Sometimes sleeping in a position which is not suitable for our bodies gives us back pain. As anyone who suffers from back pain knows, this can be very unpleasant and painful.
Not getting a good nights’ sleep means that often people are in a bad mood for the day. Waking up with a sore back only aggravates this situation.
Often simply changing the sleeping position can ease back pain and stop spasms during the night. The most appropriate position is also an individual one and what work for one person may not work for another.
There are several different positions you can sleep on
The back
Experts often recommend that this is the best position to sleep on, preferably with the arms at the sides. This position does not put any pressure on the organs and is considered a restful position. The disadvantage of this position is that the sleeper will more than likely snore and disturb a partner. Additionally, if you fall asleep on your back and stay there for several hours you will wake up with a sore back.
Foetal position
This is known as a good position for people who suffer from sleep apnoea (where you have trouble breathing while asleep). This position helps the air to circulate through the body more efficiently and thus help with a better night’s sleep. It is also a good position for the back to rest and stay in a good position.
On the side
This method of sleeping is supposed to reduce the risk of heart attack and prevent nightmares. If this is the way you choose to sleep, then choosing the right side is better and will feel more comfortable.
Stomach
This is supposed to be the least comfortable position to sleep on, although there are many people who prefer this. Sleeving on the stomach adds pressure to the pelvis and knees as well as the stomach and you may find that you wake up with a stiff neck if you have not turned your head during the night. If you find that sleeping on your stomach is the only way for you to get sleep, then you may want to place a pillow under your stomach.
Pregnant women
It is recommended that pregnant women sleep on their left sides so that blood and oxygen flow easier to the baby. Placing a pillow between the knees will give added comfort.
Adjustable beds
Once you have decided on the best position for you to get a good night’s sleep, you may want to think about getting an adjustable bed to help you sleep even better.
Adjustable beds are not as cheap as regular beds because they come with more moving parts and need to be plugged into a socket to use the moving features.
If you have a complex medical condition, then you may want to get professional advice before buying an adjustable bed. An occupational therapist of community nurse will be able you advise you on the best type to buy.
The more features the adjustable bad has, the more it is likely to cost, so it is a good idea to make a list of the features you think are important to you before you buy your bed. You don’t want to be paying for features that you will never use.
Features
Easy to get into
You are buying the bed to make life easier for yourself. If you have back pain, you will want a bed that you can get in and out of without hurting your back.
Try before you buy
There are companies that offer this option and if so, you may want to take advantage of it. This way you will know exactly what you are buying.
Safety
The bed will come with cords which will need to be plugged in and these should be safely out of the way with no chance of them catching on any parts or tripping you up.
Total cost
Make sure that the cost includes the price of the mattress as well as the base. Check whether you need a deposit if the bed is to be specially made, and if so, how much you will be required to put as deposit.
Does the bed need a special mattress?
Adjustable beds normally need a special type of mattress to be able to adjust up and down. A regular mattress will not be suitable. Sizes are not always the same as a regular bed so make sure you check the bed size. You may have to invest in new bedding to fit the new bed.
Weight limit
Sometimes adjustable beds have a weight limit and people who weigh over the recommended limit will stop the bed from working.
Deliver and removal
Because the bed may be heavy and bulky you may not be able to handle it yourself. Many companies deliver and install adjustable beds as well as removing the old bed. Some companies do this for free while others charge for delivery and removal.
Warranty
If the bed does not come with a warranty, then you may want to buy from another company. Any company who is not prepared to stand by their products may not be reputable and you should avoid them. You should ask how long the warranty is for and what parts it covers.
To sum up
In addition to an adjustable bed, you may want to invest in a pair of new pillows. Old pillows lose their shape after a while, and a pillow that is to flat and hard will not do any good in supporting your neck.
When choosing a new pillow, try to go for one that is not too hard as this will hurt your neck. A pillow which is too soft will also not be comfortable and supportive. A medium hard pillow may be the best solution.