There are many different ailments that can prevent a person from getting proper rest each night. Some are preventable – anxiety from a late afternoon caffeine overload, for example – while others are not. Conditions like scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, can be very painful and finding a comfortable sleep position can be very difficult.
Living with Scoliosis
Most people are familiar with scoliosis. It is a common condition that often becomes problematic during puberty or the early teen years, and usually appears during or after a growth spurt. It occurs when the spine takes on a curved shape and grows out of alignment. Scoliosis affects a person’s posture and alignment in the hips and shoulders. It can change the way a person walks, can cause issues with muscle and joint development, and can cause long-term problems with mobility.
If a person is diagnosed with Scoliosis, there are some solutions to help straighten it out, including wearing a brace or undergoing surgery.
In the meantime, it is also important to develop good sleep habits so that the body is able to heal, and so that the condition doesn’t worsen. A good mattress will also provide the support needed for the spine and the muscles surrounding it to relax during the night without becoming more out of alignment.
Sleeping with Scoliosis
So, what are the best mattresses to help reduce the pain of Scoliosis? While each individual has different needs depending on their weight and size, we have a few suggestions for things to look out for to increase comfort and prevent pain.
Firmness: a firm mattress will help keep the spine straight, whereas a soft mattress can put added pressure on the hips, shoulders and spine. Look for a material like dense foam that provides both comfort and support.
Temperature: look for a mattress material that will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Some synthetic mattresses will trap in heat and force a person’s body temperature to rise, creating unpleasant conditions that can keep a person awake or disrupt their sleep.
Finding the perfect mattress will probably require some research and testing. Most mattress showrooms will encourage you to lay down on the samples and take your time to think about it. It’s a big decision! Especially if you are living with a painful condition like Scoliosis.
Extra health boosters!
Like with any condition, prevention is important, and it’s also a good idea to do things to give yourself the best opportunity to achieve optimal health. Here are a few other things you can do to reduce the pain of Scoliosis:
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach
- Sleep with pillow support – between your knees and with the correct size and firmness for the pillow under your head
- Have an ergonomic work/study station where the screen is at eye level
- Watch your phone time which usually puts extra pressure on the spine
- Eat well to build bone density and exercise to build the muscles that support the spine
- Pay close attention to your posture as you sit or stand
It’s often the little things we do that add up to make a big difference in our overall health and well-being. Investing in a high quality mattress will pay off in the quality of sleep and in pain reduction, especially for those living with Scoliosis.