The Science Behind Your Sleep Position and Health

The position that you sleep in can be beneficial or detrimental to your health. If you wake up feeling tired muscles and body aches, changing your sleeping position may help. Additionally, changing the position you sleep in may reduce some illnesses. 

Stomach Sleeping 

If you are like about 7% of the world, you sleep on your stomach, which is not suitable. Sleeping on your stomach puts your spine in an awkward position, which may cause spine and back issues. It can also cause a lack of feeling or tingling in your arms and legs. If you turn your head to one side, then you reduce the size of your airway. Your body must keep working throughout the night because it takes more energy to move your diaphragm, so you may not wake up feeling rested. While sleeping in another position is the best answer, if you find that impossible, try putting only a little part of your forehead on a pillow or forego the pillow altogether. Elevating your pelvis slightly with a pillow or thin blanket can also help. 

Fetal Sleeping 

People who sleep in a tightly curved position on their sides can also have problems. This position can cause spine and back problems. It also means that your diaphragm may not move enough to let you properly breathe while you are asleep. Loosing up your curl a little can help your back feel better. Some people find that sleeping with a pillow between their knees also helps. 

Back Sleeping 

If you love to sleep on your back, you eliminate most spine and back issues caused by poor sleeping. Your weight is evenly distributed across your spine when you sleep on your back. You are, however, more prone to sleep apnea because gravity moves the tongue and soft tissues into the way. Pregnant women who sleep on their backs increase the odds of having a late-term stillbirth. Furthermore, acid reflux can be a problem when you sleep on your back. If you sleep in this position and still experience back issues, try using a neck roll pillow and use another pad to prop your knees up. 

Side Sleeping 

Most doctors and sleep specialists recommend sleeping on your side. It helps keep your spine in a good position throughout the night, and you are less likely to snore. You are also less likely to experience back and neck pain. The great news is that about 74% of all people naturally choose this position. You can get an even better night's rest when you choose a great mattress. 

It turns out that sleeping on your side is a great way to ensure that you get a great night's rest. You should make sure that you go to bed and rise at the same time each day. Additionally, use your bedroom only for sleeping and create a bedtime routine so that your body knows when it is time to wind down. If you cannot sleep on your side, then use the right types of pillows throughout the night to support your body.