A great night of sleep can help you wake up feeling refreshed and energized, and a bad night of sleep can ruin your entire day. Following proper sleep hygiene can make an incredibly positive impact on your day-to-day life by eliminating back pain and soreness.
Finding the Right Pillow
The key to reducing neck pain is sleeping on the right pillow. As you sleep, your neck and spine should be as close to their natural curvature as possible. Your pillow should give your head enough support without tilting your neck forward. If your chin tucks into your chest, your head is too far forward.
Using Pillows to Help Your Spine
Before you throw away those pillows that aren’t doing your neck any favors, try using them for support for the rest of your body. If you’re a side sleeper, keeping a pillow in between your knees can help keep your hips aligned at night.
If you sleep on your back, tucking a pillow under your knees can help maintain the natural curvature of your spine and reduce back pain.
Sleeping Position Do’s and Don’ts
Sleeping on your back and side are both acceptable sleeping positions. Sleeping on your left side is recommended for those who are pregnant because it promotes the best circulation to the baby.
Sleeping on your stomach is never recommended. This position arches your neck and back at unnatural angles and can directly cause sore, stiff muscles in the morning. Stomach sleeping can be a hard habit to break, but actively trying to fall asleep in other positions can help.
Whichever is your preferred sleeping position, seeing a chiropractor can align your spine and help your body maintain healthy sleeping habits at night.