Neck Pain and Side Sleeping: Everything You Need to Know
For many many years those in the know have claimed sleeping on your back was the best position for your body. More recent research, however, suggests that this may not in fact be correct and that side sleeping is the best position for you to sleep in, especially when it comes to managing and preventing neck pain. But this is not the only benefit of sleeping on the side, there are a lot more reasons to try out this sleep position if you aren’t already. That said, when you do sleep on your side, it is important to do so in the correct position. If you are not correctly supported with a good quality neck pain, Elite Rest has the perfect one, then you will wake in pain and will not experience the other benefits of side sleeping.
This article is all about the side sleeping – the benefits, how to do it correctly and what pillows to use.
Side Sleeping: The Benefits
For many, curling up in bed at night is the best way for them to fall asleep. You might even really think much about how you sleep or what position you fall asleep in – you just do it. It does become a hot topic, however, when you start waking up with a sore neck. Then suddenly how you sleep becomes very important.It can be difficult to change sleeping positions but the benefits of side sleeping definitely make it worth the effort.
The key to reaping the rewards of sleeping on your side is to make sure that your body is aligned correctly. This can be done easily by sleeping on a supportive pillow that has been designed for side sleepers and/or by placing a cushion between your knees for additional support. Once you have the correct position you will notice that sleeping on your side reduces any joint or lower back pain you might have been experiencing. Side sleeping will also help reduce the pain associated with chronic conditions like fibromyalgia.
Snoring will also be reduced when you sleep on your side as it opens up your air way, making it easier for you to breathe and sleep better.
A good night’s sleep can also prevent any cognitive issues and researchers are finding that when you sleep on your side, it may improve your brain health.
Side sleepers might also notice an improvement in their gut health. Sleeping on your side can help to improve the functioning of your digestive system and in doing so ease associated conditions such as heartburn, constipation and bloating.
As you can see sleeping on your side can help with more than just neck pain.
Side Sleeping: The Best Position
Even if you have always slept on your side, it is a good idea to check in with your body. This is to make sure that you are sleeping in the correct posture so that you can get the most out of this position. Despite it being one of the best positions to sleep in, if done wrong, you will wake up in pain and discomfort.
Keep the following in mind when you get into bed.
- Opt for a medium-firm mattress and only one firm pillow under your head.
- Start out by sleeping on your left side. Make sure your ears are in line with your shoulders while your chin is in a neutral position. Don’t tuck your chin into your chest or keep your head down.
- Try to keep your hands and arms at your sides.
- If you are experiencing back pain, place a firm pillow between your knees. Doing this prevents your hips and knees from collapsing, creating alignment in your spine. You might also want to consider a body pillow for even more support.
- Lift your knees up towards your chest, this will reduce any pressure on your back.
Follow these steps and you will notice an improvement in how you sleep and reduction in your neck pain. If you continue to experience pain or it worsens, it is best to seek medical advice.
Side Sleeping: The Best Pillows
Finding the right side sleeper set up might take a little trial and error and does boil down to personal preference. These pillows can all help to ensure you get the best night’s sleep as a side sleeper.
The Adjustable Pillow:
Having a pillow that you can adjust and customise is always a good idea. The Pancake pillow is one such pillow! It comes as one large pillow made up of layers of smaller pillows. These layers can be removed or added back to suit you. The advantage of this is that you can play around with the height of the pillow until you find the one that aligns your body and allows you to sleep comfortably.
The Cervical Pillow:
Back pain sufferers need to invest in the Comfilife Orthopedic Pillow. This pillow has been designed with comfort and support in mind. You place the little pillow between your legs and you will notice instant relief from back and hip pain. If you are suffering from sciatica then this pillow may also offer you some much needed relief. Even if you do not currently suffer from back pain, sleeping with a knee pillow just helps to correctly align your body while you are sleeping on your side.
The Luxurious Pillow:
You do not have to compromise luxury for support, not with the Dream North Pillow anyway. This pillow is all about comfort and luxury, made with a breathable cotton cover, you will drift off to dreamland in no time with this pillow. Filled with poly gel-filled fiber to ensure maximum comfort, you are guaranteed a good night’s sleep on this pillow. Your head and neck will be properly supported while you sleep, reducing the need for you to toss and turn and allowing you to fall asleep and stay asleep all through the night.
The Down Alternative Pillow:
Sable Store has created an adjustable, down alternative pillow for those who want the luxury and comfort of down without the allergies. This pillow comes with additional stuffing allowing you to add or remove the filling until you find the right height and comfort level. The down filling adjusts to your posture, and will support the neck while you are sleeping. Lay your head on this pillow at the end of the day and you will feel all the aches, pains and stresses just float away.
The Memory Foam Pillow:
Elite Rest has a contour memory foam side sleeper pillow that may be the answer to all your sleeping problems. The contours of this pillow have been designed to offer you maximum support while you sleep on your side. They cradle your head, supporting your neck so that you sleep correctly aligned and comfortable. Good quality memory foam is used and the advantage of this is that the memory foam conforms to the contours of your head, ensuring you have the right support.
Waking up with neck pain could be remedied by simply changing the position you sleep with. Combine that with a good pillow, like the Elite Rest Memory Foam Pillow, and you are all but guaranteed a good night’s sleep, free from pain.