What position should you sleep in?

3 Dec

A question we get asked almost daily, so we decided to write this blog to give you our answer…

It's individual, sleep is one of the most important aspects of our bodies health and functioning, so the number one priority is that you are comfortable while sleeping. We have each found our comfortable ways to sleep and there isn't just one position our bodies will stay all through the night.

You don't want to force yourself to sleep on your back if it’s not comfortable for you and you lay awake looking at the ceiling, the truth is even if you force yourself to sleep on your back during the night your body will unconsciously move into different positions that you have no control over, so be comfortable when sleeping.

One important point of this blog is that there is no “bad” position to sleep in, we are all different shapes and sizes and have different sleeping habits that have developed over the years and trying to change these overnight is not recommended.

Of course, if you are finding your sleeping position painful then change is needed, here are some helpful tips to help you find an alternative sleep-ease position.

A pillow between your knees if you sleep on your side⁣⁣ to help maintain a neutral position through the pelvis and hips
A pillow under your knees if you sleep on your back
A pillow under your tummy if you sleep on your front to help prevent too much lordosis (arch) into the lower back
Check how old your mattress is, they should be replaced every 7-10 years, maybe it's time for a new one?
Adjust the number of pillows you are using under your head and see if it makes any improvement for you

Now, onto pillows.

The same concept applies to pillows as it does sleep position, one size does not fit all, and comfort always wins!

Whatever pillow you choose the most important thing is that you aim to help your spine aligned while you sleep, therefore you don't want to have too many pillows that it causes your neck to be flexed up ⁣or no pillows causing your neck to be extended.

Our advice when choosing new pillows or mattress is, do your research and if it’s possible to go to the shop and give them a try and see what feels comfortable for you.

It is recommended to change your mattress every 8 years and pillows every 12-24 months, this is a variable time frame so if your mattress or pillows are causing you problems before then, it’s a good idea to change it sooner rather than later.