Sleeping contributes to a person’s well-being more than we realise. It restores energy and plays an important role in temperature regulation, immune system, hormone levels, and appetite. However, most people do not realize that during their sleep, their sleeping position matters.
In general, side sleeping is the best sleeping position. It allows the neck and back to stay aligned while the airways are open and the esophagus is elevated. Side sleeping is helpful for people with back pain, sleep apnea, and acid reflux. It is also advisable for pregnant women as it helps in maximum blood flow and kidney function, getting rid of swelling in the body. While sleeping on the side has been found beneficial for people with certain conditions, it may still cause shoulder stiffness and can make the jaw tight.
Another sleeping position that can improve the quality of sleep is back sleeping. It has many benefits like avoiding neck pain and protecting the spine. Unlike side sleeping, back sleeping does not cause sagging and wrinkles. People experiencing heartburn can even find comfort in back sleeping with their head slightly elevated.
Some people classify themselves as stomach sleepers, but unfortunately, they need to start changing positions now. According to SleepAdvisor.org, there are three main reasons why sleeping on the stomach is bad: 1.) It places a strain on the spine, 2.) It causes pain in the neck, and 3.) It’s unsafe for pregnant women. Stomach sleeping unevenly distributes the weight of your body making the head and limbs higher than the core. This results in spine misalignment and often leads to neck and back pain. It may be challenging to change sleeping positions, but avoiding stomach sleeping can prevent different health conditions.
Picking the right sleeping position should still not compromise your comfort. Make sure that along with your sleeping positions, you also consider the right pillow and mattress. Also, remember that clean sheets contribute to the quality of your sleep. These little details may be sometimes overlooked, but it can make positive changes in your sleep.
Summary:
Good position: Back & Side
Avoid: Sleeping on your stomach
The purpose of this blog is to enlighten everyone to all of the small details that contribute to our overall health & well-being.