Elderly Caucasian couple sleeping on the bed
Health

How the Way You Sleep Affects Your Health

Sleeping is the best way to relax. Most of the time, people go to bed without even thinking about what positions they might be. Human by nature, it is normal that if we get exhausted from work or school and badly want to pause for a moment and sleep, no one can stop us.

Even if we are still in our uniforms or a pair of shoes are on our feet, weren’t able to wash away our make-ups, and the most unbelievable we forget to brush our teeth. It’s the reality. Some people experience this, but quite a few are aware of how sleeping positions affect our health.

Sleep researchers had undergone studies and then found out that sleeping position matters. Sleeping with your back, on your stomach, side, and in other postures affects your health. It might worsen your back pain, neck pain, and other medical conditions or might make any difference from your snoring and symptoms of sleep apnea. Check out some sleeping positions and find out what gives you the best benefits.

On Your Stomach

Some people sleep on their stomachs because they believe that makes them comfortable. According to the National Sleep Foundation, only 7 percent of sleepers choose this sleeping pose. Mostly, people think that sleeping in this kind of position will address their concern about insomnia, but in reality, it might not be helping.

It adds up to the weight you carry which can strain your neck and lower back too. Once you stretch out your stomach, it’s impossible to keep your spine aligned and puts pressure. Sleeping in this position shoves your face into the pillow; the dirt from the pillow might transfer to your face that can produce pimples, wrinkles, and other face issues.

On Your Back

This position is how I sleep. It gives me the relaxation that I need. It can’t cause me back pain anymore. Sleeping on the back allows our body to fall into its stable and natural alignment. If you are like me, who often experience back and neck stiffness, sleeping on your back is the best position for you. However, if you experience snoring or sleep apnea, it can create problems bigger than you expected.

Sleeping-Soldier Back Position

A person who loves sleeping in a soldier position will rest on their back with arms straight down at their sides. This position has a lot to say about your personality. A study says that you like to be quiet and keep everything to yourself. Moreover, this means that you are expecting too much from yourself and others. Since it is a back position, it aims to distribute the weight in your body. Also, it doesn’t put pressure on your back and neck.

Side-to-Side Sleeping Position

Sleeping on your side is considered the best position since it can help reduce back and neck pain. Choosing which side, either the left or right side, can make a difference in any health issues. Left side sleeping is favorable if you have acid reflux. Acid reflux is a common condition that features a burning pain, known as heartburn, in the lower chest area. Pregnant women are advised to sleep on their left side for proper circulation of the blood.

On the other hand, sleeping on the right side may lower nervous system activity that lessens heart rate and blood pressure. A study says that those who have heart failure are advised not to sleep on their left sides.

Side-Fetal Sleeping Position

The most common position for women in this posture. They tend to be more comfortable because it feels warm and homey. It is a curled-up variation of side sleeping.

Somehow it sounds so shocking that it reflects your personality. People who love to sleep in this position are warm, friendly, and a bit sensitive. But exaggerating the curl in your body will add up tension towards your back and spine leads to stiffness.

Side-Log Sleeping Position

This position refers to people who sleep on their sides with both of their arms down. Along with other sleep positions, this also helps with your neck and back alignment. You can add a pillow between your legs to make you feel more comfortable.

Couple-Cuddling Sleeping Position

This sleeping position is suitable for those who have partners. It is fundamentally a sign of intimacy of the love you share. It’s a fact that it builds a strong bond with your partner. Cuddling can offer something good for your health. It releases a chemical called oxytocin. This chemical controls aspects of the reproductive system that can help to reduce stress.

Determine Your Best Sleeping Position…

When you are suffering from any kind of pain, the best thing that you can do is to try different positions that make you feel comfortable – something that helps you determine which one frees your body from any tension. There is no hard rules when it comes to sleeping positions because each of us has different comfort and unique slumber time for our body.