Ergonomics is the applied science of equipment design, intended to maximize productivity while reducing discomfort. In other terms, it is our bodily positions manifesting while sleeping, sitting, working and even when doing the dishes in the kitchen!
Mr. Charbel Najem, the Academic Coordinator at the Department of Physical Therapy at the Université Antonine ; has shed some light on this important matter, to avoid muscular pain and migraines. Starting by a very basic example of sleeping; always sleep on your back with a pillow underneath the knees for a better breathing pattern and neck free spasm. The alternative way to sleep, is on the side also with a pillow between the legs.
When it comes to getting out of the bed each morning; always turn to your side, then slowly get up. As well as helping the body to relax before getting ready to sleep with this method: 10 repetitions of abdominal/diaphragmatic breathing. Remember that thoracic breathing increases migraines and neck pain, so we have to teach ourselves to breath and sleep correctly. Another symptom of bad sleeping habits is the Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, a pathology portraying numbness in the fingers caused by muscular compression.ÂÂ
It is known that good sleeping behavior energizes the body the following day and increases the individual’s productivity and efficiency. A final tip for a maximal comfort: buy a pillow that is stiff enough for the neck and wide enough for your shoulders!
