Get Back to Bed: Chiropractic Tips
By Sara Butler
Sleep is one of the most natural activities you do. You need it to keep your body and mind functioning as it should, but it's not an activity that is without its pitfalls. It is possible to sleep the wrong way, which completely defeats the purpose of sleep! There are certain sleep strategies that the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic want you to know. These strategies can help reduce the pressure put on your spine during sleep and help you to wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated -- the whole point to sleeping! Here are some chiropractic sleep tips to help get you started!
Start with a Firm Foundation
If you are used to dealing with any neck or back pain, or you're trying to recover from an injury, then the first key to a good night's sleep is to have the right foundation. You need a mattress that helps to support your body properly, helping you to achieve a neutral spinal position throughout the night.
Mattress shopping isn't something one would consider to be fun -- or cheap -- but it's worth the time to make sure you're getting a proper sleep foundation. Talk to your chiropractor at The Joint to discover what you should look for when shopping for a mattress for your personal comfort and support.
Getting In and Out of Bed
You may not think that how you get in and out of bed has a lot to do with your spinal health, but it does! It's easy to strain a muscle when you're laying down for the night or getting up first thing in the morning. That's why it's important to use the log roll to get in and out of bed.
When getting into bed you should:
- Sit on the edge and use your arms to lower your body onto your side, bringing up your legs at the same time
- Roll over onto your back, keeping your muscles and hips in line to avoid twisting
To get up, you should:
- Roll onto your side, sliding your legs of the bed while keeping your abdominal muscles engaged
- Use your hand and elbows to push yourself up into a sitting position
Sleep hygiene is an important thing for everyone to learn. It's not enough to sleep in order to promote a healthy body, mind, and spine, you have to know how to do it in a way that helps preserve your body's health and integrity.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in San Jose, Calif.