Having health issues or a restless sleep once in a while is inevitable, but too many people these days put up with pain and discomfort that is entirely preventable. An old mattress is a common cause for restless nights and discomfort, among other things. Here are five signs that you need to replace your bed.

Your mattress is over 8 years old
Even quality mattresses are not exempt from the ravages of time. We spend around one third of our life in bed, so think about the amount of time that we spend on our mattresses over 8 years!

When you wake up, you are tired and sore
If you are waking up with more aches and pains than you had when you went to sleep, there’s a problem. It is similarly concerning if you regularly wake up exhausted and foggy-headed.

You feel extra comfortable sleeping in a different bed from your own
It’s difficult to notice gradual changes, especially when you are exposed to something all the time. Have you recently slept at a hotel or a friend’s place and been surprised at how comfy it was and how well you slept? This is definitely a sign that your mattress has had its day.

Your mattress creaks or sags
Please take a moment to notice its physical condition. Is there a slight sag in the middle that you didn’t see before? Get onto your bed and explore the surface for dents, while also being aware of creaking noises as you move around.

You have allergic symptoms, especially at night or in the morning
The buildup of allergens, be it from skin cells or pet dander, can add a considerable weight to your mattress and make you sneeze. An easy way to protect against this is a mattress pad. Adding a bit of comfort while locking out those allergens from the mattress, a good mattress pad will keep your mattress in top shape for much longer.

If these signs reflect how you have been sleeping or living, it’s time to look for a better option.