Monday, September 21, 2009

The Correct Sleeping Posture is Important

The correct sleeping posture is important if you want to develop good posture in general. We sleep for approximately one third of our life. Obviously, the way we sleep will have an effect on whether or not we end up with good or bad posture.

Have you ever woken up in the morning with a stiff neck, back pain or a headache? If you have, then it is probably due to poor sleeping posture.


Even gorillas understand good sleeping posture

The correct sleeping position is on your back. While sleeping, your spine should be in a normal curve. Sleeping on your side is your next best position. Sleeping on your stomach is the worst position and is not recommended.

Sleeping on your stomach can damage your spine and nervous system. It turns your head in an extreme rotation and it puts your head back in extension. This interferes with the blood and oxygen flow to and from your brain.

Sleeping on your back is the best because it provides the most neutral position for your spine. To achieve the best sleeping posture while on your back, use a pillow or pillows, but ensure that they are not too high. You want to keep your head in a neutral position. You also want support under your knees.

If you choose to sleep on your side, make sure that you keep your knees bent and have your pillow at the right height to ensure that your neck is straight. Avoid tucking your neck and chin into the fetal position. Again, your neck should be in a neutral position.

Be sure to change your sleeping position throughout the night.

By following the suggestions above you will soon experience the benefits of the correct sleeping posture, waking up refreshed with fewer aches and pains.

To learn more about improving your posture, please visit http://www.posturepal.com/

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