To achieve a restful night’s sleep, ensuring the neutral alignment of your spine with regards to your sleeping position is important.
Your lower back supports most of the body’s weight, not only when you sleep but also when you sit, walk, or do any movement. This said, it’s crucial to protect your lower back from pain and injuries.
Many adults suffer from lower back pain due to many reasons, such as sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and improper posture when standing, sitting, and sleeping on the mattress.
Back pain can range from mild to severe and can affect your daily functions, including sleep. Chronic back pain can also develop during sleep when the neutral alignment of your spine isn’t supported by your mattress.
Does your sleeping pattern cause you back pain? Does your back pain affect your sleep? If you experience one of these scenarios or both, continue reading this article to identify the reasons for your back pain and formulate some solutions to improve your sleep and spine health.
First, what types of back pains can be experienced?
Some of the most common types of lower back pain are acute, subacute, and chronic back pain.
- Acute back pain is a sudden, short-term pain in your lower back. This usually only lasts for a few days or weeks. The cause of acute back pain is easier to identify and generally does not result in mobility issues.
- Subacute back pain also comes suddenly but may last for as long as 4 to 12 weeks.
- Chronic back pain is a long-term pain in your lower back that can last for more than 12 weeks and is usually linked to an injury. Acute or subacute back pain can persist and become a chronic situation.
Sleep Quality and Back Pain
As we described earlier, your lower back and sleep quality have a mutual relationship.
Some problems with your lower back can cause discomfort when you sleep, and discomfort in your sleep can cause lower back problems. An unhealthy sleeping position can exert extra pressure on your spine and cause lower back pain. In the case of an injury, sleep deprivation can also affect your healing process and heighten the pain.
Sleeping Position and Back Pain
Your preferred sleeping position can directly affect the alignment of your spine.
To guarantee a healthier sleeping posture, it’s crucial to choose a mattress that supports your preferred sleeping position. The right mattress should not shrink, twist, or press on your spine when you lie down. Otherwise, your lower back may experience pain or stiffness that can lead to chronic back issues.
Side Sleeping
According to studies, most adults are side sleepers, which, thankfully, is a healthy position for the spine. This is also a healthy position for pregnant women to prevent the back from receiving extra pressure due to the weight of the stomach.
When you sleep on your side, your spine remains in its neutral alignment, like when you are standing or sitting. In this sleeping position, most of the pressure is exerted on your hips and shoulders, affecting the neutral alignment of your spine.
To prevent this, look for a mattress that is soft enough to follow the natural contour of your hips and shoulders without twisting your spine. Placing a pillow between your legs in a foetal position can also benefit your back by relieving lumbar strain.
Here are some ways to enjoy comfortable side sleeping while caring for your back:
- Slightly bend your knees when lying on your side
- Use a lofty pillow to close the gap between your head and shoulders when sleeping on your side
- Place a pillow between your knees to increase your comfort
- If there’s a gap between your waist (side) and the mattress, add a pillow to decrease the tension
- When lying on your side, look for a soft mattress with the right contour to sink the heaviest parts of your body
Back Sleeping
Back sleeping, or supine, is also a popular and healthy sleeping position for your spine. When sleeping on your back, face up, your weight is properly distributed throughout the mattress. This reduces the pressure that your lower back receives while keeping the alignment of your spine neutral.
Try these solutions for healthier back sleeping:
- Place a pillow under your knees to decrease the pressure on your lower back
- Choose a low-loft pillow to prevent your neck from being strained when lying on your back
- Get a small pillow, a bolster, or a towel and place it under your back for extra support
Stomach Sleeping
When it comes to your spine's health, we do not recommend sleeping on your stomach, especially when facing your side.
Your midsection is prone to receiving more pressure due to the sinkage or the unhealthy arch created on your back when you sleep on your stomach. Twisting your neck on the side can also result in neck pain. To ensure the health of your spine, we suggest shifting to another sleeping position.
However, if you are suffering from a herniated disc, sleeping on your stomach with the right mattress and pillow can help ease the pain.
- Use a thin or low-loft pillow to prevent your neck and back from straining
- Place a low-loft pillow under your pelvis to keep your spine aligned
- Choose a firmer mattress to avoid stomach sinkage which can take a toll on your lower back
Mattress and Back Pain
It’s no secret that your mattress choice is crucial for the quality of your sleep. But your mattress choice can also make or break your spine’s support during rest. When sleeping on the right mattress, your body is adequately supported and receives less pressure from your sleeping position.
Side sleepers usually require a softer mattress to contour their pressure points, while stomach sleepers need a firmer sleeping surface to keep their spines in a neutral position. A medium-firm mattress is an excellent choice for back and combination sleepers, as well as people with back pain. It’s also good to invest in a mattress that is made from quality materials that don’t easily sag.
Pocketed spring mattresses like our specialised Somnuz mattress are made from individually encased coils that respond independently to your natural body contours and movements. As a result, they are ideal for people who suffer from back pain, regardless of their sleeping position.
Sleep Better with Lower Back Pain
To enjoy restful sleep and a productive day, start developing a healthy relationship with your body. From eating healthy to stretching and creating a comfortable sleeping environment, you'll begin to enjoy your sleep without the aches and pains that come with poor sleeping habits.
If you are suffering from back pain, choose a supportive sleeping position and a mattress to keep your spine aligned and free from too much pressure. This may take a bit of effort, but it can surely help you sleep better.
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