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As we prepare ourselves for sleep we have routines that tell our minds and our bodies that is time to rest. It should come as no surprise that almost every person out there also has a preferred sleeping position. When we finally curl up under the sheets and blankets, we come to rest in a certain position that is comfortable to us each night, without thought. Eventually something becomes uncomfortable for us and often times the pillow or mattress bears the brunt of the blame. However, it could be your sleep posture. Poor posture during sleep can cause increased pressure to the spine, neck, shoulders, hips, and jaw which will all affect how we feel the next day. Not to mention, our ability to relax and fall asleep.

There are 3 points, or curves, of the body we should pay great attention to when choosing how we lay down to sleep each night. These points are the lower back, the middle of your back and near the neck. Our goal should be to maintain the natural curvature while we sleep.

There are 3 common postures used by most while sleeping and we will discuss the problems and solutions to help avoid physical pain the next morning.

Dead Man’s Float

This position is described as the sleeper spending most of the night on their stomach, head turned to the side with arms underneath the pillow.

Problem: Sleeping in this position may cause the neck to flex and apply pressure to the nerves along the underside of your arms that may cause a “pins and needles” tingling affect that may awaken you from sleep. Your bodies weight compresses your lungs and prevents you from taking a full, deep breath.

Fix: Do not use a head pillow and try using a full body length pillow to slightly raise a side of your body. Also, you can try placing a pillow under your hips.

The Soilder

In this position, the sleeper will spend the majority of the night on their back.

Problem: This position can cause the tongue to fall inward blocking the breathing tube which can lead to snoring, and is may be dangerous for those who suffer from sleep apnea.

Fix: Sleeping on your back is not a good position. If you must sleep this way, place a pillow underneath your knees and one underneath your lower back.

Sleeping Beauty

In this position the sleeper lies on their side back slightly curled with knees bent and arms folded.

Problem: None! This is the ideal and healthiest position for sleep. This position supports the natural curves of the spine.

Make it Better: Add comfort and further reduce stress by placing a pillow between your knees.

As we talk about sleeping positions possibly being to blame for discomfort or pain in the mornings, it can also be the quality of the mattress you sleep on. Visit any one of our 5 Houston, Texas Mattresses For Less locations and let our friendly staff pair you with the best sleep of your life.

We have a massive inventory of name brand mattresses including Serta, Simmons, iComfort, ComforPedic, Restonic, and BeautyRest and are Houston’s Adjustable Bed Headquarters with the largest selection of adjustable bases, beds and frames in Texas.