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Sleeping Positions and How They Effect Your Health

Sleeping Positions and How They Effect Your Health

I often times get asked, "Doc, what is the best position to sleep in?"  Sleeping in the proper position ensures adequate rest, but also can prevent pain and other issues.  But sleeping in in an improper position may lead to aches and pains, organ issues, heartburn, and other issues.

My best recommendation is to sleep on your back, with 1 supportive pillow, one that contours to support your head and neck so that they are in the best position possible.  If needed, a smaller pillow could be placed under the small of your back, or under your knees for additional support if needed.  This will ensure that you are not experiencing undue stress to your neck joints, ligaments, muscles, and vascular structures, something like this...

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This type of pillow will also accommodate your spine if you turn onto your side, or if you are mainly a side sleeper.  A pillow that is too high, too firm, lumpy, too low, or not supportive enough can put strain and stress on your joints while you are sleeping, which can cause tension, spasm and pain, and does not allow for truly restful sleep.  Also, if you snore or have sleep apnea, you should consult a sleep specialist to see what options are available to help reduce or eliminate these issues. 

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Aside from inadequate rest, poor sleep is linked to fatigue, irritability, memory, learning, stress, decreased immune function and negative changes to your metabolism, as well as increasing your risk for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.

One thing to remember is that we develop a habit of sleeping in a certain position, or with a certain pillow, so it can take some time to change a bad sleep position into a better one.  There will be times where it may feel uncomfortable, and you end up just getting back into your old position, but just like anything else, if you stick with it, you will easily be able to make the change over time!

Below is a link to an article that talks about the different sleeping positions, with benefits and problems with each sleeping position.  Though it can be difficult to change your sleeping habits, if you are sleeping in a way that is negatively effecting your health, it is worth the frustration! If you have issues sleeping, wake up sore and/or stiff, or have pain and achiness when you wake up, chiropractic care can help relieve the pain and tension.  You should consult a chiropractor to see what sleeping position, pillow, or other supports might be beneficial for your situation.  Should you have any questions about this information, please contact our office, and let Dr. Afghani help you achieve the best night's sleep you have had in a long time.   (386) 492-4881

Click here to read the article

www.atlanticchirofl.com

Dr. Phil Afghani is a Chiropractor and Clinic Director at Atlantic Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Port Orange, FL.  Our office serves the chiropractic and natural healthcare needs of the communities of Port Orange, South Daytona, Daytona Beach, Holly Hill, Ormond Beach, Ponce Inlet, New Smyrna, Oak Hill, Edgewater, Bunnell, and Palm Coast.

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Testimonial

  • "I started to come to Dr. Phil because I have a lot of problems with my neck. When I come, he gives me tremendous relief. I don’t suffer from headaches anymore because he adjusts my neck, which is very, very hard to adjust. He has massage therapists that have also helped me a lot, so I am really, really grateful for Dr. Phill."
    -Mona E.