Are you regularly suffering from a stiff neck or lower back pain after sleeping? If this is the case, it’s time to assess your sleeping position and pillow, as these might be the culprits contributing to your discomfort.
A good night’s sleep is vital to our overall health, productivity, and well-being. However, a bad sleeping position can lead to various health issues, including back pain, neck discomfort, sleep apnea and headaches
So, what is a bad sleeping position?
Sleeping on your stomach is considered the worst position as it flattens the natural curve of your spine, leading to lower back pain. When lying this way, your neck is twisted to one side for several hours, causing neck issues and discomfort.
If you’re a side sleeper, you may not be entirely in the clear either. Side sleeper back pain is common from maintaining this position throughout the night. When your body’s midsection sinks into the mattress, it can twist your spine and cause discomfort from sleeping on the side. It’s best to place a pillow between your knees to reduce this rotation.
Sleeping on your back with a thin pillow to support the natural curvature of your spine is usually recommended.
What About Stomach Sleepers?
Lower back pain from sleeping can also be caused by lying on your stomach, and in fact, this position is not recommended at all.
However, if you can’t avoid it, opt for a very thin pillow or no pillow at all to keep your neck as flat as possible. Some people even find it helpful to place a pillow under their stomach to help maintain the spine’s natural curve.
Your bad sleeping position or an inadequate pillow could cause your discomfort, so it’s important to assess whether this is the case. If it is, looking at your sleep habits is the first step to returning to a pain-free lifestyle.
Remember, everyone is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Finding the most comfortable sleeping position and the right pillow for you might take some trial and error. But once you do, you’ll be on your way to achieving a sound and rejuvenating sleep, waking up without the unnecessary aches and pains.
Need help assessing whether pain from sleeping on your side or stomach is the cause of your symptoms? Book an appointment at The Backstory for chiropractic care that’s personalised for you.
Scott Leabeater is The Backstory Chiropractic’s Principal Chiropractor. Scott uses up to date research literature to guide an evidence based approach to diagnosis and treatment. His unique professionalism and knowledge has made Scott highly sought after. Throughout his career he has treated everyone from local office workers to Olympic athletes. Scott is an AHPRA registered Chiropractor and member of Chiropractic Australia.