Every sleeping posture, whether on the back, side, or stomach, has both harmful and beneficial effects on your health and well-being. Some of these positions are preferred over others, especially while sleeping on a High Quality Mattresses, and are even recommended by sleep specialists and medical professionals. Some of these, on the other hand, are advised to be avoided. Read on to learn more about sleep positions, how they affect your health, and which ones are best for you.
Categorization of sleep positions
Because our bodies are built to move and be active, sitting or resting in one position for long periods of time can cause stiffness and aches. We move a lot throughout the day when we are awake, but our bodily motions are less during the night. Sleeping in the same position for lengthy periods of time can have a number of negative effects on your health. As a result, it is important to sleep in a position that allows your body to rest and revive without causing uncomfortable muscles, joints, and so on.
There are four general sleep positions: on the back, on the stomach, on the left side, and on the right side. Everyone sleeps in one or two of the positions that are most comfortable for them. However, these positions may be further categorized. Some people, for example, sleep on their backs straight like a log, but others sleep with their limbs spread wide. Many individuals, sleep on their stomachs in a fetal position, with their heads tucked under their chins, one leg raised, and so on. The same goes for the side position as well.
Here are the main four positions and their effects
1. Sleeping on the back
This position is among the best and most recommended, as it has many benefits. When we sleep, our body is mending and restoring itself. This is why it is critical to pick the proper sleeping posture to avoid back pain and other health issues. Sleeping on your back is the best posture for your body, as well as the most natural and relaxing. It helps to align your spine and reduces the risk of back pain and for avoiding neck soreness or stiffness after a long day. It has also been known to enhance your breathing and heart rate and can help you fall and stay asleep more easily.
It is advised that if you sleep on your back, choose a pillow that is thick enough to support your head and neck but not so thick that it causes your neck to bend. Try using pillows that contour to your neck and head, and provide enough support, such as the Amore Fusion pillow.
- Who should sleep on their back?
It is suitable for people who suffer from chronic upper or lower back aches, shoulder and neck pain or need firm spine support. Furthermore, sleeping in this position on a firm or Orthopedic Mattress helps to relieve pressure points, maintain body posture, and reduce body stiffness and back pain.
- Who should avoid sleeping on their back?
Although it is a natural and common sleep position, pregnant women and the elderly should avoid it. Sleeping on your back can cause airway collapse, making it difficult to breathe, and is especially harmful to those who have sleep apnea, breathing issues, or snoring. Sleeping on your back also worsens acid reflux. So if you have any of these symptoms, avoid lying on your back.
2. Sleeping on the left side
This is the most common and ideal sleeping posture, and it gives various benefits as well as being pretty comfortable. In this position, your head, spine, and pelvis are aligned in a more neutral posture, which reduces lower back pain and stress on your spine and improves your posture. Although this is a wonderful posture, your mattress and pillow should support your neck, shoulders, and back; otherwise, you may have pains and stiffness. If your pillow is excessively thick or too thin, for example, it may induce stress and stiffness by forcing your neck and shoulders into an unnatural posture.
Sleeping on your left side also helps to improve breathing and reduces snoring since your airways are not compressed. Also, lying on your left side keeps stomach acid from flowing to the esophagus (the muscular tube that takes food from your throat to your stomach), which helps reduce acid reflux and heartburn.
- Who should sleep on their left side?
This sleep posture is ideal for pregnant women, the elderly, and those suffering from indigestion or acid reflux. It is beneficial for people who have acute lower back pain and also for people who snore. So if you are among these try sleeping on your side and you may find this helpful.
- Who should avoid sleeping on their left side?
Although it is one of the best sleeping positions, it does have certain drawbacks. For example, sleeping in the fetal position while suffering from chronic back pain can be quite distressing. In addition, bending your spine might create pain or strain. It is also not recommended if you have shoulder problems because the strain on your shoulders can worsen the ache.
3. Sleeping on the right side
Sleeping on your right side is not very healthy or beneficial and it has many negative effects. Generally, those who sleep on their right side suffer from acid reflux, heartburn, and digestion. However, everyone's body and health status are different and some people may prefer sleeping on their right side such as those who are suffering from heart problems. Sleeping on the right side can help to stabilize heath rate and blood pressure and put less strain on the heart.
- Who should sleep on their right side?
If you have heart problems or find other sleeping positions difficult, this is the position for you.
- Who should avoid sleeping on their right side?
Women who are pregnant, people who suffer from acid reflux, or have digestion issues should avoid lying in this posture.
4. Sleeping on stomach
Many people prefer and are most comfortable lying on their stomachs. But no matter how comfortable they feel it is not good for their health and well-being. When your sleep on your stomach, your body sinks deeper into the mattress and your back and spine don’t get the required support and are forced to arch uncomfortably and in an unnatural position. This put excessive pressure on your back and spine.
While lying on your stomach, your jaw, head, neck and shoulders are also under pressure which can lead to pain. Sleeping this way is especially harmful and uncomfortable for those who are suffering from breathing issues. Because when your lie down on your stomach your face is toward the bed and you can experience shortness of breath.
Who should sleep on their stomach? | Who should avoid sleeping on their stomach?
It is recommended for all to avoid sleeping in this position, as it has several negative effects.
Parting Words
To have better sleep and greater health, you must practice good sleep hygiene, which includes how you sleep. Because each person is unique and has various habits, many people, conscious or not, lie in a position that might harm them in some manner. If your sleeping posture is harming your health and body, you should switch to a more healthy position. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but with consistent practice, you will grow accustomed to it. Lying on your back and left side is considered the healthiest of all sleep positions, and, sleeping on your stomach and the right side is not. As a result, we recommend that you sleep on your left or back or depending on your health and comfort.
Also, to improve your sleep quality and get the best possible advantages of your sleep, invest in a good quality mattress and bedding, especially a pillow. Because your mattress and pillow have a direct impact on your sleep. To buy quality mattresses and pillows, you can visit our website amoremattress.