12 Signs It's Time To Replace Your Bed

When was the last time you replaced your bed or mattress? Many of us buy one, and then rarely think about ever replacing it.

But did you know that an old bed can actually be damaging to your health and well-being? Thankfully there are a number of clues that can help you decide when the time is right for a new bed...

Is it time you replaced your bed? Take a look below at our tell tale signs that your bed has seen better days. 

1. You sleep better in other beds

Your own bed should be where you get your best sleep – in the comfort of your own home. If you've recently slept in a different bed, maybe at a hotel or a friend's house, was it comfier than yours? If you find that you sleep better in an other bed, it might be a sign that yours isn't quite up to the task.

2. You regularly wake up groggy and not feeling refreshed

Sleep is all about your body getting rest in order to revitalise and re-energise itself. If you wake up feeling feeling lethargic and not refreshed, it's probably safe to assume that you bed isn't providing you with quality sleep.

3. Your body aches when you wake

Do you regularly wake up feeling stiff, with backache or a sore neck? It could well be a sign that you're bed is not providing you with enough support. It's important that your bed and mattress support your body properly. If yours doesn't, the reason for your morning pain could be because of the poor posture that you're resigned to when you sleep.

Investing in a new mattress or bed can help to offer the support you need when you sleep.

4. You regularly disturb your sleeping partner (and vice versa)

There are few more annoying things than being disturbed when you're asleep. If your partner regularly disturbs you, you might be angry with them – but it could be your bed that's to blame.

Firstly, if the mattress isn't comfortable, you'll both probably spend a lot of time tossing and turning through the night. This can be extremely disruptive to the other partner. Secondly, old beds can lose their shape and support, causing the mattress to sag in the middle. This increases the chance that you'll roll into the middle of the bed in the night and collide with your partner.

Perhaps it's time to invest in a mattress with 'no roll together' technology. These are extra supportive to prevent you from rolling into one another as you sleep.

5. It looks worn and old

Your eye can usually tell you a lot about the condition of something. When you take off the sheets and duvet, does your bed or mattress look like it's seen better days? If your bed looks old, worn and battered, it might be a sign that it's time for a new one.

6. It feels lumpy and bumpy

Lumps and bumps in your mattress are more likely to give you nightmares than sweet dreams. These lumps are common in old beds, usually caused by broken springs in the mattress. If your frame is still in good condition, you can just replace your mattress to improve your sleep.

7. It creaks and squeaks whenever you move

Another annoying thing about old beds is the noises they make when you move. Sometimes it only takes a small movement to cause the loudest creak or squeak imaginable. You might be forgiven for thinking that your weight is putting extra strain on the bed. But usually, it's caused by the box spring which acts as a shock absorber for your mattress. When this starts to creak, it isn't offering the right support to your mattress. This of course means that your mattress won't be offering the correct support to you as you sleep.

8. You're sleeping worse than you were a year or two ago

There are many different factors that affect your ability to sleep. Some common ones include stress, diet and your sleeping environment. But if you regularly struggle to sleep, whereas a year or two ago you didn't, it might be worth considering that your mattress is to blame. A new bed and/or mattress might be just the thing you need to enjoy peaceful nights once more.

9. You suffer from allergies

Have you noticed that you wake up sneezing and coughing, or that your eyes are watering? It could be a sign of an allergy. Mattresses often contain a lot of allergens, so if you do suffer, it might be wise to replace yours. You could try a hypo-allergenic mattress which contains fibres that are less likely to cause allergic reactions.

10. You no longer fit in it

If you're a fast growing teenager, you can outgrow your bed just as quickly as you do your clothes. If you've been sleeping in a child's bed but your feet are starting to stick out the end, it's time for a new bed. Space may also be an issue if you once used to sleep alone but have recently started sharing your bed with a partner. If your bed is so small that you're almost on top of each other throughout the night, it might be wise to up-size.

11. You wake up itching and with bites on your body

It's absolutely disgusting, but true - dust mites and bed bugs can thrive in your mattress. And the worst thing is that they love to feast on you as you sleep. If you wake up covered in itchy bites, it could mean that your mattress is infested. Definitely time to get a new one.

12. It's more than seven years old

Like most things you buy, beds and mattresses don't last a lifetime. They should be replaced after seven years. In fact, they may actually be harmful to you if you keep them for longer than this.

This is because after this time they will lose support and firmness. They will also collect allergens that can trigger allergic reactions. And finally, they become unhygienic breeding grounds for bacteria. 

Are you due a new bed?

If any of the above signs sound familiar, there's a fair chance that you need to replace your bed. If there are several points that apply, then it's definitely time you got a new one.

Are there any other signs that you might need a new bed? Leave a comment below if you think we've missed any.