SLEEP POSITIONS
Ever wake up with the worst headache, neck pains, back pains? There may be some factors about your sleep that can cause these symptoms! We can adjust what we do to provide a more restful sleep and less aches and pains!
Be sure to sleep with only one pillow that supports the neck and keeps the spine in a neutral. I am so guilty of sometimes sleeping with 2 pillows and wake up with the worst stiff neck! Feels so good in the moment, but I definitely pay for it later on!
So, what is the best pillow? The one that is comfortable for you and keeps the spine in a neutral. Depending on the sleeping position, back, stomach or side sleeper, pillow thickness may vary.
- As a back sleeper – sometimes having a thinner pillow that still provides support and comfort might be better so that the neck is not cranked into a forward position
- As a tummy sleeper – sometimes having a thinner pillow that still provides support and comfort might be better so that the neck is not cranked to far back into extension
- As a side sleeper – sometimes having a medium pillow thickness might be better to keep the neck in a neutral and still provide support and comfort
Do you like sleeping with your head turned to one side? (guilty) Changing sides throughout the night might be beneficial to help lessen the tension placed on one side.
As a side sleeper, I find it helpful to sleep with a pillow between my legs to take some tension off my low back and hips and put my spine into a neutral.
If you like sleeping on your back, a pillow under the knees may be helpful in taking tension off the low back and putting the spine into a neutral position.
As always, this information is for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing any aches and pains, pls contact your health care professional and book an appointment!