If you suffer from insomnia or are restless throughout the night, you know how awful it can be trying to make it through the next day.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 50 percent of American experience some sleep disorder, making it almost impossible to perform at peak levels during the day.
If you suffer from insomnia or are unable to get a full night’s rest because of chronic pain, contact the Chiropractors at AICA Atlanta right away.
Spinal Health and Sleep Patterns
Chemical triggers to your nervous system often prevent sleep, such as when you drink caffeinated beverages or take particular medications.
Emotional and mental triggers are also influential for how well you can relax at night.
One of the most overlooked and shared causes of poor sleep is dedicated to the position you sleep in. Think about it; you spend most of your day relatively stationary with minimum activity taking place.
The limited activity we experience when trying to sleep, especially when maintaining poor posture, negatively affects your spine’s health and can contribute to early nerve degeneration.
Taking concrete steps that ensure your spine is as close to neutral alignment as possible during sleep can prevent damage from happening over time, while also providing your body with the type of relaxation it requires.
If you are struggling with getting a full night’s rest, check out the following information that will help you maintain a healthy sleeping position right away.
Do Not Sleep On Your Stomach
Although sleeping on your stomach may be comfortable, it is not ideal for your neck and spine.
When you lie on your stomach at night, your neck is extended in a specific rotation that increases the risk of losing the natural lordotic curve of your neck. Sleeping for hours at a time in this position can also dehydrate your neck discs, accelerate the development of osteoarthritis, and create pinched nerves.
Any neck pain you experience from sleeping in this position doesn’t compare to the kind of impact your body’s autonomic nervous system (responsible for regulating how well your body functions) experiences!
Purchase A New Mattress
Despite most mattresses coming equipped with a 10-year warranty, most tend to break down long before then.
When your bed gets too old and starts to lose its support, your body begins to experience particular levels of stress that make it difficult to relax.
This environment can lead to severe stiffness and body aches during the day and should be avoided if possible.
Instead of changing out your mattress every ten years or so, try purchasing a new one every five to seven years to prevent this problem,
Using Your Pillow Correctly
To obtain a good night’s rest without compromising your spine’s health, you should sleep on your side with your knees bent and a pillow tucked in between your legs.
Sleeping on your back side is also fine as long as you can keep your head locked in one neutral position.
The Chiropractors at AICA Atlanta recommend placing a pillow between your knees to alleviate pressure from your back and neck. If possible, try using some large, fluffy pillows, which offer superior neck support for adults weighing between 120 and 140 pounds.
Lastly, make sure that you replace your pillows once a year to maintain the type of support your spine and neck require during rest.
Contact AICA Atlanta’s Chiropractors Today to Learn More
You can learn more about maintaining a healthy spine and how you can earn a better night’s rest by calling AICA Atlanta today.
We are experienced at offering custom treatment solutions that help patients throughout Atlanta feel and perform at their very best. Whether you suffer from insomnia or chronic pain, we can make sure that you get what you need to sleep and function better.
Schedule a consultation today by filling out our online submission form or by calling us at (404) 889-8828.