Here’s a question that may keep you up at night (perhaps literally): How do you know when it’s time to replace your mattress?

It’s not an easy decision. A quality mattress can be expensive, there are more choices than ever and there are a lot of factors to consider in determining which one is right for the way you sleep. So it’s no surprise that you’d want to be absolutely sure when the time comes to spring for a new one.

You’ve probably heard the general rule from experts that, under normal conditions, your mattress should last you anywhere from six to eight years. But if you’ve lost track of time, if you didn’t buy your current mattress from a popular furniture or mattress retailer, or you just feel unsure, there’s no need to panic. There are some signs that can help indicate whether or not it’s time to go mattress shopping, and we’ll break them down here — as well as give some pointers on what to look for in your new mattress.

The Importance of Sleep

One way to look at the decision to buy a new, quality mattress (vs. going with a cheaper option to save money) is that you’re making an investment in your health and better self-care. A good night’s sleep is fundamental to your physical health, mental health and overall quality of life — so if you’re not sleeping well and you’re wondering if your mattress may be to blame, our advice would be to trust your instincts.

Acima: A More Comfortable Alternative to Financing

Once you do decide to go shopping, Acima is ready to keep your financial health in check as well. You can physically and mentally rest easy with a new mattress knowing that we partner with thousands of name-brand national mattress retailers to provide you with lease-to-own options that make shopping for yours affordable and convenient, all without credit.*

You’re Not Dreaming It: 5 Telltale Signs It’s Time

It’s not always obvious when a mattress has had its day and needs replacing. In fact, it might look totally fine on the outside. However, these signals from the inside — or from you — should tell you all you need to know.

1. You start the day saying “Ouch” instead of “Good morning.”

It’s no fun to wake up with a stiff neck, lower back pain and aches that you didn’t have when you went to bed the night before. If this sounds like something you’ve experienced for the past few weeks (or worse, months), it’s time to replace your mattress with one that can offer more support and structure.

2. You constantly toss and turn.

Maybe it’s the springs in the mattress. Maybe you purchased a mattress that ended up being softer or firmer than you expected, and it’s just not helping you sleep. In any case, if you just can’t seem to get comfortable during the night, and you don’t feel at all rested when the alarm goes off, it may be time to start shopping.

These days there are better, more customizable mattresses on the market that can help eliminate this issue for you. Many can be electronically adjusted to your preferred firmness level. You can also consider a foam mattress instead of the traditional spring model ; foam mattresses contour to your body to provide optimal personal comfort and support.

3. You’re sagging more than you’re sleeping.

It’s not a good sign if you feel like you’re laying in a hammock rather than your own bed. Irregularities like sagging, indentations or points of unevenness are a result of the natural level of wear and tear, whether it’s the breakdown of the springs or softening of memory foam core. Unfortunately, these things will get likely worse with time and could result in you experiencing some of the other telltale signs mentioned.

4. There’s an uptick in your allergies.

Mattresses are known for their buildup over time of household allergens like dust mites, mold and mildew. When you start experiencing an increase of indoor allergies, it could be that your mattress is housing more than its fair share of uncomfortable irritants.

Once you purchase a new mattress you may discover that not only will you sleep better, but you’ll breathe better as well. If you are a person who struggles with chronic allergies, hypoallergenic mattresses made of materials like wool or latex are worth considering.

5. Your mattress is lumpy and bumpy.

As with sagging issues, your mattress padding naturally shifts around over time as a result of normal movement. When your mattress has run its course, you’ll start to feel these lumps, meaning you aren’t being supported properly. You might even feel uncomfortable pressure points that make falling and staying asleep nearly impossible. You could try a topper, but it’s ultimately only a band-aid ; you might as well put that money toward a more permanent solution for your peace of mind.

Rest Easy. You Got This.

The next time you crawl under the covers, take a little inventory of the signs we described above and see if you notice any in your own mattress — especially if you know you’ve been sleeping on the same one for at least six years. Then, take your concerns with you when you go shopping at your favorite retailer that offers Acima. They’ll not only offer Acima to provide the furniture leasing options you need, but many stores these days offer sleep analysis tools to show you what to look for in a mattress so you choose the one that’s best for your unique sleep needs and habits.

Even if you think you can live with the wear and tear to save yourself the expense, just remember: You spend roughly a third of your life in bed. It’s worth spending the extra money on a quality mattress that you — and your health — will benefit from for years to come.