The link between sleep and spinal health is a complex one, with many factors at play. However, one thing is certain: getting enough quality sleep is essential for maintaining a health. What is the best way to sleep? A chiropractor in Fredericksburg can help you get your sleep back on track, by avoiding the different aches and pains that disrupt it.
The Negative Impact of Poor Sleep
The spine is made up of 33 bones, or vertebrae, that are separated by soft discs. These discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, absorbing shock and helping to maintain proper posture. During the day these discs are compressed, but at night, they have the opportunity to expand and rehydrate. This is why getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining the health of these discs.
The main impact of poor sleep is actually mental health. As we sleep the brain has a chance to recharge. The spine, as mentioned above, has the ability to decompress. But it is not actually the sleep that does so. It is the lying position. When lying down the disc pressure drops down to about 35 PSI. This pressure is at 100 PSI while standing, and even higher when we sit, at 140 PSI. This is why the discs are able to hydrate in this position, as they are being decompressed. The best way to sleep is dependent on what structures we can preserve while we sleep.
These are the structures of the discs and joints, called facet joints. These are the pain sensitive structures of the spine, and when aggravated, can make sleep very difficult. Affecting mental health and mood. Getting the spine into neutral is the best way to sleep. This is on our back with a pillow under the knees, or on our side with both knees bent stacked on top of each other. This position keeps one of the legs from dropping over the other which creates a torsion of the lower to mid back all night jamming back joints.
Key Factors of Quality Sleep on Spinal Health
One of the key factors that can affect the quality of our sleep is the position in which we sleep. Sleeping on your stomach can put a lot of strain on the spine, as it can cause the neck and lower back to be twisted in unnatural positions. This can lead to low back pain, mid back pain, neck pain, muscle pain, stiffness, and even headaches. The best way to sleep is on your back with some pillows under the knees, or on your side with both knees bent stacked up directly on top of each other.
Proper sleeping for spinal neutral in the back
The Best Way To Sleep Get Quality Sleep.
To maintain good spinal health, it’s important to pay attention to the quality of your sleep. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, and that you are sleeping in a position that is comfortable for your spine. Choose a mattress and pillow that will support the spine, and try to reduce stress and limit the use of medications that can interfere with sleep. With a little bit of care and attention, you can help ensure that your spine stays healthy and strong for many years to come.
In conclusion, Sleep and spinal health are both necessary. The spine has the ability to rehydrate as we sleep. Not getting enough sleep or poor quality of sleep can lead to chronic pain, lower back pain, neck pain, headaches, and mental health problems.
This is all in part due to the improper sleeping positions that can be detrimental to the pain sensitive joints of the spine. The best way to sleep is in the proper position that keeps the spine in neutral for the entire night. To maintain good spinal health, it’s important to pay attention to the quality of sleep, sleep in a comfortable position, choose a supportive mattress and pillow, reduce stress, and limit the use of medications that can interfere with sleep.
Speak to a Chiropractic Orthopedist about your sleeping habits. Or make an appointment today. Meet our team, or check out our services. We’re happy to help as the Fredericksburg, VA longest community chiropractic orthopedic center, since 1986.
