There’s no limit to the list of benefits that come along with a solid night’s sleep. From mood regulation to brain functioning, and just about every other body process you can imagine, catching some Z’s is the key to living a healthy lifestyle near Marlton, Whiting, Howell, and Somerset.
Well, the same goes for those who have experienced an injury. By equipping yourself with plenty of restful sleep, your body will heal more quickly, so that you can get back to your favorite activities.
Luckily, the team of physical therapists at Trinity Rehab is here with tips and tricks on how to sleep better with pain. Before long, you’ll be greeting the rising sun after a perfect night of shut eye.
Dozing Off with an Injury
To make this guide even more useful, we’re going to review tips for better sleep by featuring different body parts where most patients commonly experience pain. That way, you can quickly locate the technique that’s best for easing discomfort and lulling you into a peaceful slumber.
Neck Pain
What’s the secret to ridding yourself of neck pain at night? The right pillow, of course! By resting your head on a pillow that’s designed for the way you prefer to sleep, you’ll avoid increasing any pre-existing pain and relieve irritation that could keep you awake. Let’s take a look at this guide:
- Side Sleepers – Supportive Pillows
- Black Sleepers – Flat Pillows
- Stomach Sleepers – Inclined Pillow
Why is selecting the right bedding so important? Well, most people sleep anywhere from six to nine hours, so you want to make sure that your neck is kept in a natural position for long periods of time.
During long periods of rest, it’s important to keep the spine aligned, which includes the top portion of your neck. So, if you happen to be a nighttime neck-pain sufferer, start shopping for a new pillow!
Bothersome Backs
Just like neck pain can easily be relieved with the proper spine alignment, back discomfort is usually soothed with a firm mattress and a few nighttime rituals.
For example, soaking in an Epsom salt bath before bedtime helps to relax any sore muscles and ease aches and pains that normally keep you awake. Once your muscles have a chance to unwind and take a breather, you’ll hop in bed with less pain and fall into a tranquil snooze.
In addition to that, tucking a small pillow between your knees when sleeping on your side is a great way to ensure that your spine stays aligned throughout the night. That way, you won’t wake up with decreased mobility because of a stiff back.
Getting a Leg Up on Lower Body Pain
Have you ever been awoken in the middle of the night to a painful cramp squeezing the muscles of your leg? Well, there’s a simple solution to relieving and preventing those spasms, so that you can sink into your mattress and wake up feeling refreshed.
To keep those muscle contractions at bay, remember to stay well hydrated throughout the day. And, before climbing into bed and counting those sheep, do some gentle leg stretches to keep the tissues in your body limber. That way, your legs will be less likely to seize up while you’re trying to nod off.
On top of that, keeping your sheets and blankets loose around your feet provides your toes with enough space to avoid being pulled in different directions, which can stimulate leg cramps.
And, if you find that you’re mostly sedentary during the day, take a slow walk before bedtime to get your muscles the exercise they need.
Sleep Better with Physical Therapy!
At Trinity Rehab, we want to help patients near Marlton, Whiting, Howell, and Somerset get the sleep you need to feel your best.
So, if you realize that pain in any part of your body is keeping you awake at night, look to our state-licensed Doctors of Physical Therapy and innovative techniques for assistance. Thanks to our compassionate team of clinicians, you’ll score some restful sleep and heal your injury.
Don’t wait around to learn more about how we can help you. Instead, schedule your free screening, make your first appointment, or give us a call today!
