The Importance of Proper Spine Alignment While Sleeping

The importance of proper spine alignment while sleeping cannot be ignored. As mattress experts, we have repeatedly seen that an improperly aligned spine can lead to a multitude of sleep and health problems. 

Over the years, we have heard medical professionals or other experts spread misinformation regarding sleep health and proper spine alignment online, saying that it doesn’t really matter and that you should only be concerned with finding a mattress that is comfortable. The mattress experts from Texas Mattress Makers are here to challenge the notion that spine alignment doesn’t matter and explain exactly why proper spine alignment as you sleep is crucial for a good night’s rest.

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Why is proper body alignment important?

Before we jump into the details of how to achieve proper spine alignment while you’re sleeping, let’s first discuss the importance of good posture overall. 

Growing up, did your parents or teachers ever tell you to sit up straight and not slouch? Well, they’re not encouraging proper posture just for fun. Practicing proper posture puts less stress on your spine, the structure that supports your entire body, while encouraging healthy blood flow and muscle support. 

Your spine, or backbone, is responsible for allowing your body to sit, stand, move, and bend. If the spine were to be damaged, your body’s mobility would be seriously compromised, causing issues ranging from inconveniences to serious, life-altering injuries. 

Your spine has natural curves that help it absorb shock — in your neck, lower back, and middle back — but certain positions can make it easy for your spine to come out of alignment, such as laying down in bed.

Proper spine alignment and sleep: Why it matters

Picture this: you crawl into bed after a long day. After adjusting your pillows and making sure your blanket covers your toes, you toss and turn for a bit just trying to make yourself comfortable. Soon enough, you land in a position and find yourself dozing off to sleep — and you wake up with painful sensations, soreness, and stiffness in your neck, shoulders, and back. 

Why did this happen? Why am I in so much pain? Think about it: if you fall asleep with your spine in a painful position, it might have to stay that way for 7+ hours! 

How do you know if your spine is out of alignment?

When your spine is out of alignment during sleep, your muscles and tendons have to work overtime to ensure that no significant damage is done to your backbone. 

When we’re not consciously aware of our body’s positioning during the night, we can contort our spine in all sorts of ways that result in sleep disruptions during the night and discomfort the next morning. Poor sleep posture equals bad sleep, and bad sleep equals a lot of health concerns with lasting impacts. 

What is the healthiest position to sleep in? Any position that promotes proper spine alignment. Here’s how to be more aware of how to keep the spine neutral while sleeping. At Texas Mattress Makers, our mattress experts will work with you to ensure that you get the right mattress for your specific sleeping position preference. 

How should I align my spine when I sleep?

What is proper sleep posture? Proper spine alignment can be achieved by keeping your head, shoulders, hips, and ankles all in one line. The best way to know how to keep spine neutral while sleeping is to determine your preferred sleeping position and adjust accordingly. 

Expert Tip: Be sure that the mattress that you are sleeping on is both a comfortable and a supportive mattress for pressure point relief and muscle relaxation. 

Spine alignment for side sleepers

Side sleeping is a position where most of your body’s pressure points are in direct contact with the mattress and is the easiest way to achieve proper spinal alignment while sleeping. To alleviate pressure in your knees and hips and keep your spine aligned, place a pillow under your waist and another between your knees, and then bring your knees closer to your chest in a fetal position. 

Make sure that the pillow underneath your head is not propping up your head too much, as this can result in neck pain. Your pillow should support your head in a neutral position. If you are someone that tends to sleep hot, check out our innovative Cooling Pillow that provides a long-lasting cool sleep surface.   

Spine alignment for stomach sleepers

Unfortunately, stomach sleeping is one of the hardest positions to maintain proper spine alignment in, especially if you are sleeping on the wrong mattress. If you’re sleeping on a bad mattress that does not support your back, your lower back and neck will feel a lot of pressure, and your muscles will be working tirelessly to alleviate the pressure. And, you guessed it, you’ll wake up with aches and pains. 

Place a pillow under your hips to take some pressure off of your back and if possible, try to sleep with a very thin pillow or no pillow at all to maintain a straight line. 

Spine alignment for back sleepers

Sleeping on your back provides the best weight distribution and is therefore great for your sleep posture if done correctly. For extra support, you can place a small pillow under the arch of your back to eliminate space between your body and the mattress or place a pillow underneath your knees for joint relief. 

Is a firmer mattress better for your back? Not necessarily. Some mattresses that are too supportive for your specific body’s needs are incapable of forming healthy mattress body impressions that are essential to accommodate your body’s natural curves. It’s important to find a mattress with the correct firmness level for your needs so that you can have the comfort and support levels you need for healthy sleep.

Our Founder and President, Youval Meicler, demonstrates how mattress body impressions are made and why they are beneficial to your sleep quality. 

Achieve Proper Spinal Alignment Every Night With a Bed from Texas Mattress Makers

The key to a good night’s sleep and pain-free mornings is to sleep in a position that promotes proper spine alignment and on a mattress that aligns (get it?) with your needs. Our mattresses are handcrafted with innovative technologies and high-quality components that deliver the proper amount of comfort and support for a luxurious sleeping experience. 

For those who want to maintain proper posture in bed at any time, we would recommend looking into an adjustable base. Our adjustable foundations are perfect for those who work from home or love to lounge in bed but don’t want to put any excess stress on their spine.

Your spinal health and your sleep health go hand-in-hand. Don’t let anyone tell you that “comfort” is all that matters. You need a mattress that will promote proper posture and keep you comfy all night long. To find your dream mattress, visit our incredible mattress stores in Katy, Downtown Houston, The Woodlands, Rosenberg, Humble, and Baybrook, TX for a mattress shopping experience you’ll never forget. 

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

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• Sleep Tips for Tired Moms
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• 5 Reasons Why You’re Waking Up Tired