Scoliosis - How to Sleep Properly?

For people with scoliosis, sleeping is often a challenge. They have particularly high demands when it comes to finding a bedding solution that offers them a comfortable sleeping position. They should be able to recover at night from the tension that builds up during the day.

The imbalances caused by poor posture during the day also pose a challenge at night. For this reason, proper positioning is essential. This means that the individual’s body should be positioned according to their specific situation.
For many, not all sleeping positions are possible. They are limited to a few specific positions in which they can achieve the best possible relaxation and recovery. These positions must ideally be carefully determined and planned. It is essential to ensure that the body’s shape does not create pressure or tension on specific body parts while sleeping. This positioning varies depending on the sleeping position and must be thoroughly assessed.

Sleeping positions are often a matter of habit. Even sleepers without impairments often choose the least uncomfortable position—for example, on their stomach. Changing such behavior is only possible if it is determined in which position the person experiences the least tension. This often also means changing sleeping habits. However, this is only successful if the mattress and bed are optimally adapted to the individual’s situation.

A key requirement for bed systems is that they allow for a contoured, tension-free position. This should be possible in various sleeping positions, such as on the side and on the back.
On the one hand, this requires bed systems that can be partially adapted to the shape of the individual. These systems can reduce or eliminate pressure and tension effects.

It is crucial that this “bed shape” can be modified and optimized retrospectively.
On the other hand, it is important that when sleeping positions are changed, the lying situation can also be adjusted. Thus, the physical needs—not only of those with scoliosis—often vary significantly between the supine and lateral positions. Therefore, it is important that sleepers have the option to select various bed settings tailored to their specific sleeping position. This is achieved with sophisticated, electrically adjustable slatted frames.

In most cases, such sophisticated solutions cannot be found by simply trying out beds at a large retailer. If a mattress feels good during a ten-minute test, that does not mean it will provide optimal results throughout the night.

This is where well-trained experts, such as the sleep therapists at IG-RLS, are needed.

As a general rule, a bed system should not be too hard. Hard beds cause pressure and deformation that trigger or exacerbate tension at night. But it should not be too soft either. Beds that allow you to sink in too deeply hinder the necessary nighttime movements, which can lead to new tension issues.
It is best to choose a solution that can be optimized later on. It is important that buyers secure a return policy of at least two to three months at the original price.