Your Posture Could Be Affecting Your Sleep
If you have had trouble sleeping lately, here’s a surprisingly useful tip: Roll your shoulders back and sit up straight!
Posture might not be the first thing that comes to mind when figuring out why you’re not sleeping well.
Truth is, though, the way you carry yourself can affect your entire body, including the way you digest food, how your nervous system operates, and even your sleep quality. Maintaining good posture—during both daytime and nighttime—all comes down to the position of your head as it relates to the rest of your body. In order to have what is considered a “good” posture, your head should be centered over your pelvis as you’re going about your daily (or nightly) activities. That way, your muscles don’t have to do as much work to support your head.
Most people struggle with poor posture and/or have trouble sleeping on occasion. But if you’re constantly woken by pain, experiencing pain that radiates into the arms/legs, or noticing a persistent pain that lasts more than a few weeks, it’s best to consult your physical therapist ASAP.
What’s your preferred sleeping position?
Are you a devoted side sleeper, back sleeper, stomach sleeper? It’s a personal preference and a hard habit to break, especially if you’ve snoozed this way for as long as you can remember. But different sleeping positions can take different tolls on your body—and, as a result, your sleep quality.
Sleeping on your stomach can put extra stress on your spine, flattening its natural curvature and potentially leading to back and neck pain, as your head will be turned to one side. Try staying out of this position as best as you can!