Is your SLEEP POSITION harming you?

Tossing and turning in bed could be doing you more damage than you might think

- FAYE M SMITH

Often wake up feeling stiff– and a decade older? While you may put it down to ageing, it could actually be the position you’re sleeping in that’s causing you pain and stiffness.

‘Proper alignment of the back is essential for sleep quality and avoiding back pain in the morning,’ says registered chiropractor Dr Andrea Coote (doctor goodback.co.uk). ‘Sleep gives your back the opportunity to rest fully, but poor posture can ruin it.’

Here’s how to sleep well for your spine.

Always on the move?

Although this can help prevent joints stiffening up, your body could be alerting you to a health problem. ‘It can be a sign of restless leg syndrome, where legs move a lot at night,’ says Tim. ‘This can occur in people who have low magnesium levels, are obese, have too much caffeine or don’t exercise enough.’

If you’re a…

side sleeper

‘This is the most common position,’ says osteopath and physiotherapist Tim Allardyce from Surrey Physio. ‘It allows you to choose where your knees and hips are bent, so many people find it comfortable, but it’s not great for shoulder pain.’ It can also pull the spine out of position.

FIX IT: ‘Place a firm pillow between your knees to help alignment,’ says Dr Coote.

If you’re a… stomach sleeper