Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Back

Sleep is important. Yet, despite our awareness of sleep benefits, we often don’t make getting enough of it a priority. Sleep loss costs the U.S. $4.2 billion dollars a year – an equivalent of 1.2 million work days a year. But there is more to sleep than getting enough. How you sleep can be just as important to your health.

Stomach sleeping.

Many people sleep on their stomachs. And while stomach sleeping can help with snoring, it can also exacerbate and prolong neck and shoulder pain from a recent or recurring injury.

Side sleeping.

Side sleeping – with your arms below chest  level – is better. But, also brings risk of waking with numbness and tingling in your arms from having them in the wrong spot. I recommend sleeping on your side with your arms down, and your legs almost straight, with a pillow between your knees. Many people have a tendency to bring their chin toward their chest in this position. Try to keep your neck straight, and be sure your pillow is thick enough to keep your spine straight. Side sleeping requires a thicker pillow than sleeping on your back.

Back sleeping.

As a chiropractor , I like back sleeping with your arms down best. It keeps your spine straight and level. This is the ideal position for back health and injury recovery. Tucking a pillow below underneath your knees can be a good extra measure as well. However, if you snore or have sleep apnea, this may not be the best position for you.