Everyone knows sleep quality is an important part of daily life. Sleeping makes up 1/3 of our lifetime! Just like having poor posture at work can affect your health, so can your posture while asleep.
Poor quality of sleep results in an increased risk of developing chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. If you’re not getting enough sleep this can have a negative impact on your hormones. This can cause irritability, mood swings, cognitive impairment and slowed motor coordination. Your immune system is also affected by sleep quality, making you more susceptible to catching a common cold, or a nasty bug going around the office.
Most people may not realize that sleep quality is affecting their immune system or increasing their chances of a chronic health condition. If you are waking up with an achy back, stiff neck, then something is amiss, and your body is signaling you to make a change!
How is your Mattress?
Is your mattress riddled with lumps and bumps? Is it visibly worn, stained, tattered? A mattress that is uneven, smelly, or 5-7 years old needs to be replaced.
How is your Pillow?
Resting your head on a bad pillow can wreak havoc on your quality of rest and ultimately your spine and neck. Replace your pillows every year (or as soon as they feel flat/lumpy) and be sure they are giving you the neck and spine support you need. At Renewed Wellness we offer the ChiroFlow pillow that has a 3-year warranty, and is unlike most pillows on the market. The ChiroFlow is filled with water to keep your head cool and properly supported through the night. Ask us about it on your next visit!
How is your Posture?
The doctors at Renewed Wellness recommend keeping your spine as neutral and aligned as possible during sleep. The two best positions are on your back or on your side. When sleeping on your back try using a ChiroFlow pillow or small soft pillow for just enough support to keep your head neutral, not propped up. When sleeping on your side you’ll want to try using a ChiroFlow pillow or a medium soft pillow to bring your head up just enough to be neutral. Side sleeping is also best with a small soft pillow between your knees so your hips and lower back aren’t being stressed throughout the night.
If you are experiencing poor sleep quality, or waking up in pain, be sure to make an appointment at Renewed Wellness and speak with our team so we can help you #GetRenewed.