Humans spend one-third of their lives asleep. Considering that the average adult should be sleeping seven to nine hours each night, the position that you dose off in has a major impact on your spinal alignment and quality of sleep. The chiropractic physicians at Ark-La-Tex Health Center in Texarkana, AR, frequently discuss sleeping positions with patients as a part of individual chiropractic care plans. They share that poor night time posture can cause neck and lower back pain, headaches, muscle cramping and other conditions.

To help you eliminate aches and pains and achieve the best night’s sleep possible, their team shares the top chiropractor-approved sleeping positions to try:

Maintain a Neutral Spine

Your chosen sleeping position should support the natural curve of the spine and keep it neutral. There should be no increased extension or flexion, meaning that your spine should not bend, rotate, or twist while lying down. 

Sleep On Your Back

Sleeping on your back is best for proper chiropractic care because it keeps the back straight and neutral. Ideally, it’s best to sleep without a pillow to leave the neck in a neutral position. If you can’t fall asleep without one, opt for a low design that has a sunken area for the head. This creates adequate support for the natural curvature of the cervical spine.

Sleep On Your Side

Just like sleeping on your back, proper neck support is important when slumbering in the fetal position. Your pillow should support the natural curve of your neck and keep your ear, shoulder and hips aligned. Avoid allowing your legs to press together while sleeping. Sleeping with a thin pillow between your knees will provide support for your upper leg while keeping stress off of your hips and lower back. Relieve stress further by pulling your knees slightly toward your chest.

If you suspect that your sleeping position is affecting your spinal health, talk to the chiropractic care experts at Ark-La-Tex Health Center. These professionals offer a variety of services that can provide headache relief, alleviate lower back pain, and eliminate discomfort. Head online to learn more about their chiropractic services. When you’re ready to schedule your appointment, call (870) 773-7246.