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Lower back pain can significantly disrupt your sleep, and the stress it induces can intensify the pain you feel upon waking. This creates a vicious cycle where pain keeps you awake, and lack of proper sleep exacerbates the pain.
Fortunately, Hannah Shore, the head of sleep science at Mattress Online, offers advice on improving sleep quality when dealing with back pain. Using her extensive experience in sleep research and biomechanics, she provides a scientifically backed guide for achieving comfortable and restful sleep.
The first step Ms. Shore advises is to evaluate your “overall sleep setup,” encompassing your mattress, pillow, and sleeping position, particularly if your back pain worsens overnight or in the morning.
According to the sleep expert, minor adjustments can significantly influence how your body recuperates during sleep, potentially reducing discomfort.
When assessing your mattress, consider three factors: if it’s over eight years old, shows visible sagging or lumps, and if you wake up with stiffness or soreness.
Ms. Shore explains: “If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these, it might be time to reassess your sleeping surface. An outdated mattress can misalign your spine, particularly in deep sleep, when your muscles should be relaxing.”
You should also check your pillow as they play a major role in supporting your neck and upper spine, which affects your lower back. One that is too flat or too thick can distrupt your posture during your sleep.
Signs that your pillow might be part of the problem is that they are older than two to three years, have lost its shape or firmness and you wake up with neck, shoulder or upper back stiffness.
Now, when it comes to your sleep position is it crucial to know that your sleep posture is just as important as your daytime one. There are certain positions that “naturally support your spine better than others”.
The expert explained: “Front sleeping is generally the worst position for back pain. It flattens your spine’s natural curve and put excess strain on your neck.
“Back sleeping can be a great choice, especially with a pillow under your knees to reduce lower back pressure. Side sleeping is also beneficial, particularly if you use a pillow between your knees to keep your hips and spine aligned.
Once you understand how the three aspects play significant roles in the health of your spine you’ll be able to make the move to a better and more comfortable sleep.