The short answer? Yes, it can.

Sleep goes far beyond just feeling rested. It affects your heart, brain, weight, and yes, even how long you live. Bad sleep has been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and a whole bunch of other health problems that can shorten your lifespan.

Most people don’t realise their mattress could be a big part of the problem. If it’s old, lumpy, or just not giving you the right support, it’s likely messing with your sleep... and your health!

At Bedpost, we’ve been helping Kiwis sleep better for years with quality mattresses that actually support your body the way they should. In this article, we explain how poor sleep affects your health, how the right mattress can improve it, and how to tell when it’s time to replace yours.

How Poor Sleep Affects Your Health

From your heart to your immune system, poor sleep takes a serious toll on your health. Here are some of the ways poor sleep can take its toll on your health:

Sleep and Longevity

People who regularly miss out on good sleep don’t just feel out of sorts. They actually live shorter lives. Studies show that chronic sleep deprivation is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, strokes, and even early death. Plus, poor sleep weakens the immune system, makes the body more vulnerable to illness, and speeds up ageing.

The role of sleep quality vs. sleep quantity

Getting lots of sleep isn’t the same as getting good sleep. You could be in bed for eight hours, but if you’re tossing and turning all night, your body isn’t actually resting. Interrupted sleep ramps up stress hormones, raises inflammation, and makes it harder for your body to recover properly. This can take you down the path of long-term health problems.

How a bad mattress makes sleep worse

Your mattress has more control over your sleep than you think. If it’s too soft, too firm, or just worn out, it can throw off your sleep posture and leave you waking up stiff and sore. A bad mattress can also cause constant shifting and wake-ups throughout the night, which means you’re not getting the deep, restorative sleep your body needs. Over time, this can lead to ongoing health issues, both physically and mentally.

How the Right Mattress Can Improve Your Health

A mattress directly affects how well you sleep and, in turn, how well your body functions. The right mattress supports your spine, helps you sleep deeper, and even improves mental health. Here’s how:

Better Spinal Alignment

A supportive mattress keeps your body in a natural position, so your spine stays aligned while you sleep. This helps your muscles relax properly, reducing tension and stiffness. Waking up without aches means you can start the day right and move and feel better all day long.

Deeper Sleep

The better you sleep, the stronger your immune system. A comfortable mattress helps you stay in deep sleep longer, giving your body time to repair and fight off illness. Good sleep means fewer colds, faster recovery, and more energy to take on the day, every day.

Lower Stress

A proper night’s sleep helps your brain reset, so you wake up feeling clear-headed and in a better mood. A mattress that supports deep, restful sleep can help lower stress and improve focus. When you sleep well, everything seems easier, and you can feel more like yourself.

When to Replace Your Mattress

Even the best mattress doesn’t last forever. If you’re not sleeping well, it could be time for an upgrade. Here’s how to tell if your mattress is past its best:

• You wake up stiff or sore: If you roll out of bed feeling like you’ve aged 20 years overnight, your mattress probably isn’t giving you the support you need. A good mattress keeps your spine aligned and pressure points cushioned, so you wake up feeling refreshed, not wrecked.
  
  

• Your mattress has lumps, dips, or sagging spots: Mattresses wear down over time, and once they start sagging, there’s no fixing them. If you can see or feel uneven areas, your mattress isn’t supporting your body properly anymore.
  
  

• You sleep better somewhere else: If you find yourself sleeping like a dream on a hotel bed or your mate’s spare room mattress, your own bed is probably the problem. A comfortable mattress should feel like the best spot to sleep, not the worst.
  
  

• It’s more than 7–10 years old: Most mattresses have a lifespan of 7–10 years before they start breaking down. Even if yours still looks fine, the materials inside lose their ability to support your body.
  
  

• You’re tossing and turning all night: If you can’t get comfortable or wake up a lot during the night, your mattress might not be right for you anymore. A fresh, supportive mattress can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Quality Mattresses for Sale in New Zealand

So, it's plain to see that if you want to live a longer, healthier life, a good mattress is a key piece of the puzzle. Quality sleep is one of the biggest factors in long-term health, and if your mattress isn’t supporting your body properly, it could be doing more harm than you realise.

Waking up sore, tossing and turning, or struggling to get a deep sleep? That’s your body telling you it’s time for a change.

At Bedpost, we’ve got a range of high-quality mattresses for sale that are designed to give you the support, comfort, and rest your body needs.

Shop online or visit us in-store today!