Body

Is Your Posture Wreaking Havoc on Your Body?

Signs your posture isn't ideal and what to do about it.

by Wendy Rose Gould | COMMENT

PHOTO 5/11

The Best Posture When Sleeping Sleeping is another one of those things that varies from person to person, but ultimately your goal should be to feel supported at key places — including your neck and spine — throughout the night.

"While sleeping, the use of a pillow can make a huge contribution to keeping your spine neutral and your body happy," notes Joyce. "If you sleep on your sides, a pillow between the legs will keep your top leg from pulling the lumbar spine out of neutrality. Also hugging a large pillow can help stop the top shoulder from falling forward and pulling the neck with it. If you sleep on your back, a pillow underneath the knees with help to keep tight hip flexors from pulling your lumbar spine into extension."

Also important: your pillow height! Too big or too small and your neck will fall out of alignment and put you at risk to wake up with stiffness. Ultimately, it is important that your pillow allows your cervical spine to stay parallel with the ground.

Image via demaerre/Getty

SEE NEXT PAGE: How to Improve Your Posture Starting Today

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