Do you jump out of bed full of energy and raring to face the day ahead? Or, do you immediately notice aches, pains, and problems with your mobility?
Here’s the most important question: “Could your sleeping position be the difference between the two ends of the spectrum?”
It’s so important because the average person spends 229,961 hours sleeping – almost a third of their life! WOW! The quality of the rest we get at night decides the amount of energy we have during the day. A lack of sleep can also have a serious effect on our overall health.
It can make sufferers prone to serious illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and high blood pressure. It can also have a serious impact on our musculoskeletal health. Bad sleeping posture can lead to back or joint problems, muscular tenderness and pain.
The right sleeping position can make all the difference.
Good positions for sleeping…..
Legs together on your side
This is by far the best way to sleep, protecting your body from stress while you dream. It’s like the feotal position, meaning your nervous system is calmed and comforted. Make sure your knees are aligned to ensure your pelvis is in the best position.
You can put a pillow between your knees, if you wish.Your pillow should be the same thickness as the space between your ear and your mattress. That ensures your neck extension is even – avoiding aches and pains in it in the morning.
On your back
This is generally a good position for sleeping. However, you should avoid: Using a pillow – that forces up your head at an angle which isn’t natural. Allowing your knees to slide up and open out – your pelvis can become twisted by this. Both your legs should remain straight. Allowing your legs to flop open completely – this can put too much stress in the joints of the hips and there can be too much rotation. You may wish to prop up your calves from the outside or belting your shins together.
Bad positions – what not to do
Sleep on your stomach
A complete no no. Never sleep on your stomach. This position means your lower back will be compressed for hours as you sleep. It also means your neck and head will be badly twisted on one side.
If you have been doing this, it’s time to change your habits. Wear a T-shirt with a tennis ball in the front pocket to ensure you can no longer sleep on your belly!
Sleep lying on one side with one leg up
This position twists your pelvis and there is a danger you will slump onto your stomach. Sometimes, this is caused by a person having right muscles.
Changing it can not only change the quality of your rest, it can help improve your muscular balance.
Let our chiropractors and physiotherapists give you their professional advice on the best sleeping position for you. Call us on…
Torbay Chiropractic and Natural Health Centre
48a Barton Hill Road
Torquay
TQ2 8JD
01803 329799
Teign Chiropractic and Natural Health Centre
1A, Estuary Court,
Broadmeadow,
Teignmouth
TQ14 9AE
01626 774222
Find out more about our great team here