Sleeping Position: Best Practices to Prevent Neck Pain
It is important that you get good sleep each night in order to wake up refreshed and ready for the day. But if you wake up with neck pain, it can interfere with your day and make it difficult to concentrate and perform at your best.
What Sleeping Position Causes Neck Pain?
Sleeping in a position that keeps your head, neck and spine in an unnatural position for a prolonged period of time can cause neck pain. Common culprits include sleeping on your stomach with your head twisted to the side, or sleeping with your head and neck rolled out of alignment.
What is the Best Sleeping Position to Avoid Neck Pain?
The best sleeping position to prevent neck pain is the “back sleeper” position. This position keeps the spine in a neutral position and prevents strain on the joints, discs and ligaments of the cervical spine.
- General Guidelines:
- Use a soft, supportive mattress and pillow.
- Keep hips and shoulders in a straight line.
- Place a pillow under your knees.
- Keep your head and neck in alignment with the rest of your spine.
- Specific Position:
- Lie on your back with your arms at your sides.
- Place a pillow under your head with the lower part of the pillow slightly behind your shoulders.
- Place another pillow under your knees.
By following these guidelines and sleeping in the “back sleeper” position, you can help prevent neck pain. Remember to use a supportive mattress and pillow, and to keep your head, neck and spine in alignment. With proper care and a supportive sleeping position, you can enjoy a restful night of sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day.
