However, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy this week produced a guide on the effect of position on your back and your sleep. Having recently experienced a few weeks of back pain, I can well empathize. Despite sleeping soundly (or so I thought) every night, I still felt like somebody's left over dirty laundry in the morning.
A comfortable mattress and a quiet room are, of course, important. But according to London, England, physiotherapist Sammy Margo, it's also important to sleep so as to avoid uneven stresses on the head, neck or back. She stresses how vital a good night's sleep is to our health and well-being. A poor night's sleep will leave a person tired out and lacking in energy. It's important to do everything possible to assure your sleep is pain-free.
POSITIONS
- Lying on your side - Put a pillow at your back to keep your neck inline with your head. Also, a pillow between the knees take some of the pressure off the back.
- Lying on your back - A pillow under the knees take pressure off the lower spine.
- Lying on your stomach - Place a pillow under your tummy to keep the spine alined with the neck and head.
According to Dr. Margo, physiotherapists are accustomed to seeing patients who have injured themselves by sleeping in a contorted position. Even if you're prone to toss and turn in the night, try to ease unnatural positions by the use of pillows.
Even getting out of bed can cause injuries. Avoid straining by rolling onto your side, bending your knees and using your hands to push yourself upright.
