The average person spends 227,760 hours of their life asleep. That’s 26 years! With that being said, it is so important to spend that time in a proper sleeping position. Doing so can even help prevent back, neck, and shoulder pain! Whether you sleep on your back, side, stomach, or in a fetal position, here are some great tips to help ensure your best night’s sleep.
Back Position
- Place a pillow(s) under your knees.
- Lie down flat on your bed with no gaps visible.
- If a gap is visible, apply a rolled towel to fill it.
- Your ears, shoulders, and hips should all be in even alignment.
Side Lying Position
- Place a pillow(s) between your knees for support and to make the knees parallel to each other.
- Fill any gaps that are visible on your side with a rolled towel.
- Ensure your head and neck are supported enough to be aligned with your spine.
- Place a pillow in between your head and your arm for support.
Stomach Position
- Place a pillow(s) under your lower abdomen.
- The preferred method for proper spine alignment is to:
- Utilize a thick, firm pillow to place underneath your forehead to allow room for breathing.
- Alternative method:
- Utilize a thin pillow placed for head support or no pillow at all.
Fetal Position
Note: This is best for those suffering from a herniated disc or degenerative disc disease.
- Gently roll over to your side, then bend your knees toward your chest.
- Try to switch sides to prevent imbalances.