How to get a good night’s sleep in a foreign bed.

If you’re heading on holiday anytime soon – or making plans to do so – one of the things to consider is the effect that sleeping in an entirely different bed will have upon your low back and neck area.

It’s always hard to find a good bed when you are away on holiday. Many hotel and holiday-let mattresses are rock hard – this is so the mattress doesn’t start dipping or sagging and will last longer for the owner. But that’s not exactly ideal for us holidaymakers!

On the opposite end of the scale, you could encounter a particularly old mattress which needs replacing, with one or two springs poking you in the back all night.

An increase in neck or shoulder pain is a common problem that many people experience as a direct result of going on holiday and resting for 8 hours on an unfamiliar mattress or pillow. Your body gets used to being in a certain position when you go to bed – in your own bed – night after night.

Your body is used to your joints and muscles resting in a position that feels familiar – meaning, they’re not going to be stretched or pressured in a way that results in those next day aches and pains. Plus, when a bed is particularly hard, the spine isn’t being supported, therefore leaving the muscles to do the work and result in similar aches.

So how do you remedy a bad holiday mattress?

If you find the bed is uncomfortable, it may help to place an extra duvet cover or a blanket underneath the sheet to soften the bed. If the mattress is too soft, then try removing it from base and putting it on the floor for more support.

Sometimes simply the size of the bed can be an issue – if it’s too small and there’s not much room to manoeuvre, you may find yourself feeling stiff and sore the next day. Always check on the website before you book the room or holiday house to make sure they have a mattress size that you are used to.

If you are accustomed to using a particular pillow, why not take it with you? If you are travelling by car and have the space, perhaps even consider taking a mattress topper that you’re comfortable with too.

Always come and have a check over osteopathy appointment if you have problems on holiday to reduce the spine stiffness and muscular tension.

If you have a bit of a niggle and are thinking of going away soon, why not give us a ring for an appointment to get it sorted before you go on holiday? Just give us a call on 01722 42 42 42 or book online here.