How Sleep Posture Affects Health: 13 Things You Need to Know

How Sleep Posture Affects Health
Medically Reviewed
March 10, 2021

Improving your sleep posture will help you sleep better at night, benefit your health, and relieve neck and back pain in the process. Want to know how? Then read on!

People spend roughly a third of their lives sleeping, so it’s no surprise that a good sleep posture is important for your health.

Why is Good Sleep Posture Important?

Good posture is more than just how you stand and sit. Good posture is also important while you’re sleeping, as this can impact your quality of sleep as well as how comfortably you rise the next day.

A bad sleep posture can put a strain on your spine, neck, shoulders, hips, and even your jaw!

Is Bad Sleep Posture the Cause of My Back Pain?

Bad sleep posture can often harm your spine without you even realizing it. The ligaments and muscles of your back relax and heal themselves while you sleep. If you sleep in a bad position this will put extra strain on the muscles resulting in neck and back pain.

In order to protect your back, good posture is important while sleeping.

What Can I Do?

Ask yourself this…”Am I sleeping in the right position?”

The ideal sleeping position will keep the spine in alignment, take the pressure off muscles and bones, and prevent you from waking up the next day with aches, pains, and backache.

To prevent waking up with back pain there are a few things that you can do. Let’s take a closer look at how you can improve your sleeping position and in turn your quality of sleep.

Alignment is Key

If your spine isn’t aligned properly during sleep, it can put a lot of strain and stress on your spine. Try to keep your ears, shoulders, and hips aligned regardless of your sleeping position.

Use the Right Pillow

Are your pillows supporting your neck during sleep?

If not, this could be the cause of your backache. Your pillow should not only be comfortable but should support the natural curve of your neck. If your pillow is too low or too high, it will put extra strain on your neck, shoulders, and back.

Use a pillow that will keep your neck aligned with the chest and lower back, and of course, use a pillow that is comfortable.

Sleep on the Right Mattress

Is your mattress the right one for you? Are you waking up each day sore and full of aches and pains? It may be time to invest in a new mattress.

Choose a mattress that is comfortable and provides support for your spine’s natural curves.

Which is the Best Sleeping Position?

Your sleep posture plays a significant role in your sleep quality. If you are having trouble sleeping it might be time for you to switch it up. Modifying your sleep position will ensure your body is getting what it needs.

Do you sleep on your back, or on your side? Or do you prefer sleeping on your stomach? Do you want to know which is the best sleeping position?

Here is the rundown on the most popular sleeping positions and how to get the best out of them to improve your quality of sleep and back health.

Sleep in the Fetal Position

Sleeping in the fetal position, curled up on your side, allows your spine to rest in its natural alignment. This is a great position for pregnant women.

Sleep on Your Side

Sleeping in a side position helps keep your spine in a neutral position. It is also the best position for pregnant women and can help reduce acid reflux.

Sleep on Your Back
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Sleep on your Back

Sleeping on your back helps to prevent back pain and also reduces acid reflux. Unfortunately, sleeping on your back isn’t the best position if you have problems with snoring.

Sleep on Your Stomach

Sleeping on your stomach is the worst position for spinal health as you have to twist your neck to the side to breathe. This puts pressure on your muscles and joints, which leads to pain and discomfort when you awake.

However, sleeping on your stomach will benefit those who snore as it can reduce snoring

Use Pillows

Pillows aren’t just for your head and neck. They can also be used to help keep your spine aligned. Depending on your sleeping position, utilize your pillows by inserting them into gaps between your body and the mattress.

Place a pillow between or under your knees or even under your abdomen if you sleep on your stomach. This will relieve stress to the lower back.

Sleeping with a Partner

If you sleep with a partner, make sure that you have enough space between you to move into a comfortable sleeping position.

Following these tips to improve your sleep posture will help you wake up feeling rested and pain-free!

Quality of Sleep Is Just as Important as Your Sleep Posture

Everybody is different so the best sleep posture will vary from person to person. What’s important is that you’re doing what works best for your body and your sleep needs.

Quality of sleep is just as important as your sleep posture. A good night’s sleep is important for your physical and mental health. If you are having trouble sleeping, it can impact your health.

To improve your sleep quality:

  • Avoid excess caffeine
  • Exercise regularly
  • Establish an evening routine that enables you to relax and prepare for sleep

Do you struggle to sleep at night? Do you wake up with neck and back pain? 

Get Help from The Experts!

If you are worried about your sleep posture, having trouble sleeping, or any other aspect of your health. Nava Health can help. 

Schedule a consultation today talk with one of our experts, and we will help you get your health back on track and feeling your best self again!

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Summary
Article Name
How Sleep Posture Affects Health: 13 Things You Need to Know
Description
If you are not sure which sleeping position is best for you, read the 13 things you need to know about sleep posture and health.