What’s Your Position? Find the Best Sleeping Position For a Good Night's Sleep.
You might not be aware but sleeping is a big part of our lives. Yes, even the most active among us spend time doing nothing...and it feels good. Or at least it should.
And if that is not the case we might have a few tips for a good night sleep that might help.
A lot of people overlook their sleep position. Yet, your sleeping position can play a big role in your sleep quality, which means it might be time for you to switch it up. Do you sleep on your back, side, or stomach… or do you toss and turn all night long?
Different sleep positions have different benefits. If you’re struggling with pain, especially lower back pain, you might need to switch your sleep position in order to help manage it. And, while it might not be something you can do in one night, it can definitely be worth trying out. Taking the time to gradually train yourself to sleep in a new or different position could be the secret to improving your quality of sleep.
So, without further ado, here are the two recommended sleep positions:
Side-lying or
Flat on your back
1. The side-lying position has loads of benefits.
Side-lying is not only great for lower back pain and pregnancy but sleeping on your side extends its benefits to all of us, especially if you’re sleeping on your left side. Not only can it help reduce snoring (yay), it’s also great for your digestion, and might even reduce heartburn or reflux. Here is a pro tip for you: putting a pillow between your legs will additionally help in better aligning your hips with your pelvis and that can significantly reduce your low back pain.
Sleeping on your side, on the other hand, may not always be the best option. For example, if you have any issues with shoulder or hip pain, sleeping a number of hours on one side may aggravate your condition increasing stiffness and pain. So, if you prefer sleeping on your side, make sure to choose a good pillow to avoid neck and back pain. Sleep on whichever side feels most comfortable, but don’t be afraid to switch to a different position if it’s not working for you.
2. The other recommended position is sleeping flat on your back
Sleeping on your back offers the most health benefits. Not only does it make it easiest to protect your spine, but it can also help relieve hip, knee and shoulder pain. Sleeping on your back is good as gravity is evenly distributed along your spine, which can help reduce any unnecessary pressure on your back or joints.
A pro tip for this sleeping position is that if you suffer from lower back pain, a pillow behind your knees may help support the natural curve of the back and reduce discomfort and pain. Just remember, if you are struggling with back pain it is important to make sure that you are properly supported during your sleep.
Why to avoid sleeping on your stomach?
I might be a bearer of bad news for you guys out there who like sleeping on your stomach. But, lying on your stomach, unfortunately, can cause neck pain as it is sustained in extension and rotation. In addition, there is a danger of back pain as most of the weight is in the middle of the spine and losing the neutral spine position can add a lot of unnecessary strain to your muscles and nerves (i.e. numbness and tingling sensations). So, for the sake of avoiding potential complications, it might be best to choose another sleep position if you sleep on your stomach.
So what is a takeaway message?
We spend roughly one-third of our lives sleeping or attempting to sleep. Your sleep position matters more than you might think. Laying on your side or back is the best. Otherwise, if you’re having trouble sleeping, your health can suffer. Remember, everyone is different. What’s important is that you find what works the best for your body and your sleep needs. Plus it is not about getting enough sleep, it's about the quality that matters.
