By Donna on Saturday, June 03, 2000 - 02:10 am:

I sleep but don't feel rested. I sleep 8-9 hours at night and nap 1-2 hours after teaching all day. My husband claims I twitch all night long. Anyone else have this
experience?

By Odds on Saturday, June 03, 2000 - 02:10 am:

A highly stabelised good quality waterbed might help you, 'cause in a waterbed you tend to sleep all night long in the same position. That's proven !

By Gwen on Saturday, June 03, 2000 - 02:11 am:

I'm most interested in the waterbed debate. There are two different types of waterbed. The classical variety is the box with a bladder inside it which I found was
diabolical, not only from the support aspect but also trying to get out of it. Rather like a beached whale in reverse! The waterbed I have combines the good aspects
of both a conventional bed and a waterbed. It has a flat wooden base and the mattress, which is about six inches thick contains the bladder and also has baffles to
limit the amount of water movement. I have found it is the only bed that gives me any form of comfortable sleep, not that that says much as, at best I only get about
four hours unbroken sleep and frequently less. I have found neck/headache to be a problem but solved that by using a buckwheat pillow. They are really
MARVELLOUS. I recommend them to anyone with neck problems. For several years I was going at least every couple of months for physio just to release the
muscle knotting in my neck. Since I bought my pillow about six months ago I have seen my physio twice!!!!!!! And each time single visits only. I guess that it all
really boils down to finding what is ones personal preference. I find firm, supportive beds are the very devil as I have so many tender joints, especially shoulders and
knees, that I wake up feeling like the princess and the pea after a night on a different bed. It has pretty much got to the stage that I avoid spending a night away from
home. How's that for a pain behaviour!

By Barlie on Saturday, June 03, 2000 - 02:11 am:

I have joint problems - and recently a new hip. Sleeping on a waterbed does wonders for my joints. (except for 3 months recuperating from surgery I couldn't sleep
in the waterbed. I swear that the waterbed really helps me sleep - no pressure points - the heat helps too for relaxing the body joints.

By Rich on Saturday, June 03, 2000 - 02:11 am:

People.....waterbeds do not distribute the water evenly. There is no way you can get optimal support using a waterbed. I have participated in clinical trials using
different types of beds, waterbeds had the most pressure points out of them all. The best mattress currently on the market for spine alignment and the relief of pain is
a temperpedic matress. It molds to your spine and body using your body's own heat. I have one and I never move during the night. Whenever I sleep on a waterbed, I
wake up with a stiff neck. But,....dispite what the science says, everyone is different. If you like a waterbed and it helps you,..God Bless!!! Use it and love it. I am
merely telling you what the science says. Good luck!

Rich

By Donna on Saturday, June 03, 2000 - 02:11 am:

Thanks for the suggestions. I've tried the waterbed routine. Enjoyed the warmth, but did not sleep at all. What causes the "starts"? Anyone know?

By Rich on Saturday, June 03, 2000 - 02:12 am:

not sure what you mean by "starts" but I can say that waterbeds subject you to too many pressure points. Now, the preson who is not suffering from any type of
chronic pain might do fine with them (although I don't suggest it), for a person with pain, muscle tightness or any other related symptom, it is important to have a
matress and pillow that contours to the natural shape of the body. A temperpedic pillow and matress is a god choice. Also, avoid sleeping on your stomach. Sleep on
your side with a pillow between your knees and one under your arm for optimal support or on your back if you have to. Sleeping on your side is most recomended
for a patient in pain. You will not toss and turn as much (when there are no heavy pressure points), you will achieve deeper more restful sleep and as a result you
will have more repair capabilities for your body and you will actually start to alleviate pain. You will also function better. Physically and mentally

Rich

By Odds on Saturday, June 03, 2000 - 02:12 am:

I can imagine what Rich's arguments are against a waterbed...But, there is a giant difference in waterbeds. I mean a high quality waterbed with a soft side, the right
amount of water etc.
I do suffer from pains chronicaly ( from neck to feet ), but if I wake up in any different bed I can't even stand on my feet anymore or move my head or arms. So I
guess for me it really works !I don't need a pillow to rest my knees, 'cause I simply use my beds softside !

By Rich on Saturday, June 03, 2000 - 02:13 am:

Well, if the water was just right,in the right amount, that could possibly work (If it works for you, great!!! It's just, most people really don't know what to look for in
a water bed. They end up getting something that causes them to sink into the middle of the darn thing). As far as the pillow between the knees, this actually supports
alignment of the lower back. I am not taking about the feeling of the knee that touches the bed. I mean the knee that has to rest against your other knee (If you are
sleeping on your side). Putting a pillow between your knees will keep your lower back in a more neutral position. That is all I meant. Good luck everyone

Rich