Can You Sleep in a Backbrace?
If you suffer from back pain due to an injury, or you just want to correct a bad posture you might be required to use a posture corrector. The belts are designed to provide additional support as your back heals. They come in different forms such as rigid braces, corset-like wraps, and cervical braces. Wearing the back brace during the day prevents your back from turning or twisting while healing takes place.
Is it bad to sleep in a posture brace? The simple answer is yes. However, you should avoid it unless it is absolutely necessary as the brace will confine you to specific sleeping positions. This might be frustrating and could affect the quality of your sleep.
There are instances where you might be forced to use a lumbar belt while sleeping. For instance, some people experience excruciating pain when they roll over at night which makes them wake up. A back brace helps such individuals sleep. If you have to sleep in one be sure to follow this guideline.
How To Sleep In A Back brace
If you are worried about if can you can sleep in a posture corrector or whether the upper back brace for sleeping is right for you then you’ve got to follow this guideline.
- When you are ready to sleep sit squarely at the edge of the bed, swing both legs on the bed simultaneously, and lie down. You might need assistance if your legs aren’t strong enough.
- Have a pillow placed under your knees as this releases the pressure your legs caused by pulling the tendons in your back.
- Doctors recommend sleeping on your side if you are wearing a back brace. However, you could place a pillow between the knees after turning on your side as this stabilizes your back before falling asleep for the brace to work right.
- Use the brace correctly so that you don’t add to the damage it’s already working to correct. If you are the type that moves a lot while sleeping this might not be safe for you
- Your back should always stay cool and dry while you wear the brace at night as moisture increases the chances of skin ulcers.
Don’t Sleep In A Backbrace If
- Don’t wear a back brace if you have any discomfort when lying down. The back brace is designed to help relieve pain. So if you are uncomfortable lying down its best to sleep without it.
- Sleep in a back brace if you have trouble breathing or experience sleep apnea. Any additional constriction makes you feel suffocated.
- Back brace provides enough support and adding a pillow might just cause more pain.
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