If you have sleep questions, this is the place to be. Each week we pick out questions submitted on our Facebook Page, and send them to our medical sleep expert, Dr. Lisa Shives. In this installment, Dr. Lisa talks about mattresses and what to do when you toss and turn all night.
Starr Hyde asks: I have a bad back. What kind of mattress would you recommend?
The decision of what mattress you should purchase is a fairly personal one, particularly if you have back issues. Most people seem to do well with a firm mattress and then a soft, thick topper. Memory foam mattresses can also provide a great deal of support and may help you get the rest you need. However before making your new purchase you should consult with your doctor to find the cause of the pain.
Amy Morris asks: How can I sleep better at night without tossing and turning all the time?
As with the question above, this is a situation where a consultation with your family doctor would be a good place to start. Additionally, you could have an undiagnosed sleep disorder, in which case your family doctor will refer you to a sleep doctor. In the absence of a physical problem, however, the culprit may simply be an uncomfortable pillow or mattress.
Dr. Shives works with SleepBetter.org to provide a medical view of sleep issues. She is one of only a few practitioners with a fellowship in Sleep Medicine in addition to board certification by both the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Sleep Medicine.
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