Pillows are not just for your head and neck. Depending on your sleeping position, additional pillows can help keep your spine in the proper position. The pillow for your head should support the natural curve of your neck and be comfortable. A pillow that's too high can put your neck into a position that causes muscle strain on your back, neck, and shoulders. Choose a pillow that will keep the neck aligned with the chest and lower back. Your pillow should be adjustable to allow you to sleep in different positions. Replace your pillows every year or so.
Minocqua has always been a special place to me, and it continues to provide wonderful memories. A couple weeks ago the kids and I camped at our favorite spot "up north", this time bringing my youngest, Emerin, along for the first time. Weather was perfect all weekend, with the exception of rain on Saturday night, making for a wet campsite to pack up on Sunday morning. But, as my dad mentioned, it wasn't raining WHILE we were packing up--that would have been much worse.
We go karted (Eddy won), we caught enough fish to have a fish fry, we swam at Crystal Lake, we ate food over the fire, and also food prepared for us at local restaurants, and we had a lot of ice cream. In fact, we ate ice cream three different times on Saturday.
For the most part, I did a good job of packing and not forgetting anything major...outside of a pillow for myself. That first night in the tent, on the cot, sleeping flat on my back, wasn't the greatest. Along with memories and photos and some tired kids, I came home with a tight neck and shoulders as well. Which then brought me to a topic I get asked quite often at the office: what is the best sleeping positoin?
Regardless of your sleeping position, try to keep your ears, shoulders, and hips aligned:
If you sleep on your back, a small pillow under the back of your knees will reduce stress on your spine and support the natural curve in your lower back. The pillow for your head should support your head, the natural curve of your neck, and your shoulders.
Sleeping on your stomach can create stress on the back because the spine can be put out of position. Placing a flat pillow under the stomach and pelvis area can help to keep the spine in better alignment. If you sleep on your stomach, a pillow for your head should be flat, or sleep without a pillow.
If you sleep on your side, a firm pillow between your knees will prevent your upper leg from pulling your spine out of alignment and reduce stress on your hips and lower back. Pull your knees up slightly toward your chest. The pillow for your head should keep your spine straight. A rolled towel or small pillow under your waist may also help support your spine.
Insert pillows into gaps between your body and the mattress.
When turning in bed, don't twist or bend at the waist. Instead move your entire body as one unit. Keep your belly pulled in and tightened, and bend your knees toward the chest when you roll.
Keep your ears, shoulders, and hips aligned when turning as well as when sleeping.
First and foremost, enhance your sleep through time in the great outdoors and through exercise, and through limiting your 'screen time' when you're getting ready for bed. I can't recommend the Up North Wisconsin fresh air enough if you really want to get some good sleep...even if you do forget a pillow for yourself!
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