Chandler Chiropractor Offers Affordable Care to Improve Sleep
There are a number of different sleeping styles out there, and when it comes to comfort at night, everyone is different to some degree. I happen to sleep on my stomach, as comfortable as it is for me to do so, it can sometimes wreak havoc on my neck, and this is why it's one of the most popular reasons for chiropractic visits.
It’s important for stomach-sleepers to know that this position applies mechanical stress to the cervical spine. Simply put, the muscles and ligaments in the surrounding area are stretched asymmetrically to one side, which physically pulls the upper cervical vertebrae out of proper alignment. This is the culprit of the chronic neck pain and headaches that are often had by those who sleep on their stomachs. It's mainly in part to the fact that the head isn't resting properly at a level that isn't putting stress on one side of the neck. This is why sleeping on your back is much better, as the head is fully supported.
Prolonged years of sleeping like this can sometimes lead to irreversible arthritic changes over time. Therefore, if you, like me, are a stomach sleeper, save your neck by switching the way you sleep. Here are some things you can try to train yourself to sleep in a way that's better for your spine.
Therapeutic Pillow
This is the easiest and quickest way to reduce pressure and tension on the neck is to invest in a pillow that gives added support. These pillows are generally uniquely designed to help you maintain back/side sleeping. The intelligent shape of it makes stomach-sleeping nearly impossible.
Get Tied Up
One crazy, but tested and proven method involves tying a ribbon around your wrist and anchoring it to a nightstand or bedpost. The madness behind the theory is that “rolling over” will create a tugging sensation on the arm, prompting you to change positions. An alternative to this would be velcroing a tennis ball to the front of your pajamas. The idea here is to make lying flat on your stomach unpleasant. Both methods are training the brain to dislike sleeping on the stomach.
Memory Foam Body Pillow
These long cylindrical body pillow are designed to help stomach sleepers transition to side-sleeping. If you need the feeling of warmth, pressure, or support to fall asleep, this helps. The pillow almost forces you to roll over and sleep on either your side or back.
Consult your primary care physician or chiropractor for any medical related advice.
