How many times have you woken up with aching muscles and back or neck pain? Sometimes there is an obvious explanation – intense exercise the previous day for example. But when there is no clear cause this is often blamed on ‘sleeping funny’. Luckily, bedstar is here to tell you what exactly this might mean and why is it not funny in reality.
Back pain plagues many people and one of the most significant, but frequently forgotten influences on our back’s health is our bed. UK adults will spend on average 7.5 hours in bed each night and this is when your body needs to rejuvenate. Your back and neck support you all the way through the day, and deserve the benefit of a good night’s sleep.
Your spine has a natural curve to it which arches your back slightly and curves again at your neck. This is the position it needs to be allowed to maintain in bed so it can repair itself. If you sleep in a position which puts your spine out of alignment your back muscles will have to work all night, so it’s no wonder you’ll wake up achy.
Some beds that are too soft will let you sink into them creating an unnatural body shape. Whereas beds that are too hard will put pressure on parts of your body and interfere with your circulation. Any of these problems can inhibit comfortable sleep and if you can feel the springs it’s certainly time to take a look at our comprehensive bed and mattress catalogue!
Whilst there is no absolute rule about the best sleep position to alleviate back pain, there are suggestions which commonly work. If you usually sleep on your back then your body can relax to an extent, but only if your mattress lets you. You can help it out by placing a pillow under your knees to increase the spine’s curve.
Sleeping on your side can be helped by tying a towel or sheet around your waist to provide lumbar support. The position that usually puts the most strain on your back is sleeping on your front. This involves twisting your neck, compressing your lungs and skewing the spine’s natural alignment. Try to edge onto your side if possible if morning neck pain is a problem.
Once you find a bed that gives your back all the support it needs, round off the bedroom furniture with a decent pillow. You need a pillow that supports your head in the position you naturally sleep whilst allowing your neck to relax and take a break. It should also feel soft enough not to irritate your skin and allow air to flow around your mouth and nose.
Buying a new orthopedic mattress may be the solution to all your problems, but if you are a regular sufferer of back pain talk to your GP, and pick your new mattress carefully. Bedstar has a huge selection of beds online so you can find your ideal mattress or dream divan. UK deliveries can be next day for stock items so order a new bargain bed today.
