Sleeping Positions: Know What They Do to Your Body

Nowadays, a lot of people are into healthy living. They tend to pay attention to their diet and exercise routines but fail to put into consideration the essential part of healthy living which is sleeping. Sleeping is not a simple thing to do.

Too much and too less can expose you to health risks that you shouldn’t ignore. Risks of heart diseases, diabetes, weak immunity, and cognitive impairment is just some of those risks. But did you know that the way you sleep can also impact your health?

Rest positions can be a contributing factor in snoring and even having wrinkles! If you are one of those people, you have to stop what you’re doing and read this. You may ignore your sleep position before, but after this, you will realize that sleeping position is vital for you to live a healthier way of life. Let’s take a look at the common sleeping positions and know what they do to your body.

Side Sleeping

A majority of people describe side sleeping on both straight on the lateral or fetal position. Physicians recommend their pregnant patients to rest to the left side because it brings a lot of benefits both for mother and child. It is beneficial in a way that sleeping on the back can put pressure on the lower back, which may lead to fainting.

For those who are not, sleeping on the side can also alleviate acid reflux and heartburn, making people with the condition to sleep easier. However, sleeping on the side can put a strain on lungs and abdomen (shifting sides can relieve organ stress.) Also, side-sleepers can experience numbness on muscles and nerves most especially on the arms.

Putting a single arm on your head may impede the blood flow which can result to “rubber arm” the nerves. This type of position uses the shoulder to support the body’s mass which can compress the neck and shoulder muscles.

Back Sleeping

Sleeping in savasana pose is an advantage to spine and neck health because the back is in a straight position and not stressed to contortions. And more importantly back sleeping allows the mattresses do the job of supporting the spine and making you comfortable at the same time.

Some people are comfortable of back sleeping without pillows, leaving the neck in a neutral disposition. There also some who like to use pads for their comfort but just a simple reminder, using too many can bring difficulty in breathing.  Also, this position is leverage for those who are inclined to their beauty refinement every night.

As a busy person, spending your day under the sun with face exposed in the air, this position is right because the face is not flattened up against the pillow that will lessen facial wrinkles. Despite those benefits, snoring and sleep apnea are much to be expected in a supine position.

As a matter of fact, this type of sleeping position jointly associates with sleep apnea. During our back sleep, gravity forces the base of the tongue to collapse into the pharynx which hinders breathing and produces extreme snoring noises that keeps your wife, husband, children, and roommate wide awake.

Regardless of the significant effects, it is notable that sleeping with supported spine will not always mean a great good night sleep. Sleep positions may matter to age as to sleep habit may depend on every person.

Stomach Sleeping

Among all other types of sleeping position, stomach sleeping diminishes your snoring habit and some cases of sleep apnea. Although it eases snoring, this type is the worst as noted on the list.  Many stomach sleepers struggle with a lot of pain from back, neck, chest or joints. These pain can contribute as to how much sleep you get.

More pain equates to more disturbances at night which will make you feel exhausted in broad daylight. Sleeping on your stomach can host strain on your back and spinal column. This strain is due to the weight of your body centered to the spine during sleep.

This way of resting makes the whole thing difficult in maintaining a neutral spine position. It flattens the natural curve of the spine leading to lower back pain. Also, sleeping the rest of the day with the head twisted to the other side can cause strains on your neck. But if that’s where you’re pleased, then try to use pillows to let your body get used to sleeping on one side.

Takeaway

Those are just common types of sleeping position. People rest their days in a position they find the most complacent for themselves. Even if it’s side, back, or stomach type, sleepers usually wake up in a position that their body system instinctively recognize. With this as a reference, feel free to take a shot and explore the sleeping positions and identify which is the best for you with your given condition. If not sure, better to ask your doctor.

Author Bio

Rachel Minahan is an interior designer and blogger born in the digital age. She spends her time managing her business and going to the fitness center for exercise. As a matter of fact, due to her devotion to health and fitness, she writes articles and posts it online.