As someone who has recently been diagnosed with Spinal Disease, and someone who has been suffering with chronic pain for the past 2-years, sleep has changed for me, it’s become much more difficult. I am someone that needs my sleep a good 8 hours, thus, creating a comfortable, cosy sanctuary in my bedroom is a must.

There are 4 key points for me, the bed, mattress, the pillow, and the temperature .

The Bed Frame

Due to the pain that makes it harder for me to get comfortable I do fidget a lot, moving around to get in a position where the pain is bearable so I can doze off into a slumber. Thus, I need a solid bed frame, one that doesn’t creak or move around as I fidget. Additionally, a good solid bed frame will provide an even and stable support for the mattress, thus, i’m considering buying a box-spring - do I need a box spring ?! A box spring provides a solid surface for your mattress to lay on, for added support and it improves airflow and circulation around the mattress.

The Mattress

I converted from a spring mattress to a memory foam mattress and it was the best decision ever. It allows me to get in a more comfortable position. It moulds to your body. As you lay down on the mattress, you can feel your body comfortably sink slightly into the mattress, this gives me some relief from pressure points and is much better for my back and supporting my back.

The Pillow 

There's nothing worse than waking up with a crick in your neck – especially when you have spinal disease. So making sure you are using the right pillow is a must. My pillow is a feather pillow and I find it supports my neck and head – more so as I sleep on my back, it allows me head to sink in slightly, but still giving my head enough support. I’m also considering buying a body pillow, one I can wrap myself around, where I can make myself more comfortable on restless nights.

The Temperature

As well as living with chronic pain, I am also peri-menopausal, and although I am on HRT, I am also on pain medication, and so my body temperature can change, especially if I have a flare up, then my body temperature can be warm and uncomfortable, thus, having a fan in the bedroom is a must. However, some days I just feel chilli, my feet/legs due to nerve pain can get very cold, thus, I pop on warm socks, but also having a nice cosy quilt helps too. I also have a sheet, for the more warmer nights.

Putting these steps into practice have helped make my bedroom into a more comfortable and cosy environment for me, to allow me to get a better night sleep.