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Health & Fitness

Best Sleeping Positions for a Happy Spine

Are you waking up with pain and discomfort? Find out if your sleep position may be contributing to your aches and pains.

Time and time again I am asked the question- "What is the best position for sleeping?'  It is a great question and here are a few tips-​

Sleeping on your back is the best position.  The discs of your spine have the lowest internal pressure when you are on your back.  This allows them to have the most efficient rest/recovery.  Unfortunately, for many people, sleeping on their back is not an option either due to health conditions or snoring!​

Sleeping on your side is the second best option and probably the easiest position to switch to.  When on your side remember to keep your head supported and use a pillow between your knees.  Also, do not use your arm as a pillow if you are sleeping on your side.​

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Stomach sleeping is the worst of all positions.  Would you walk around looking over your left or right shoulder for hours every day?  Well, when sleeping on your stomach you are forcing your head to either rotation left or right for a number of hours.  This places a lot of undue stress on your neck.  Additionally, when on your stomach you are forcing you low back into extension which can cause pain/discomfort.  ​

Those are a few quick tips for sleeping.  Feel free to post any additional comments or questions below.  ​

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