Sleep is an essential aspect of our lives. Getting the right amount of high-quality sleep is extremely important for our moods and bodily functions. We all have our preferred sleeping position that helps us to understand that all-important sleep after a long day. It is a matter of preference, but the impacts that our sleeping positions have on our bodies are commonly overlooked.
Understanding Sleeping Positions and How They Affect Your Body
The position we fall asleep in will affect the amount of sleep you get each night, as well as your health. Research has proven that it can even have an influence on our dreams and is linked to our personality. If you want to understand your sleeping position and how it will affect your body, read on.
On Your Front
Sleeping on your stomach can feel comfortable at the time, but it has quite a negative impact on your body. If you are having problems sleeping, then this position won’t help. There is a higher chance that you will be restless in this position. The position can put a strain on your lower back and neck. Ideally, if you sleep in this position, you should use a soft, flat pillow or no pillow at all to help keep your spine straight and to reduce neck pain.
On Your Back
This position can sometimes cause lower back pain, so if you already suffer from this, sleeping on your back could cause more problems as it doesn’t support the natural curvature of the spine.
If you have sleep apnea or you snore, then sleeping on your back can worsen this. If you suffer from any of these issues and sleeping on your back is the only position you find comfortable, then you should speak to your doctor to see if there is anything that they can do to help you change your ways.
On Your Side
There are a number of different ways that you can sleep on your side. The most common and comfortable way to do so is called the fetal position, which consists of lying on your side with your knees slightly bent towards your chest.
This position is extremely common in women, especially those that are pregnant. Sleeping on your side can be useful for your body, especially if you have back pain, as long as you keep your spine aligned by using less or lower pillows.
Right or Left
If you choose to sleep on your side, then you will need to research which side is best for you. If you sleep on your right side, you increase the risk of getting heartburn, but if you sleep on the left side, you are more likely to strain your internal organs.
However, sleeping on your left side will help to improve your bowel movements and is better for you. If you are pregnant, then sleeping on your left side will increase the number of nutrients your baby receives.
With a Partner
When you sleep with a partner, your sleep may be more disturbed and you will require more space. A full-sized mattress is ideal for couples who want their space while they sleep. However, there are many benefits of sleeping in the spooning position.
Firstly, it can help you bond with your partner. Secondly, the cuddling releases good chemicals in your body, such as oxytocin, which has been proven to lower your levels of stress. Finally, spooning can make it easier to fall asleep.
Understanding Sleeping Positions and How They Affect Your Body
As you can see, our sleeping position has a huge impact on our sleep quality and our health. If you feel like this is being compromised, then changing your sleeping position to suit your situation is highly recommended. However, just like changing a habit, it will take time and patience to succeed.
