3 Must Have Sleeping Items for Spine Health
By Genevieve Cunningham
Most people already know the importance of a good night’s sleep. Adequate sleep helps give us a bit of energy, helps us fight illness and stay healthy, and helps us feel like our best selves. When we don’t get enough, it definitely shows. Besides being grumpy, we may also feel rundown or excessively fatigued. Sometimes, poor sleep even affects areas of our health that we would never expect. The spine is one such area that may be affected by poor quality sleep. And in turn, that poor quality sleep also affects our general well-being. If you need more rest, take a look at these three items that you need in your bed, followed by other ways to stay in tip-top shape.
A Good Pillow
When your pillow is not supportive, it holds the neck at the wrong angle. This not only causes neck pain, but since the neck is part of the spine, it can cause that pain to radiate throughout the back as well. Your pillow should be soft, but supportive. It should keep your head elevated, but not so much that your neck gets uncomfortable. If you’re unsure as to whether your pillow is doing its job, buy a few extras and figure out which is best for your spine and overall comfort.
A New Mattress
It doesn’t actually have to be new, but don’t be stubborn and stick with the same mattress for 20 years. A mattress is supposed to support the body while you sleep. Yes, it’s supposed to be comfortable, but it shouldn’t sag, stick you with springs, or be so worn-in that it’s permanently deformed. A good mattress helps to support the spine and alleviate back pain. Check your mattress, and then go try out some new ones in the store. You might be surprised at how unsupportive yours really is after experiencing others. If need be, save some money, chuck the old mattress and go for the new.
An Extra Pillow
This pillow is not for your head, but for your legs. When you’re feeling uncomfortable, especially in your back, try rolling onto your side. Keep one pillow under your head, and place the other between your bent knees. This helps to align the spine and provide support to the areas that may be experiencing a bit of stress.
Don’t Forget This Extra Step
To really keep your back healthy and potentially boost sleep, try chiropractic care. Chiropractors help keep your spine properly aligned, which can alleviate pain and discomfort and other negative symptoms in the body. Many people also find their sleep improves as well as it’s hard to go to sleep when your body is in pain. If you would like to try chiropractic care, visit The Joint Chiropractic. With walk-in visits and affordable pricing, getting care is easy and stress-free. With a healthier and more comfortable body, better sleep may be just around the corner. Get to The Joint today for a boost in your health and rest right away.