The trouble with sleeping.

Sleeping- While there are many ways to look at such a broad topic, something that has always boggled me is the position in which we do it.

My motives, you ask? Well, frankly I've had just about enough of waking up stiff and sore. Sure, one could say get a better bed, but I happen to think I've slept in enough beds (no pun intended) to acknowledge that it's way more than the crappy futon I've inherited that leaves me waking up sore.

According to most studies there are 6 main sleeping positions; the log, yearner, soldier, free fall, starfish, and fetal.

The log- laying straight on your side with both arms directly at your sides.

The yearner- laying on your side with both arms out front.

The soldier- laying on your back with both arms at your side.

The free fall- laying on your stomach with your head to the side and both arms curled up near your pillow.

The starfish- laying on your back with your legs sprawled and arms up near your head.

The fetal- laying curled up on your side with knees bent.

Sure, all of which may have some appeal... but let's get back to the real problem. No matter which of these you choose, some part of you is going to suffer. Whether it's waking up with the most intense pins and needles in your arm from choosing a side position, lower back pain from laying on your back, or a lovely neck cramp that comes with twisting your head while laying on your stomach, sleep sure don't come easy.

So, what to do? Although my first thought of sleeping standing up came to a crashing end, the answer came to me. Something I should have known all along. The answer to all of life's unattainable... or well... just this one question... pillows!

There it was, staring me in the face all along. Drool and make-up covered, and yet still the comfiest thing around. I knew all along I had a reason for buying all of about twenty pillows, and so do you. So let's put them to use.

In order to get the most pain-free and comfortable of sleeps, one must apply pillows to areas in need of support. For example, if you suffer from back pain, place pillows where your spine curves. This will allow any unnecessary straining of your joints, thus, leaving your mornings as flexible as you are.

On ward, buying thinner pillows can help reduce the strain put on your neck. The less it's bent, the more comfortable you'll be. As for your arms, pillows underneath your torso will help to levitate the pressure that leaves your arms screaming for more blood flow.

Overall, to find what suits you best it's all a matter of experimentation. Try laying and placing pillows around you to see what works. Long body pillows have also proven to be useful.

So long, and goodnight :).