Night Time Tips for a Healthy Back and Neck
By Genevieve Cunningham
The only thing worse than suffering from a sore back or neck is waking up that way. When you went to bed, you felt perfectly fine. But somehow, in the middle of the night while your body was supposed to be resting, your body was filled with a frustrating pain. Chances are good that you’ve experienced something similar. But perhaps the most frustrating part of this scenario is getting some relief. Obviously rest isn’t working, so what do you do? If you would like to improve both your sleep and the health of your back, take a look at these tips for a healthy back and neck while you sleep.
Clear Your Sleeping Space
A lot of people sleep in a cluttered sleeping space and don’t even realize it. Is your bed made before you get in? If not, your covers are likely scrunched and restricting movement. Are there other people in the bed? Kids or spouse, maybe? Then you may not have as much free space as you’d like. If you want to improve your sleep, make sure that you have enough room to get comfortable and stay that way through the night.
Work on Posture
Posture while you sleep might seem silly, but it matters. If you’re sleeping with your head hanging off of the bed or propped in a strange position, you’re probably not getting deep enough sleep. Try sleeping on your back or on your side with a pillow between your knees. Each of these positions offer maximum support for the spine and leave you more comfortable in the morning.
Get a New Pillow
Stop sleeping on that seven-year-old pillow. Get a new one! And if possible, get one that supports the head and neck. These can be found at most department stores as well as through many doctors or chiropractors. Supportive pillows keep the head in just the right position to maximize comfort and minimize pain.
Get Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care may not seem like the first choice for improving sleep, but it can really work! Chiropractors work to remove restrictions from the body. This reduces pain, which can then make sleep easier to find and keep. But it should also be noted that some instances of insomnia are actually caused by these restrictions, so by removing them, you’ll be eliminating insomnia right at the source. And of course, chiropractic care is one of the best ways to protect the back and neck. So with one method, you'll be improving spinal health and sleep for a healthier life overall.
If you would like to try chiropractic care in your life, check out The Joint Chiropractic. At The Joint, getting care is easy and stress-free. Just use their walk-in visits and affordable pricing to get the care you need without the stress and hassle. Good sleep is crucial for health and happiness. Use these tips and get to The Joint for a better night’s sleep tonight.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Orlando, Fla.