If you’re looking for ways to improve your health, you’ve probably wondered about the effect of your sleeping position. This can affect everything from back pain to snoring and your personality. However, there are many other reasons your sleeping position is so important. Let’s take a closer look at how your sleeping position affects your health. In addition to affecting your health, sleeping will also impact your personality and how you feel when you wake up in the morning.
You may have a favored sleeping position. While it’s natural to fall asleep in one position, certain positions are better for your health than others. In general, side sleepers tend to have better blood circulation and reduce the risk of back pain and neck and shoulder pain. If you have stomach or acid reflux, elevating your head with a pillow may also help alleviate the pain. Meanwhile, the supine position can exacerbate snoring and obstructive sleep apnea conditions because it causes your tongue and soft tissues to fall into the airway.
The Most Common Sleeping Positions
What are the most common sleeping positions? Aside from being uncomfortable for most people, sleeping in a comfortable position also has several other benefits.
The Prone:
The prone position is most common, while women prefer the fetal position. It may sound strange to you, but it’s a very comfortable position for many people. It also promotes good digestion and helps fight acid reflux. But it’s not recommended for those with a snoring problem and can even come out as one of the risk factors for sleep apnea. This can be supported by a firm mattress, pillows, and a pillow for back pain.
The Fetus:
The second most common sleeping position is the fetus position. This is not recommended for those who suffer from back pain. It also puts the body in an upright position. This position can lead to snoring and reduced sleep quality, so it’s not a good option for anyone with severe back issues. It’s still important to use a supportive pillow, though, so you don’t get too much side sleep. The couple snuggling in a spooning position is also a good position to sleep.
The Supine
The supine position is the worst for back pain compared to other positions. It causes a lot of backaches and neck pain and makes snoring a severe problem. A supportive pillow will help prevent this problem. And it will make your partner feel much more comfortable and less stressed. Many other positions are more beneficial, but these are just a few of the most popular ones.
The Starfish
The starfish sleeping position is the least popular of the four. It’s best for backaches and is not recommended for people who snore. The starfish position does not have a good posture and is not prone to snoring. Although it does not cause back pain, it is still essential to have a supportive pillow. There are also several other types of supine positions.
What Is The Worst Sleeping Position?
Sleeping On Your Stomach
If you prefer sleeping face-down and sleeping on your stomach, you’re not the only one, but you are in the majority. About 7percent of adults sleep on their stomachs or in a prone position. It can reduce the noise and snoring, but generally, stomach sleeping isn’t advised.
If you are sleeping on your stomach, it places stress on your neck and back. Since that is your middle body, which is the most significant part, it causes your back to overarching. In time, this may result in discomfort and nervous problems. There may be numbness or a tingling sensation around the extremities. Also, turning your head as you lie down can hinder blood flow and decrease the volume of the airway.
If you find it challenging to alter how you lie down, you can change the position. Make sure your neck is straight and rest only the forehead to the bottom of your pillow. By doing this, your spine will be in a more relaxed position and allow breathing space easily. Try elevating the pelvis using a small pillow to relieve the strain on your lower back.
Which One Is A Good Sleeping Position?
The Supine Position
Supine is the 2nd most commonly used sleeping posture for the proper way to sleep. The back position straight on your bed allows your spine to remain at a natural posture. This can help alleviate some of the lower back, shoulder, and neck discomforts associated with different poses. When you elevate your head using pillows, it can aid in reducing the problems that are associated with acid reflux.
But, this posture can cause snoring problems and sleep apnea. As the soft tissues and tongue within the mouth relax, gravity pulls them into the airway. If you’ve been diagnosed with this sleep disorder, you must consult with your doctor about how you can most effectively alter your sleeping patterns.
If you like sleeping on your back but you notice it causes low back discomfort, you can try altering your posture. Utilise a soft pillow or a cervical cushion to help support the neck. You can also use a medium-sized pillow or a large neck roll to prop up the knees. This will reduce the tension and discomfort in your lower back.
Conclusion
If you are struggling with loud snoring or sleep apnea must be allowed to sleep on your back since it is more likely for the airway to be restricted when relaxed. Research has shown that it reduces the number of apneas at night and offers better sleep. The lateral position is advised for those suffering from arthritis or acid reflux neck and back issues. If you are expecting rest in the right side of their body is recommended, particularly during the second and third trimesters. It is because of an increased flow of blood towards the placenta and an improved kidney function that aids in reducing swelling in the feet and legs of the mother.
The best way to sleep is when your legs and chest remain straight, and the back is in an extended but natural alignment. Use a firm, moderate height or an ergonomic cushion to support your neck and head. To lessen stress on lower back muscles, it may be more comfortable to use an extra cushion between the legs. This will provide more support to the pelvis, hips, and lower back.
