If you have scoliosis, pain might keep you awake at night, and a lack of proper sleep can then contribute to more pain. Luckily, there are many technologies available today that can help you sleep better with scoliosis. Here are a few of those technologies and other tips and techniques so you can start sleeping better as soon as tonight.
Mattresses
If you’re in the market for a new mattress, you must read our guide to pick the right mattress for scoliosis sufferers. Having the best mattress for scoliosis can mean the difference between waking up refreshed after a good night’s sleep and getting up in pain after tossing and turning all night.
When you have scoliosis, you should look for a mattress with:
- A firm or medium-firm support level
- Durability, since a bed that develops dips will become excruciatingly uncomfortable
- A long warranty and sleep trial so you can make sure the mattress is a good fit
- Conforming ability because a mattress that conforms to your curves will be more comfortable
- Motion isolation so your back doesn’t get jostled when your partner moves
Pillows
It isn’t enough to have the perfect mattress if you’re using pillows that are either too flat or too fluffy. The type, shape, and size of pillows you need depend a lot on your sleeping position.
If you sleep on your side, like 60% of Americans, you’ll want a thick pillow between your knees, a pillow under your head, and maybe a small pillow placed under the curve in your spine to support it. If you sleep on your back, you’ll want a thick pillow under your knees, a thin pillow under your upper or lower back (depending on where the curve in your back is) and a supportive pillow under your head.
For a supportive pillow that keeps you cool, you should consider using a buckwheat pillow. Buckwheat shifts around to give you support anywhere you need it, making it an especially great option for anybody who likes to alternate between side and back sleeping.
Shoes
OK, you obviously don’t sleep with your shoes on, but wearing supportive shoes during the day can help prevent back pain that keeps you awake at night.
Flips flops and high heels don’t provide any support for your feet, which can lead to back pain, especially if you have an altered gait due to your scoliosis. Stick with shoes that give you adequate arch support. Happy feet during the day can lead to a happy back at night and improved sleep, even with scoliosis.
Chairs
Do you have a cheap desk chair? It may be causing you a world of hurt without you even realizing it.
Think about it. If you spend the majority of your time sitting at your desk, wouldn’t it make sense to invest in an ergonomic desk chair that supports your spine?
Aside from your bed, you probably spend the most time at your desk chair, so look for a desk chair that provides plenty of support to help prevent back pain with your scoliosis.
Other Tips for Sleeping Better with Scoliosis
You don’t need technology to sleep better with scoliosis. Here are some other things you can do to reduce your scoliosis back pain and sleep better at night:
- Yoga can help loosen and strengthen your core muscles, which can provide you with immense relief from your scoliosis pain. In addition, yoga teaches mindfulness, which helps your mind focus on something other than your pain.
- Acupuncture helps many people with scoliosis and other types of back pain to find relief from their symptoms.
- Chiropractic adjustments can help keep your spine in alignment. The curvature in your back may constantly pull vertebrae out of place, so chiropractic adjustments can help keep everything in place, bringing you pain relief.
- Massage can help loosen muscles that are constantly tight from being forced to work in ways they weren’t meant to as a result of the curvature in your back. Regular massages may be just what you need for the optimum symptom relief for improved sleep quality.
Sleeping Better With Scoliosis
As you can see, there are many technologies and other tips that can help you sleep better with scoliosis. From investing in a better mattress and pillows, to preventing pain during the day with a better desk chair, to keeping your back strong and loose with yoga and massage, there are a lot of things you can do to sleep better with scoliosis.