SLEEPWAREHOUSE 1914 E 9400 S Sandy, UT 84093 Phone: (888) 624 1010
Scoliosis and the Science of Sleep The spine is naturally supposed to curve, but it curves in places it should not for people suffering scoliosis. When the spine abnormally rotates, twists, or curves due to scoliosis, patients experience outward symptoms like one hip or shoulder being higher than the other. There are approximately six million people in the United States with scoliosis. Diagnosis often occurs during adolescence and may progress to complications in the skeletal system and the respiratory tract. Patients with scoliosis experience difficulty in breathing, back pains, and uncomfortable sleep even during its onset.
Ideal Sleeping Environment While trouble in breathing and mild back pains are relievable by a wide array of medication, easier drug-free solutions abound for a better sleeping experience. Clean and relaxing sleeping quarters are important to the overall science of sleep.
A bad mattress makes for bad sleep and makes for a bad back the next day. Special mattresses like memory foams work best as they cradles the body and helps relieve pressure on the spine. Anything that is not too soft or too firm is also okay for most cases, so long as it feels comfortable and enables the body to relax.
Recommended Sleeping Positions A good sleep position relieves pain, reduces stress, and improves posture for individuals with scoliosis. Experts advise patients to avoid sleeping on their stomach as it arches the back and causes discomfort during sleep. The best sleep position for those with scoliosis is to lie on their back to make sure that the spine is kept in a straight position.
If this is still uncomfortable, and it could be, patients can sleep on their sides. Placing a pillow between the legs will open up the spinal canal and placing another under the upper ribcage will help correct abnormal spinal curvature.
To ensure the effects and benefits of varied sleeping positions, scoliosis patients are highly encouraged to consult with their doctors or chiropractors to find the best sleeping position as scoliosis conditions can be unique and require special treatment.
Sources: http://sleepwarehouse.com/memory-foam-mattress-toppers/ http://www.livestrong.com/article/349280-the-correct-sleeping-posture-for-scoliosis-patients/ http://www.aans.org/Patient%20Information/Conditions%20and%20Treatments/Scoliosis.aspx http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Scoliosis