At the end of a long day, all that most of us want to do is simply rest, relax, and unwind with our loved ones. Then, we haul ourselves to our bed and attempt to have a good night’s sleep. Sleep is one of the most important activities to engage with, as it primes your mind and body for the next day.
Once you wake up, you may feel that rest isn’t as in sync with your body as you would’ve liked it to be. Rather, you feel a nagging pain in some key areas of your body. Pain may be felt in our back for most of us this morning. Let’s learn why your back is so stiff in the morning after waking up:
1. Sleeping position
As mentioned previously, how we sleep is important for ensuring we are good to go for the day. However, there is a correct way to engage in your slumber. Sleeping in the wrong position will do your body a disservice, such as back pain in the morning. Take care of how you sleep, and it will benefit you in multiple ways.
While it may seem counterintuitive, sleeping on your stomach could make the back feel more aches. An optimal sleeping position has you sleeping on your back. Or, you could also try to sleep on one of your sides. These positions vary from person to person but are still better than the more awkward ones!
2. Poor Posture
You don’t even have to have an uncomfortable sleeping position to experience back pain the following morning. The overall position of your body daily will also influence how you feel the next day. For example, your posture throughout the day will influence what pain you experience.
Try your best not to hunch your back forward during the day if you are sitting down at a desk. Keep your back as straight as possible, and use ergonomic-based accessories to support it. Also, go for regular physiotherapy treatments. You will feel better in the morning and whole by doing this consistently.
Reason #3: Mattress quality
Your back deserves to rest on something that is not only comfortable but of high-quality material. Therefore, it is important to look at what you are sleeping on each day and night. The mattress will be a key factor in how you feel in the morning, and it should be firm yet delicate.
The mattress itself should also be reviewed every few years or so. Even though they can be built with the best materials, they will not last forever. If need be, switch out your current mattress for a newer one. Your mattress should account for factors such as comfortability and lumbar support.
Reason #4: Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a life stage that can be simultaneously wonderful and excruciating. Finding the correct sleeping position can be somewhat challenging, as everything feels awkward. However, it does not have to be doom and gloom forever, as some actions are considered.
For instance, engage with some bodily stretches to support your back and legs. You can also employ several compresses for your back, such as a hot water compress. These accessories go a long way in ensuring that you feel energized the following morning.
Reason #5: Medical conditions
Sometimes, the issue we have with our back can be internal, just as external. Underlying medical conditions, such as fibromyalgia can cause excruciating bodily pain. Unfortunately, this pain is amplified in the morning to your health. Speak to your doctor if you have any questions about how to best combat this issue.
Reason #6: Medicinal treatments
One of the best ways to fight back against awkward back pain is medicine. The best treatments can be found over-the-counter and used once every day. Be sure to follow the recommended dosages, and do not go overboard with what is needed for your situation. If the back pain persists, you should also speak to a doctor for the next possible steps.
Reason #7: Stress
Our mental health also affects our physical health in more ways than one. Stress is a large factor that can make us feel at our lowest, which, in turn, contributes to nagging aches.
Try your best to reduce the stress you feel in your life through various actions. From daily exercise to hanging out with loved ones to therapy, various activities are available. Your mornings do not have to be as physically painful anymore!
