Best Mattresses for Athletes

For athletes, sleep is as important to performance as diet and training. A full night’s sleep is a crucial aid to muscle recovery so the next training session is better than the day before. Choosing the right mattress is important: you want one that provides comfort for sore muscles and overworked joints while offering the right amount of support to keep your entire body aligned. Correct body alignment does more than just keep users from waking up with a sore back or neck; it prevents muscular imbalances that can increase injury risk, and it helps with proper breathing during sleep so you get enough oxygen to aid recovery and be fully rested. Athletes should consider their build (slim, muscular, or husky; tall or short) and any existing injuries or discomfort when picking a mattress. For example, a medium-firm to firm foam mattress may be best for a heavier athlete, whereas a slim or petite competitor may get better rest on a soft to medium-firm mattress.