Sleep Posture: Why it matters & how you can improve it

In a post lockdown world, many of us are spending more time than ever in front of screens, staring down at smartphones or working from home.

With the massive increase in screen-based living, our postures are suffering. Unfortunately, poor posture for extended periods of time is a common cause of muscle stiffness and pain.

Good sleep posture is absolutely critical for a healthy body, since we spend such long periods of time every day without moving.

While you sleep, your muscles and ligaments unwind and repair themselves. Stresses and tensions from the day should release with proper sleep posture, enabling you to wake up feeling rested and refreshed.

Picking the right pillow

Your pillow should be comfortable and supportive of your necks natural curvature.

A pillow that is too high might force your neck into a posture that strains the muscles in your back, neck, and shoulders.

Pick a pillow that will keep your spine straight, in line with your chest and lower back.

Your pillow should have options to allow you to sleep on either your back or your side.

Depending on your sleep position, your neck will need a slightly different level of support to remain straight.

Alignment

Regardless of which position you choose to sleep in, make an effort to maintain your hips, shoulders, and ears in a straight line.

We recommend using an additional pillow to support your knees and maintain a neutral spine.

If you sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees to relieve pressure on your spine and support the lower back’s natural curve.

If you sleep on your side, a firm pillow between your knees will prevent your upper leg from pulling your spine out of alignment and reduce stress on your hips and lower back. Pull your knees up slightly toward your chest. This helps to align your pelvis.

You may be interested in trying the Groove X pillow – designed for side sleepers to place between their knees at night to promote better sleeping posture and reduce back pain.