Sleeping Posture Zzzzz
Sleeping Posture for lots of Zzzzzzz
Written by Matt Olthof of the MyExercise Team.
18th February 2010
We spend approximately one third of our lifetime asleep, so for that reason our sleeping posture can potentially have a huge impact on our body's well being. During our sleep our spine decompresses and our body's tissues heal, it is important therefore, that we have enough time asleep and that during this time our spine is resting in a position of minimal stress.
Sleeping Position
Sleep position:
Sleep on your back or on your sides. Avoid sleeping on your stomach! Stomach sleeping places strain on your low back and your neck. It is best to sleep on your back or on your side.
Tips:
If you sleep on your side you can place a pillow between your knees, this will prevent any twisting through your low back, and it may also stop you from rolling over on to your front.
If you find that you keep ending up on your stomach you can put a large hair clip on the front of your pyjamas, eventually you will learn not to roll on to your front.
The Right Pillow for You
The role of the pillow is to keep your head and neck well supported and in a neutral position. A general recommendation for side sleepers is to have one medium height pillow. A smaller person may need a lower pillow, similarly a larger person may need a higher pillow. People who sleep on their back should have one low pillow that cradles the head. Contoured pillows are shaped to the natural curve in your neck and provide the best support by keeping your neck in a comfortable and neutral position.
Choosing a Mattres
Because we are all built uniquely, mattress choice is very much a matter of individual preference, and this is reflected by the vast range of products available (and massive price range). However there are some important things to consider before purchasing a mattress. The Goldilocks rule applies - not to hard, not to soft.but what is just right? Ideally you should not sink down to far or be forced into a position that doesn't feel natural. A mattress should have the right amount of give to keep your spine in a neutral position. Most reasonable quality mattresses will have a higher density or strength around the hips to keep you in a position of minimal stress.