How to: Get proper spine alignment while sleeping
How many of you have headed to bed, desperate to sleep, only to suffer a long night of tossing and turning and a morning of achy joints and muscles? Sleep is one of the most important things we do each day for our bodies, and it’s important we’re as comfortable as possible, but getting proper spine alignment while sleeping – the most important thing we can do – isn’t that easy.
The good news is there are more products available than ever before to help you get proper spine alignment in bed (and without the help of a chiropractor). From one of the most supportive mattresses created, the Simmons Beautyrest TruEnergy, that has both gel and foam components, to a pillow from Dr. Scholl’s specifically designed for positioning, here are the products to consider if you are aching for proper spinal alignment while sleeping.
The must-have mattress
If you’re serious about getting the best spinal alignment possible in bed, look no further than the Simmons TruEnergy mattresses line. These mattresses have transformed the world of mattresses. In every TruEnergy mattress, you’ll find three cutting-edge technologies: The AirCool Memory Foam, AirCool Design and Smart Response Pocketed Coils. All three of these additions deliver amazing support for the spine.
The Smart Response Pocketed Coils are specifically the reason this mattress gives such great spinal support. They’re individually wrapped, providing quality support. Since 4 out of 5 Americans will at some point experience some kind of back pain (according to the Mayo Clinic), having a bed made with only the best coil system is one of the best ways to assure your back will be in good shape for years to come. As for the other two technologies in the Simmons TruEnergy mattress – the memory foam helps provide pressure point relief, and the AirCool design helps you stay the right temperature while you sleep.
Gel-filled pillows
Pillows have long been used to help people get their spines as comfortable as possible in bed, but ordinary pillows can only take you so far. The Technogel pillow from Dr. Scholl’s is a great pillow for getting proper neck alignment. Since the neck needs to be supported as we sleep because of its natural curve, a gel filled pillow like this one will keep its shape throughout the night, making sure your spine stays supported (and that you don’t wake up in pain).
Pillows to help hips and legs
As important as it is to get a pillow that supports your neck and the upper region of your spine, pillows can also play a role in helping align your pelvis and lower spine. If you’re a side sleeper, you should keep a pillow between your knees. Keeping the top leg separated from the bottom prevents your back from twisting forward into misalignment.
If you’re a stomach sleeper, tuck a low-profile pillow under your hips to keep your spine from curving too far while you sleep. Back sleepers should also consider a pillow under the knees to align your pelvis and keep from over-arching your lower back.
In fact, if you’re looking for more of a basic pillow that does its job, look no further than quality, wool-filled pillows. These eco-friendly pillows are hypoallergenic, resist mold and dust mites, naturally regulate body temperature by wicking away moisture and they are incredibly firm, making them great for neck and spine support, especially for side sleepers.
Your spine is everything. If you keep it aligned while you sleep, you’ll be amazed at how much better you function in other areas of your life.