Introduction

Getting an adequate amount of sleep and rest every night should be a priority if you want to maintain your health. Fortunately, there are numerous things you can do to improve your quality of sleep. The first task you should focus on is adopting a healthy sleeping posture. You can do this with the help of a posture pillow. Not only will a posture pillow help you get a good night’s sleep, but it will also protect your back. There are many different kinds of posture pillows, each kind most suitable for different needs. Along with using a posture pillow, here are a few tips that should help you sleep better.

Sleeping Posture

In order to get better sleep, you should select a sleeping posture that is most optimal for your back. For most people, it is best to lie on the back while sleeping. However, if you find sleeping on your back uncomfortable, the next best sleeping posture you can adopt or maintain is sleeping on your side. Try to ensure you sleep in a sleeping position that allows your ears, shoulders, and hips to be as aligned as possible. Whether you sleep on your back or on your side, you should place your pillow beneath your neck and head instead of beneath your shoulders. The pillow should take up the space between the mattress and your neck if you sleep on your back. If you sleep on your side, it’s best to use a thicker pillow.

Body Pillows

If you sleep on your side, you should consider purchasing a body pillow. The body pillow is a type of pillow that is about as long as the individual. The body pillow will not only support your head and neck, but it will also support your knees and legs.

Neck Posture Pillows

Another posture pillow you can use to achieve better sleep is the neck posture pillow; which is also referred to as the cervical pillow or an orthopedic pillow. Neck pillows typically have a deeper depression where the head is supposed to lie. This depression will provide greater support for the neck. If you happen to have cervical spine problems, you should definitely sleep with a neck pillow, as it will help keep the neck and the spine aligned. A neck pillow will likely need to be replaced after one or two years of use.

Knee Pillows

A final type of posture pillow you can use to get a better night’s sleep is the knee pillow. While there are pillows specifically made for the knees, you can use a traditional pillow to support your knees. If you sleep on your side, you should place the pillow between your knees. On the other hand, if you sleep on your back, you should place the pillow beneath your knees. The knee pillow will alleviate back strain. It will also help maintain your spine’s natural curve. The knee pillow will keep your bottom hip aligned with your top hip. If you have a body pillow, you should consider positioning it between your ankles and knees and on top of your chest. To help you relax, you should rest your upper arm on the body pillow.

General Posture Pillow Tips

When shopping for a posture pillow, you should generally avoid posture pillows made with spongy foam materials. Over time, the weight of your body parts will displace the foam and the posture pillow will be essentially useless when it comes to providing support. You can purchase posture pillows made with firmer foam and other flexible materials. If possible, try out a posture pillow before you buy it as there is no universal fit. You want a pillow that suits your body’s shape and size.

Postural and Spinal Screenings in Troy, Michigan

If you want more advice on posture, consider undergoing a postural screening or asking us about what posture pillow would be best for you. Contact Advanced Health Chiropractor for more information.