Let's face it: Even if we don't realize it, Sleep is crucial to your health, but not all positions are created equal. There's a good chance that one aspect of your sleep schedule is fairly stable. Even if your bedtime changes every night or you get up at drastically different hours every morning, you definitely have a preferred position for sleeping.
Sadly, the posture you find most comfortable could actually lead to health issues, from discomfort to sleep apnea. Different sleeping positions have different benefits. You might need to change positions to help manage any pain or other health issues you're dealing with. Even if it might not be attainable in one night, it can be useful to try a different sleeping posture.
A simple way to improve your sleep is to gradually train yourself to sleep in a different position. But if you don't feel at ease doing it, don't worry about it. You may also want to consider altering your preferred sleeping position in order to maximize its benefits.
We asked people what is their preferred sleeping position and most respondents said they prefer to sleep on their side or stomach, with the fetal position garnering the least number of responses.
Are you curious about the benefits of various sleeping positions?
Flat on your back:
By relieving strain on your spine and promoting proper spinal alignment, sleeping on your back can help with a variety of pains. Since you are sleeping on your back, no part of your body is put under more strain than another. Many people may have more restful sleep as a result of this. Additionally, since back sleeping keeps your face away from your pillow as you sleep, it may delay the appearance of facial wrinkles.
However, snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are much worse by this position. This is because gravity will drag the tongue and soft tissues of the neck down into the airway as they loosen up.
Fetal position:
In general, it's a good way to sleep since it lets your spine relax in its natural position. The fetal position entails sleeping on your side with your legs bowed and tucked in close to your body. In addition to easing lower back pain and pregnancy, sleeping in the fetal position also reduces snoring.
However, there are several disadvantages to sleeping in the fetal position. Make sure your posture is relaxed; otherwise, your cosy position can make it difficult for you to have a good night's sleep. Additionally, sleeping in a tight fetal position may leave you feeling sore the next day if you have joint pain or stiffness.
Lying on your stomach:
In general, it's not a good idea to sleep prone or on your stomach because it might aggravate neck and back problems. If you always turn your head in the same direction, you'll soon start to feel stiff during the day. It can be challenging to maintain a neutral spine when your head is raised on the pillow. The spine overarches as a result of the body's center being the heaviest.
However, if you've tried different positions and were unable to find one that was comfortable for you, stomach sleeping might be the best choice. Instead of always looking to the left or the right, try occasionally altering your head orientation.
By choosing a flat, thin pillow, neck pain can be avoided. Back stiffness and pain can also be significantly reduced by placing a pillow beneath your pelvis.
Side sleeping:
For a good reason, the majority of people find this sleeping posture to be the most relaxing. Medical professionals and sleep experts advise the side posture because of its many advantages.
This lessens unnecessary shoulder, back, and neck pain and improves spinal alignment. This position is recommended for anyone who has trouble with loud snoring or sleep apnea. The ideal position for side sleeping is an extended, natural alignment of the spine with the legs and chest kept reasonably straight.
Is there a side that's healthier for sleeping?
Your health may benefit from sleeping on your left side as opposed to your right. In a modest, older investigation, ten individuals were investigated over two days. On the first day, participants relaxed by lying on their right side after a high-fat lunch. For the second round, they switched to the left side.
According to studies, sleeping on your right side can cause acid reflux and heartburn, so you might find it more beneficial to sleep on your left side.
A Change to Make?
Be patient if you've been facing trouble sleeping and want to try a different posture to see if it may help. It can take some time to break a habit like that, especially if you've been going to bed in the same manner for a long time. Keep in mind that you don't need to change your sleeping position if you aren't having any issues. Follow your instincts and do what seems right for you. Ensuring you wake up rested and ready to face the day is the most important factor.
Happy Sleeping!
