There are 4 main categories of sleep positions – and each one has its benefits and drawbacks. Click to learn which is the healthiest sleep position for you.
1. Sleep Positions And Their
Individual Benefits
There are many sleep positions to choose from when you crawl into bed
each night. These can be narrowed down into four main categories: side,
stomach, fetal, and back. Each position has its benefits, though some have
more benefits than others.
Back Sleeping Position
The back sleeping position is considered the best for the body, although
many would agree that it is not the most comfortable of the positions. The
only downside to this position is that if you snore, this may not be the
position for you, as it can aggravate the condition. However, sleeping on
your back is the best way to keep your spine in a neutral position, aligning
your body and keeping it pain free. It is also good for preventing acid reflux
in people who suffer from it. And a bonus for women is that it is the best
for preventing wrinkles - as nothing pushes against your face while you
sleep.
Side Sleeping Position
The side sleeping position is the next
best sleeping position for your body. It
is great for preventing neck and back
pain and reducing snoring. Also, if you
suffer from acid reflux, this is the next
best to the back sleeping position.
Though bad news, ladies, it can be bad
for wrinkles pressing of the pillow
2. against the face and create a bit of breast sag due to the lack of support.
Another bonus to the side sleeping position is that for the pregnant
woman, it is typically the most comfortable. If a pregnant woman lies on
her left side she will optimize blood flow, helping to keep herself and her
baby the healthiest.
Fetal Sleeping Position
While it isn't the ideal sleep position, there
are many that go to the fetal sleeping Related Articles
position as their preferred position. What
may seem comfortable when you first lie Why We Sleep
down is not optimal for your body as the 5 Sleep Stages
night wears on. You will likely wake up with What is Insomnia?
neck and back pain from the contorting of What is Sleep Apnea?
your body during rest. Yet again, ladies, this What is Narcolepsy?
one is bad for breast sag and wrinkles too.
Stomach Sleeping Position
Lastly, the stomach sleeping position is the least healthiest position, as it
compounds all of the problems noted in the fetal position. While it may
ease a snoring problem, it is terrible for those with acid reflux. It does
create terrible neck and back pain and can make it very difficult to get out
of bed when you wake in the morning. If you don't normally suffer from
any back and / or neck pain but do tend to snore, you may still want to
consider the stomach sleeping position for its benefits in this area.
3. Something to consider when you find your optimal sleep position is your
pillow choice. For fetal and side sleepers, a plump, firm pillow is great for
keeping the support under your head and neck. A stomach sleeper may not
need one at all, but if they do, a thin, soft one is preferred. For those who
choose to sleep on their back, pick a fluffy, soft pillow to provide support
without propping your head and neck at an awkward angle.
The way one sleeps is very personal, and you must search for a sleep
position that is comfortable and optimal for your health. And don't
underestimate the sleeping power of the right pillow.
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