Improving Your Sleep Posture for a Better Quality of Life
You may already know how important it is to keep good posture while sitting or standing. But did you know that your sleep posture is just as important? Sleep posture refers to the position of your body while you are asleep.
This type of posture is static, related to the way you hold your body during inactivity while dynamic posture relates to how you move. Much of your day is spent in a static posture, and if your sleep posture isn’t good, it can affect your overall health.
When you are asleep, it is important to maintain the natural curves of your spine. This also results in a better quality of sleep.
What Factors Can Affect My Sleep Posture?
There are a number of things that can cause you to take on poor sleep posture. Naturally, as you age, you will lose flexibility in your posture. This will cause the spine to curve more and make it more difficult to stand up straight. If you are aging and have osteoporosis or arthritis, you will want to work on your posture by day as well as when you are going to bed.
Mental health can affect your posture too since you’re more prone to slumping your shoulders when you suffer from anxiety and depression. Changes in your weight also add stress on your spine and cause you to exhibit poor posture. Pregnant women are prone as the added weight from a growing baby can create increased strain on the back.
If you are suffering from chronic pain, you are more likely to have poor sleep posture as well. However, no matter what is causing you to have bad static posture, you should take steps to improve it to look and feel your best.
What Can I Do to Improve My Sleep Posture?
The bedding you use can help encourage the right sleep positions. Positional therapy through wearable devices or special pillows may help you get into the correct sleep posture.
Your pillows should be firm enough to support your head and neck for proper spinal alignment. However, you could benefit from using a pillow between your legs or behind your back to support your hips and knees.
Mind-body exercises such as yoga or tai chi can help you physically and mentally harmonize your body and mind. You’ll have greater awareness in sensing when something is not serving your health well.
You may greatly benefit from working with an osteopath or physiotherapist to help you correct these sleep posture issues. Let them come to you with In Your Home Therapy for effective therapy at your convenience.
