Sleep is a vital part of a 24 hour day. When you sleep your body rebuilds cells and rejuvenates itself allowing a strong immune system. These are some of the reasons why getting enough sleep is so important not only that but the position that you sleep in is also important. Most people spend approximately 1/3 of their lives in bed. Your sleeping posture is nearly as important as your posture while you are awake.

The best possible position in which to sleep is on your back, with your knees propped up with the next best is sleeping on you side. These positions allow your spine to remain in a fairly neutral position with very little stress placed on your body. Sleeping on your stomach may seem comfortable but it forces the lower back into a hyper-extended position causing undue stress on you lumbar spine. Stomach sleeping also forces your head to be turned to one side which places an abnormal strain on your neck tissues. If you keep your head turned to one side for a period of time during the day, then your neck will probably begin to cramp.

The size and shape of your pillow is also important and should provide good support for your neck or cervical spine. It should hold your head in a neutral position as if you were sitting or standing. Your head should not be propped up when lying on your back (this partially blocks your airway and may cause you to snore) and your head should not be pushed up or allowed to fall to the left or right when lying on your side.

Remember that sleep is important and is a necessary function for good health. Your posture during sleep is important too and can greatly affect the way you feel.

Get plenty of sleep, maintain good posture, and sleep well.