Prevent Pain From Sleeping With These Tips
By Brandi Goodman
Sleep may not come easy if you're feeling sore. You may also wake with pain and find it difficult to get through your day. With a few tips in mind, you can work to prevent pain from sleeping and experience better rest and more energy overall.
Get a Chiropractic Pillow
The wrong pillow can have serious consequences for your neck and back. You need to make sure you have a pillow that supports your neck and keeps your spine in line if you hope to wake without pain. A chiropractic pillow with a special space for your head to go is best.
Change Your Mattress
Your mattress could be the culprit for your pain. If you find yourself struggling to drift off night after night, it might be time for a new one. Mattresses should be replaced at least every eight years. Even if you just bought a new one, it might be wise to switch if you realize the one you got is just too firm or too soft for your back. Everyone is going to need something different.
Switch Your Sleep Position
Perhaps you've always found yourself drawn to one way of sleeping. You might sleep on your stomach with your head to one side, or sleep on your side with your arms up and curled around your pillow. Certain positions may feel comfortable at first, but they could be what's causing your chronic pain. Stomach sleeping is not advised because it interferes with the spine's natural curve. If you're going to sleep on your side, you really should have a pillow between your knees so they aren't touching. If you find yourself waking due to pain, trying a new sleep position could help.
Set a Routine
You might find yourself sore if you've spent the night tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep. Setting a sleep routine can help prevent this problem. If you choose to go to bed at the same time each night, and wake at the same time each day, your body will become accustomed to this schedule. You should set a routine that works well for you, perhaps turning off all lights at least an hour before bed, using lavender essential oil in a diffuser, and putting on a sleep mask. Trying to stay awake later than usual or choosing to nap in the daytime will interfere with your schedule and could result in poor sleep quality and more pain than you might usually experience.
You need sleep if you hope to maintain your health. Don't let pain stop you from getting any rest. Follow these tips so you can drift off easier and get the sleep your mind and body require. If you still struggle, a visit to the chiropractor may be in order.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Pinole, Calif.