The bed and a person's sleeping position can make the difference between a restful night's sleep and an uncomfortable one.

Anthony Blasco, a chiropractor in Quakertown, said sleeping on one's back is best. "It is the most natural, anatomical position for the curves of the spine," Blasco said. "Sleeping incorrectly may cause posture problems which may cause other health problems."

According to the International Chiropractors Association, some of these problems may include poor functions of certain body systems, such as digestion and breathing, tiredness and inability to move properly.

"It is normal to feel stiffness when you first wake up," said John Michael, chiropractic assistant for Kim Trainer, an area chiropractor. "The pain from staying in one position for a good length of time should remedy itself within five to 10 minutes of moving around. We suggest chiropractic care and therapy if it does not."

In addition to sleeping in a comfortable position, it is important to sleep on the correct type of mattress.

"The key is to make sure you have enough coils in your mattress to support your back," Blasco said. "Thicker coils provide better support."

Even the best mattresses do not last forever, said Jim Gagnon of Mattress World, 1356 E. College Ave.

"Signs that your mattress is worn out are body impressions, noises, and an overall uncomfortable feeling," he said. "If your springs are worn out, nothing will help except buying a new mattress."

Most students split their time between two beds, one at home and the other at school. "My bed at home is definitely better than the one at school. It's bigger and higher off the ground. I can feel the springs in the one I have here," Adam Engle (senior-telecommunications) said. "Plus, the one at school is not very good for jumping on because it lacks the bounce that makes jumping on beds fun."

Gagnon said taking care of mattresses is easier than ever before.

"Most of the top-quality mattresses we sell have a no-flip guarantee. Some others recommend flipping your mattress three times in the first 90 days. Flipping and turning instructions can be found in the information packet that comes with the mattress from the manufacturer," he said.

The final key to finding the best mattress is yielding to personal preferences. "The best type of mattress will make you comfortable and fall asleep," Gagnon said.