We all have a favorite sleeping position, one you happily settle into automatically as soon as you doze off. Sleep position is definitely a matter of preference. Without realizing, sleeping positions actually have a wide range of effects on your body and your health. Well, find out which one of the below is your comfortable position and how it is affecting your health and well being.
MAttresses and pillows also play an important role in our sleep posture. A cozy comfy mattress will make you want to cuddle in while a stiff one will train you to sleep straight and upright. A combination of memory and gel foam like the lucid foam mattress, is becoming a popular choice these days. This one, in particular, has great reviews and comes with excellent lumbar support feature.
- Sleeping on your side.
According to experts, almost two-thirds of us sleep on our sides. It is probably the best sleeping position for overall health. Sleeping on your side reduces risk of neck and back pain and you are less likely to suffer from snoring and sleep apnea. Preliminary evidence even suggests that sleeping on your side reduces the risk of developing neurological diseases like Parkinsons. This helps the brain lymphatic system clear waste more effectively. Side sleeping also helps with digestion. Pregnant women are advised to sleep on their left side as this help circulation and blood flow to the placenta. It also eases the symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux. Right side sleeping may lower nervous system activity which reduces heart rate and blood pressure. However, this may constrict blood vessels and inhibits circulation which results in more frequent movements during the night. Side sleeping may also encourage wrinkles and breast sagging.
Read, SAY YES TO A BETTER GYNECOLOGICAL HEALTH
- Sleeping in the fetal position
This is a curled-up variation of sleeping on your side. According to research, this posture is most popular with women. This sleeping position reduces snoring and relieves pressure on your back. However, if you pull your body into a tight curl, this may leave you feeling stiff. It also restricts your breathing since your diaphragm does not function effectively.
- Sleeping on your back
This is the best position to sleep in to avoid wrinkles and breast sagging. Sleeping on your back helps keep your weight evenly distributed and allows your head, neck, and spine to maintain a more neutral position. It also reduces the risk of acid reflux since gravity prevents food and acid rising up the esophagus. People with arthritis find it easy to sleep on their backs as this reduces pain and stiffness. It also reduces the chances of getting wrinkles since you are not crunching any part of your face into the pillow creating lines that actually becomes wrinkles. This also reduces acne breakouts. However, sleeping on your back aggravates snoring and makes the airway more likely to collapse, leading to more frequent episodes of apnea.
- Sleeping on your stomach
Stomach sleeping can help reduce snoring and sleep apnea. It also helps with digestion. However, sleeping on your stomach is not recommended by the experts. It provides no support for the natural curve of the spine and puts pressure on muscles and joints increasing the risk of neck and back pain. It also encourages wrinkles and breast sagging. Stomach sleeping also pushes your face into your pillow, leading to more wrinkles and signs of aging.
The right sleeping position for you is the one you are most comfortable in, one which gives you the highest quality rest and takes into consideration your specific health issues and does not cause pain. If you are not sleeping comfortably, try switching positions and see if you can improve your nightly rest.
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