign of a more severe condition, such as diabetic neuropathy or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Can a Mattress Cause Pins & Needles?

Woman with Pins and Needles

One of the most frustrating things that can happen while trying to sleep is when your arm or leg falls asleep, and you wake up with that characteristic pins and needles sensation. But what causes this phenomenon? And could your mattress be to blame?

When you sleep, you are in a static position for an extended period. This can cause your circulation to slow and your muscles to tense up. As a result, you may experience numbness or tingling in your extremities. Sometimes, this can be due to sleeping in an awkward position.

However, if your mattress is too firm or soft, it can contribute to the problem. A bed that is too soft can cause your body to sink and pressure the nerves. A too firm mattress can also cause pressure on the nerves by not providing enough support. In either case, this can lead to the sensation of pins and needles.

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The Firm Mattress Myth

In my experience as a mattress designer, I have learned that people don’t always make the best decisions when purchasing a mattress.

People often conflate support with firmness when they are two very different things in reality. A good mattress will feel soft to the touch but will provide support where it is needed most.

On the other hand, firm mattresses can cause spinal misalignment, pressure points, pins, and needles.

For this reason, I believe that the “firm mattress myth” is a myth. There is no evidence to support the claim that firm mattresses are better for your health, and there is plenty of evidence to suggest that they can be detrimental to your wellbeing.

A good mattress should be able to contour to your body, providing support where you need it most while relieving pressure points. If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is time for a new mattress or mattress topper. Don’t make the same mistake; purchase a soft mattress while providing support. Your body will thank you for it.

How to Prevent Pins & Needles

You can do a few things to prevent the sensation of pins and needles while you sleep.

The sensation of pins and needles is a common occurrence that can happen while you’re in bed. It’s usually caused by awkwardly sleeping on your arm or leg, which cuts off the blood supply to that extremity.

The good news is that you can do a few things to prevent pins and needles while you sleep.

First, make sure to move around frequently throughout the night. This will help keep your blood flowing and prevent specific body parts from becoming too constricted.

Second, avoid sleeping on your stomach, which can put unnecessary pressure on your spine and nerves.

Finally, invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows to support your body in a neutral position.

By following these tips, you can help prevent the sensation of pins and needles while you sleep and get a good night’s rest.

Are there any long-term effects of sleeping on a mattress that causes pins and needles?

Woman suffering from Pins and Needles in her arm

When you sleep at night, you expect to wake up refreshed and well-rested.

However, if you are sleeping on a mattress that causes pins and needles, you may wake up feeling anything but rested.

While the sensation of pins and needles might appear relatively harmless, it can be not very pleasant and cause you to lose some hours of sleep. Sleeping on a mattress that causes pins and needles can lead to long-term effects such as numbness or tingling in your extremities.

If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms, it is essential to consult with a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. In the meantime, try switching to a different mattress in your home or sleeping on your side instead of your back to see if that makes a difference.

How do you know if your mattress is causing your pins and needles?

One way to determine if your mattress is the cause of your pins and needles is to ask yourself if you’ve started experiencing them since you began using the mattress.

If the answer is yes, there’s a good chance that your mattress is to blame. Another way to tell is by checking for dips in the surface of the mattress. These can cause pressure points that cut off circulation and lead to pins and needles.

A mattress that is too soft or too firm can pressure your nerves, causing tingling and numbness. If you think your mattress might be the culprit, try sleeping on a different surface for a few nights to see if the problem goes away.

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing pins and needles, it might be time to invest in a new mattress. Check out our other blogs on mattresses for more information on the best type of mattress for you, or head to our website to shop now. We know that a good night’s sleep is crucial for your health and wellbeing, so we want to help you find the perfect mattress. Thanks for reading!

 

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Dr Lawrence Woods

My name Dr Lawrence Woods DC and I have been designing mattresses, pillows, chairs and seat cushions for over 20 years. As a chiropractor, my goal has always focused on improving the health of my patients by optimizing how they sleep and sit. My designs have been nominated for numerous awards and I continue to be at the forefront of this industry, helping people get the best night’s sleep possible. I have a Chiropractic Degree from Life Chiropractic College West, I am NBCE Physiotherapy certified and an OSHAcadenmy certified ergonomist.
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