As many of you know (and anyone who ever talked to me – my accent is still apparent), I am originally from Germany and this summer I went back to where I was born (Berlin) as well as to the hometown of my wife Claudia (Wolfenbuettel – yes, that’s where they make Jaegermeister). I was invited by a German Chiropractic Association to teach a seminar on Gonstead Chiropractic. Unfortunately, our accommodations were a bit questionable. I am saying that not just because almost every bed is too short for me (I am 7’2”), but because my mattress was sagging and Claudia’s was way too soft. So how can you get good sleep?
The CDC actually sites insufficient sleep as a contributing factor for many conditions such as obesity, diabetes, depression and even cardiovascular problems. Good sleep contributes to the body’s healing. It starts with the mattress. It should be firm so it doesn’t sag. The top layer doesn’t matter and it can be picked by your own preference: Firm or soft, but the whole mattress shouldn’t hang like a hammock. It is important for proper sleep.
Many of my patients are used to sleeping on their stomach, because it does take pressure off the lower back. But it comes with a price in your neck. This is not recommended, unless you find a way to sleep face down without suffocating.
The side position also takes pressure of your lower back if you bend your knees a bit. Make sure to place a small pillow between your knees to avoid rotating your hips.
My favorite sleeping position is on my back. It doesn’t aggravate my shoulders and gives me a great sleep (unfortunately I am told that I snore in this position; highly doubtful but I won’t argue with my wife about it).
No matter what position you choose, keep the right temperature in your sleeping quarters and avoid electronics right before going to sleep. It does help your spine regenerate and it can improve your health tremendously.
