How Should You Sleep If You Have Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis can make it difficult to get a good night's sleep due to the weak bones that come with the condition.

Sleep on your back

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Sleeping positions are personal preference, but everyone should strive to sleep in a position that keeps their spine neutral or aligned. This reduces pressure points on specific pressure points which can reduce pain and stiffness. The most popular sleeping position is on the back, but this can be uncomfortable for some people. If you find this position uncomfortable, try using a pillow designed specifically for back sleepers.

Sleep on your side

According to Amy Salas, a sleep specialist at Sleep Medicine Center of New England in Boston, side sleeping can be beneficial for people with osteoporosis as it reduces heartburn and acid reflux symptoms and helps prevent snoring. Additionally, side sleeping has been found to reduce the risk of brain diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by helping your brain remove waste more efficiently. Studies have demonstrated that side sleeping is more successful at clearing this gunk than stomach or back sleeping positions.

Sleep on your stomach

Osteoporosis is a serious bone disease that causes bones to weaken and break. It may also cause pain, loss of height, and an unsteady gait. To protect your spine, it's important to sleep in positions that align it correctly. Improper sleeping positions can throw your body out of alignment and lead to discomfort in the back and neck. Sleeping on your stomach can be a good option, but only if you use a pillow that maintains the arch of your back. Doing so helps protect discs and vertebrae in your spine by alleviating stress from these areas.