Sleeping For Better Health

     One of the first sheets of information every single one of my patients gets is Sleeping For Better Health, if we can't sleep, we can't heal.

     Golden Rule  - Never sleep on your stomach. Sleeping on your stomach causes you to keep your head turned to one side or the other because of your need to breathe. Sleeping in this neck turned position for hours per night having to keep your head cocked to the side can over the weeks, months, and years misalign the bones in your neck. Sleeping on your stomach also allows your belly to sink and your butt to stick out, which can pinch your lower lumbar nerves. I suggest you either sleep on you back or on one of your sides or alternate between these positions depending on what is most comfortable for you.

     Tip #1 - Sleeping on your back (4 pillows technique). Place pillow #1 under the head and neck, preferably a cervical pillow made just for this area of the body. Place pillows #2 & #3 under each shoulder blade, supporting both arms as they rest either straight down at your sides, or bent and resting on your body. Place pillow #4 under both bent knees, taking pressure off the lumbar spine.

    Tip #2 - Sleeping on your side (3 pillows technique). Place pillow #1 under the head and neck, preferably a cervical pillow made just for this area. Your pillow should be thick enough that it doesn't allow your ears to come close to your shoulder. Your head should be held in a neutral position."Hug" pillow #2 with both arms, giving support to the arm in the highest position (upper arm). Place pillow #3 between both knees, bent and tucked up in the fetal position, lending support to the leg in the highest position (upper leg) taking pressure of the lumbar spine.

     I hope this has been a help and at least informational to you all. I am often surprised of the reactions of my patients when I discuss this with them, most find it to be valuable information. If you plan on trying these techniques please be patient and loving with yourself. When changing any patterns it can be difficult but the more you initiate trying to sleep these ways, the more comfortable and preferable it will eventually feel. Remember, we spend lots of money on ourselves shouldn't some of that be put towards an excellent supportive mattress, pillows and good shock absorbing soled sneakers. Thanks for your interest feel free to contact me. Interact with me on Facebook, Twitter, blogger, and http://www.drdaniellecossin.com.

Dr. Danielle Cossin DC