Sleep is supposed to be a relaxing and rejuvenating activity. However, many people find themselves tired and in pain when they get out of bed every morning. You sleep because you are tired, and you wake up the next day completely refreshed and ready for the challenge ahead of you.
If this is your experience, you know how it will negatively affect your entire day in a major way. You would feel cranky and less energized, which will make focusing on the tasks ahead of you impossible.
You deserve to sleep peacefully at night and wake up on the right side of the bed. Here are the common ailments people complain about when they wake up and what you can do to remedy them.
Sore Jaw
If you wake up every morning with your teeth hurting and your jaw sore, you probably unconsciously grind your teeth and clench your jaw when you sleep. The behavior is called bruxism, and it needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Bruxism is most common among adults, but it may happen to children, too; there are few reasons why it happens. A person who experienced anxiety and stress may clench their jaws and grind their teeth in their sleep. People who use alcohol and smoke may find it a problem, too.
There is no way to completely stop you from clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth. After all, it happens when you sleep and, therefore, have no control over your actions. What you can do is wear a mouth guard, an item that athletes usually wear to prevent orofacial injuries, but it is also recommended among people who suffer from bruxism.
Stiff Neck
Neck pain also happens a lot. It is not a serious condition, but it can limit your movement and put you in a bad mood throughout the day.
There are a few reasons why your neck becomes sore in the morning. However, the most likely cause is either your sleeping position or the quality of the pillow you use.
There is an ideal sleeping position, but people have their own preferences. Those who sleep on their stomach are more likely to suffer from the stiff neck in the morning. Sleeping on your stomach puts your neck at an uncomfortable angle. You have to twist your neck to one side so you can breathe, which puts unnecessary strain on your neck muscles. The result is, you get a stiff neck all the time.
Your pillow, too, might be a problem. Your pillow should have the capacity to provide support to your head and neck. Experts recommend feather and memory foam pillows, both of which will cradle your head and allow your neck and spine to align properly.
Lower Back Pain
Sleeping can also cause lower back pain. In most cases, it is caused by long periods of resting in one position, which causes a decrease in blood flow. Usually, as soon as you move, the pain subsides, and you can go on with whatever task you have for the day without limitations.
However, some people experience it more often and not, and the pain does not go away as easily.
Lower back pain from sleep might be caused by stress, poor sleeping position, or an old mattress. Stress causes the muscles to contract, which can cause pain. You would need ways to manage stress better, especially before you sleep at night. Meanwhile, sleeping positions can improve, too. If your sleeping position flattens your spine’s natural curve, you are bound to experience lower back pain frequently. Again, those who sleep on their stomach will have this problem. The third possible cause is the mattress. Like your pillow, your mattress should offer your body support when you sleep every night. A cheap and old mattress can do this. It is worth investing in a good quality mattress so you can wake up refreshed and well-rested every single morning.
If lower back pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as altered moods, memory issues, irritable bowel syndromes, and tension headaches, you should seek immediate medical help. Fibromyalgia also causes frequent back pain. In this case, your lower back pain will disappear once you get proper treatment for your condition.
Sleep seems easy and natural, but getting the right amount of rest every night actually takes work. Aside from these tips, you can improve your sleep and prevent pain when you wake up by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, practicing mindfulness, and kicking unhealthy habits.
