Best Mattress for Insomnia (2024) – Medically Reviewed

What to Look for in a Mattress for Insomnia 

Insomnia, a disorder that can make it hard to fall or stay asleep, can be frustrating, and it can affect all aspects of your life. Although your mattress may not be able to cure insomnia, knowing what to look for in one may help remedy some of your symptoms. Therefore, your sleep characteristics and preferences can help you choose a bed that may be able to offset some of the issues associated with insomnia. 

Comfort and Support

When sleep is hard to come by, you will want a comfortable and supportive mattress. Although you may think that a bed that feels like an oversized cotton ball is the ultimate luxury, this isn’t always the best option. To enhance your chances of getting quality rest, your mattress should be able to give you enough cushioning for your pressure points while maintaining overall body support to keep your spine in a healthy and neutral alignment.

Hybrids, memory foam beds, and latex mattresses are often great at combining comfort and support. Innerspring models, while supportive, lack the foam layering that typically gives sleepers more comfort.

Noise Reduction

Deep sleepers may be able to sleep through a squeaky frame or a crinkly mattress, but for those with insomnia, a noisy bed can exacerbate their nocturnal issues. To decrease the noise from your bed, you should get a sturdy, solid frame. Other features to look for when shopping for a quiet frame are hearty, evenly-spaced slats set down below the rails, as this can help keep your mattress in place.

Padded headboards and felt that run along the rails can also help prevent noise. Although most mattresses don’t make much noise, some hybrids may make a styrofoam or plastic sound when you move about on them, and the coils in innerspring units can get squeaky, especially over time. 

Explore: Best Bed Frames

Trial Period/Warranty

One of my favorite policies when it comes to ordering a bed online is the trial period that most mattress manufacturers offer. Sleep trials allow sleepers to get a solid sense of how the mattress works for them because they can sleep on it for a long period of time to make sure that it is the best fit for them. If you are prone to bouts of insomnia, multi-week sleep trials will allow you to see if the mattress you have chosen helps your insomnia symptoms. 

The time period and what is covered vary from mattress to mattress. However, bed-in-a-box warranties typically last from 10 years to a lifetime. These can help ease worries about the money that you’re spending on a mattress.  

Durability 

A quality mattress that meets your needs can be an important tool if you have insomnia. Therefore, finding a bed that will support you for a long period of time should be a consideration. Durable mattresses will be around for a long haul. Longevity can help offset the cost and ensure that you’ll sleep on a comfortable and supportive mattress for years.

Durable mattresses can be found in innerspring, latex, hybrid, and all-foam, but keep in mind that memory foam is generally more durable than poly foam, but memory foam isn’t as likely to last as long latex. If you’re interested in a hybrid or innerspring mattress, keep in mind that steel coils usually last longer than pocketed or individually wrapped ones.  

Discover: Best Mattress That Won’t Sag

Budget 

A mattress that meets your personal needs and suits your budget is an important aspect when buying a new bed. Given that financial stress can certainly be a contributor to insomnia, sticking to a pre-set spending amount may help lessen your worries and lead to better sleep. However, a lower price range doesn’t mean you have to settle for a lower-quality bed. High-quality mattresses can be found to fit a variety of budgets. 

Learn more: Best Budget Mattresses

Type of Mattress 

Innerspring Mattresses 

Innerspring mattresses, made from coils and a thin comfort layer, are considered a traditional type of bed. Although newer mattress types may be innovative and convenient, there is still a lot to be said about innerspring mattresses for better sleep.

The coils allow for regular airflow, which means they can be a great choice for hot sleepers, and keeping your body temperature regulated can help you stay asleep. Additionally, these mattresses typically have strong edge support. Therefore, if you sleep close to the edge of your bed, you aren’t likely to be startled awake because you feel like you’re falling off. These beds are one of the least expensive options too, which can be great if financial stress is keeping you up at night. 

Hybrid Mattresses 

Hybrid mattresses are built with both innerspring coils and foam. The foam can be memory foam, latex, or other types of foam. The coils used in these mattresses provide them with good airflow and ventilation, which makes them helpful for those who experience restless nights because they get too hot. 

Hybrids are also a solid choice for those who change positions through the night because of their quick response times. This means that those who are combination sleepers won’t likely have to worry as much about waking because it takes too long to get comfortable again.

Memory Foam Mattresses 

Latex Mattresses

Body temperature is a huge component of getting a good night’s sleep. Those who sleep hot may have a hard time staying asleep. If this is a cause of your insomnia, latex mattresses are a great choice to help keep you cool through the night. 

These types of beds could also be a good choice for those who sleep better on a mattress that offers more support and a responsive feel. Also, most latex beds are hypoallergenic and eco-friendly.

How We Test the Best Mattress for Insomnia

Sleeping Position 

• When we test beds for back sleepers, we pay special attention to spinal support, how well are hips are elevated, and if the mattress provides pressure relief around our shoulders and lower back. 

• Side sleepers place a lot of weight on smaller body areas — the hips and shoulders. To help stave off pressure buildup, side sleeper mattresses should have a sturdy foundation that contours their hips and shoulders while prohibiting them from sinking too far down. 

• When testing mattresses for stomach sleepers, my fellow testers and I evaluate how well our midsections are lifted for a healthy spinal alignment. Firmer beds are usually best at this.

• For combination sleeper beds, we look for versatile medium-firm beds that allow us to reposition easily through responsive and bouncy layers.  

SLEEPING POSITION	BEST FIRMNESS OPTION
Side Sleeper	Soft or Medium
Back Sleeper	Medium
Stomach Sleeper	Medium or Firm
Combination Sleeper	Medium

Weight/Body Type of Sleepers 

A sleeper’s weight and body type have a big impact on the type of mattress that works best for them. I test mattresses for average-weight people, my colleague, Loren Bullock, represents lightweight sleepers, and Spencer Bland, is Sleep Advisor’s heavyweight tester. 

• Lightweight people, those who weigh under 130 pounds, are often most comfortable on a softer mattress that provides ample pressure relief. Also, since these people stay more on top of the mattress than their heavier counterparts, beds may feel firmer to them. 

• Average-weight sleepers are those between 130-230 pounds. To recommend mattresses for this weight category, I evaluate how well they support me and if my body weight is evenly distributed.   

• Heavier people will likely want a durable, firm mattress that will prevent them from sinking too far into it. Spencer knows from first-hand testing experience that a lack of support can cause poor spine alignment and uncomfortable pressure buildup

Cooling 

For those dealing with insomnia, sleeping on a cooling mattress can lower your body temperature. A lower temperature can stimulate melatonin¹, a hormone that promotes sleep. That being said, some mattress types promote cooling better than others. 

Learn more: How Body Thermoregulation Impacts Sleep. 

Motion Isolation 

A bed with good motion isolation can be particularly important for those with insomnia who share a bed with a partner or pet. A bedmate’s restlessness can wake their co-sleeper if the mattress doesn’t prevent motion from moving from one part of the bed to another. 

We employ a seismograph app to evaluate disturbances caused by motion. Beds that register a lot of motion traveling from one side of the bed to the other have readings with big spikes. Those with small waves or flat lines mean that your restless partner shouldn’t disturb you much. Also, for a more real-life test, we have two of our testers lie side by side while tossing and turning to get a feel for how partners are affected on a given mattress. 

Memory foam is known for absorbing motion and can make for an excellent mattress for couples. If you’d rather have a bed with coils, though, many hybrids that have memory foam comfort layers and pocketed coils to help with motion isolatoin.  

Sex 

Sexually active people may prefer beds that are responsive and provide plenty of bounce. These features help keep you from feeling stuck in the mattress and allow you to reposition more easily.  

Good mattresses for sex need to be good for couples, and this means that in addition to responsiveness, they should also perform well in categories such as cooling, weight capacity, edge support, and noise. For those with insomnia, good scores in these categories may also be helpful in combating some of the symptoms that keep you awake. 

Pressure Relief 

Edge Support

How well a mattress supports you around the perimeter is known as edge support. This may not seem like an essential feature, but reinforced edges allow you to utilize the entire surface without fear of falling out of bed. This is beneficial for couples as it gives them more room, and it also gives an added sense of security to those who gravitate towards the edge of the bed. 

For those with insomnia, solid edge support can keep them from being startled awake by a side of the bed that feels as if it is giving way. 

We report our edge support findings after sitting on the edge of the bed for a minute while tying our shoes. Loren, Spencer, and I also lie on the edge for another minute to see if we feel secure there. 

If we don’t gauge much sinkage, we know that this bed has good edge support. Beds that perform well in this category often have stronger foam or coils around the perimeter. 

What Causes Insomnia? 

Insomnia is caused by a variety of factors². Some of these include:

• Health conditions and medications – Allergies, acid reflux, back pain, arthritis, depression, and other health issues and their symptoms can cause you to stay awake when you’re trying to sleep. Furthermore, many of the medicines that help treat many of these disorders and others can also cause insomnia.
• Travel and swing shifts – Traveling to different time zones and working night or swing shifts can disrupt your circadian rhythm and cause you to have insomnia.
• Sleep disorders – Disorders like sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep once you do.
• Stress and anxiety – External factors such as financial problems, work issues, relationship conflicts, and the death of a loved one can cause insomnia.
• Poor sleep environment – Using smartphones or laptops, watching TV, or playing video games before bed can interfere with sleep cycles. Additionally, inadequate mattresses and sleep accessories can keep you up.
• Diet and alcohol – Eating too much late in the evening can cause physical discomfort that will make it harder to sleep.

Can the Wrong Mattress Disrupt Sleep?

The wrong mattress can prevent you from getting a full night’s sleep.

There are a couple of reasons why:

1. Although some people can seemingly fall asleep anywhere, most people need a comfortable bed that supports a good night’s rest. Sleeping on a bed that doesn’t suit your needs or preferences may lead to insomnia if you’re uncomfortable and constantly tossing and turning.
2. If you experience back, hip, or shoulder pain, it may be difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Beds that are geared towards addressing these problem areas and providing pressure relief, can go a long way in helping to ease your pain and get a restful night’s sleep.

Learn More: How to Cope With Pain and Sleep

How Can a Mattress Help with Insomnia? 

A comfortable bed that meets your personal sleep needs can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. If you sleep in a bed that relieves pressure and supports you, it could allow you to doze off sooner and reduce your chances of waking up throughout the night. 

What Is the Best Sleeping Position for Insomnia?

Back Sleeping

For those with insomnia caused by medical conditions such as asthma, some research suggests that sleeping on your back could help manage symptoms³. If your insomnia is related to lower back pain, back sleeping is recommended⁴.

Side Sleeping

For those who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), either in general or as a result of pregnancy, experts say sleeping on your left side is best.⁴ Side sleeping is also advised for those with sleep apnea to help keep the airways more open for easier breathing.⁴

Combination Sleeping

Combination sleepers with insomnia will likely want a responsive bed, such as one made from latex, coils, or both. This is so that they won’t feel stuck when they are changing positions, which might otherwise wake them up.

Stomach Sleeping

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which someone repeatedly stops and starts breathing while asleep⁵. This can cause insomnia because when your breathing stops for enough time, your body will jolt you awake, gasping for air.⁵

As mentioned above, side sleeping is a way to reduce symptoms, but if you’re not a fan of this position, stomach sleeping is also recommended for sleep apnea.⁴ 

Tips for Better Sleeping with Insomnia 

• Stick to a sleep schedule – Going to sleep and waking at the same time every day – including on weekends – can help keep your circadian rhythms consistent.
• Create a comfortable sleep environment – Investing in a comfortable mattress that suits your sleeping needs and keeping your bedroom dark and cool will likely lead to more restful nights.
• Avoid caffeine late in the day – Considering that caffeine is a stimulant, it is best to not consume it six hours before bedtime⁶ to avoid issues with falling asleep.
• Drink in moderation– Although alcohol is a depressant, research shows⁷ it may lead to insomnia symptoms. It is a good idea to always drink in moderation or avoid alcohol altogether if you’re living with insomnia.
• Don’t multitask – The bedroom should be for sleeping and sex. It is best to avoid activities such as working, eating, and watching TV in bed.
• Melatonin may help – Melatonin is a natural and often effective sleep aid that your doctor may recommend as an alternative to sleeping pills. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that our body produces, signaling that it’s time for sleep, and taking the supplement may help⁸ you fall asleep at bedtime. However, melatonin is generally considered a short-term solution, so if your insomnia persists, consult with your doctor about additional options.
• Address medical conditions – Whether it’s chronic pain or another sleeping disorder that’s keeping you up at night, talk with your doctor about treatment options to help you rest easier.

Best Mattress for Insomnia FAQs

Which mattress is best for insomnia?

The best mattress for insomnia is a highly personalized decision. It should be a mattress that fits your individual needs and preferences. 

Memory foam mattresses, for example, can counteract many of the issues that may cause insomnia as they typically offer soft contouring and pressure-relieving properties. They also tend to isolate motion well, which will help keep people from waking due to the movement of their sleepmate. For those who run hot or prefer more bounce from their mattress for easier repositioning, a bed made with latex or coils could help facilitate better sleep.

Can a mattress cure insomnia symptoms?

No, a mattress can’t always cure symptoms of insomnia. However, finding the right mattress for you may help prevent the need for naps and low energy levels since you’re more likely to get a good night’s rest. Having a bed that adequately supports your body type and preferred sleep positions can increase your chances of a restful night’s sleep.

Can insomnia cause psychosis?

It’s not known for sure that insomnia can cause psychosis since psychosis occurs from many different conditions. However, research has found that insomnia leads to psychosis-like symptoms. A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience⁹ found that healthy people who went just 24 hours without sleep exhibited symptoms that mimicked schizophrenia.

Find Out More: Sleep Deprivation And Psychosis

What’s the difference between insomnia and parasomnia?

Although the words sound similar and they’re both sleep disorders, these are two radically different conditions. Insomnia is having habitual sleeplessness or the inability to sleep.

Insomnia is when you have habitual sleeplessness or the inability to sleep. Parasomnia, on the other hand, is unusual behavior that you do while you’re asleep. The most well-known form of parasomnia is sleepwalking. Others include night terrors, teeth grinding, and sleep-related eating disorders, among others.

Want to learn more? Check out our complete guide to insomnia.

Can melatonin help with insomnia?

Melatonin supplements may help with insomnia, but research is ongoing. Further, you should always consult your doctor before adding any supplements to your daily routine. 

You can also boost your body’s natural production¹⁰ of this hormone by consuming eggs, milk, wheat, cherries, nuts, seeds, tomatoes, and peppers. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that light, even artificial light, interferes with your body’s ability to produce this hormone. Therefore, we recommend keeping the lights and television off in the bedroom at night, and if you get up at two in the morning to use the restroom, turn on a small toilet light or nightlight.

Check Out Our Guide: Best Melatonin Supplements

Is sleep apnea is related to insomnia?

People with sleep apnea can wake up multiple times at night when their airway becomes blocked and they struggle to breathe, simultaneously leading to insomnia. The good news is that treatment options are available to those with sleep apnea, including CPAP therapy, which could help those with insomnia due to sleep apnea.

Learn More: Sleep Apnea Facts and Best Mattress for Sleep Apnea

Mattress	Best For	Price (Queen Size)	Review
Helix Midnight	Editor’s Pick	$1,199	Helix Midnight Mattress Review
DreamCloud Premier	Side Sleepers	$1,832	DreamCloud Premier Mattress Review
Nectar	Cheap	$999	Nectar Mattress Review
WinkBeds Plus	Heavy People	$1,999	Winkbed Plus Mattress Review
Nolah Evolution	Couples	$2,299	Nolah Evolution Mattress Review
Bear Star Hybrid	Back Sleepers	$1,998	Bear Star Hybrid Mattress Review
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid	Hybrid	$1,249	Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress Review
Titan Plus	Firm	$1,249	Titan Plus Mattress Review