Get Better Sleep with Cincinnati chiropractic care

There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep. 

Did you know those 7 to 8 hours each night are linked to your health and well-being? 

From the very beginning of life, the amount and quality of sleep we get sets the foundation for our immune system, stress levels, productivity, heart, and digestive health. The position in which we sleep can also affect the alignment of our nervous system. 

The best sleeping position will support the natural curve of your neck and spine and keep you in proper alignment. The worst sleeping positions are the ones that will put unnecessary stress on your hips, back, and neck.

Whether you are a back, side, or stomach sleeper, you can make adjustments to alleviate the stress on your body while you sleep. The important thing is to try to keep your spine in alignment during the evening hours. 

Know the Right Sleeping Positions

The best sleeping position is on your back with a pillow that does not force your head forward. Sleeping flat on your back will help keep your spine aligned, allowing your neck to follow its natural curve.

Dr. Faith recommends flat pillows for back sleepers. This allows for the spine to follow its natural curve while you’re lying down. 

The reality is that we don’t stay in one position all night. So sleeping on your side with your legs stretched out is another alternative to keep your spine in alignment overnight. There is a correct way to sleep on your side, though. 

A firm pillow between the knees will help keep your hips in line. You should also put a pillow of equal thickness under your head and neck to keep your hips and pelvis aligned with your neck and back.

Getting in the fetal position with your knees tucked into your stomach may be a natural way for some to sleep, but this won’t keep your spine in that long, natural curve. Sleeping in this position will likely cause misalignments in the spine. 

Dr. Faith may recommend sleeping in the fetal position for those with a herniated disc or pain associated with pinched nerves or major subluxations, as it may relieve that pressure or pinching pain you may be feeling.

Sleeping Positions That Can Hurt Your Body

Babies shouldn’t sleep on their stomachs, and neither should adults. Of course, the reasons for this vary, but as adults, sleeping on your stomach puts extra pressure on your cervical spine, and lower back. It’s particularly bad for your spine if you turn your head to one side to breathe. This position can cause pain, headaches, tingling, and numbness. 

If you sleep on your stomach, a pillow for your head should be flat, or you can sleep without a pillow. Placing another flat pillow under your pelvis can help keep your hips aligned. 

Other bad sleeping habits include sleeping with hips rotated, with one leg higher than the other, or with hands above the head. These positions can cause your spine to become misaligned, cause muscle strains, and can aggravate injuries. 

According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, getting a good night’s sleep will help you:

• Get sick less often
• Stay at a healthy weight
• Lower your risk for serious health problems, like diabetes and heart disease 
• Reduce stress and improve your mood
• Think more clearly and do better in school and at work
• Get along better with people
• Make good decisions and avoid injuries

Spinal adjustments correct misalignments, alleviating tension from within the body. This encourages blood flow and relaxes muscles. Patients tell us that after their initial chiropractic adjustments, they fall asleep quicker and have a deeper, more restful sleep. 

Regardless of your sleeping position, our environment is full of thoughts, traumas, and toxins which, at one point or another, will lead to misalignments. Regular chiropractic care can take care of this, leading to:

• Pain Relief
• Enhanced immune system function
• Improved joint function and mobility
• Optimized nervous system function
• Increased energy levels
• Stress reduction
• Sports performance enhancement
• Whole-body wellness

To keep your spine aligned, schedule regular chiropractic adjustments. Contact (513) 271-1233 or visit simplywellchiro.com for an appointment. Experience the benefits of a well-aligned spine and enjoy rejuvenating sleep!