Sleeping is an integral part of our daily lives as well as our overall health. Everyone has their own unique way of sleeping. Yet many neglect the fact that having a poor sleeping position may result in neck pain, fatigue, sleep apnea, muscle cramping, impaired circulation, headaches, heartburn, tummy troubles, and wrinkles. Of the four positions, we’ll tell you which ones are the best to worst!
The Most Optimal: Your Back
Despite how beneficial this sleeping position may be, it’s not the most popular position. With how this position allows you to rest in a neutral position, this helps ease the pressure off areas such as your neck, head, and spine. In addition to this, the fact that you are facing the ceiling will help ward off acid reflux as long as you are using your pillow to elevate your head. This will help keep the food or acid from coming up your digestive tracts. Of course, nothing can be perfect including this sleeping spot. For those who suffer from sleep apnea or snoring, this position may be a dangerous potion especially since the tongue may block your breathing tube. First consult a professional before deeming this sleeping position to be the best for yourself.
Comes In Close Second: Your Sides
Not only does the back sleeping position help with acid reflux! Sleeping on your side can help since your spine will be elongated. While the back position may be the best position to sleep in, this position offers almost all the same benefits. It should be noted that this position is an ideal position for those who suffer from sleep apnea or snoring since sleeping this way keeps your airways open. Although everything about this position sounds nice, one of the cons is that it causes wrinkles. Wrinkles are common in this position due to the fact that half of your face is pushed against a pillow.
Not As Bad: Fetal Position
Like it’s name suggests, this position was probably the first sleeping position you’ve taken even before you born. With that being said, it also happens to be the most popular position. If you sleep on your side with your torso slightly hunched and knees bent, you’ve probably been sleeping in the fetal position. This position is also great for expecting mothers due to the fact that it improves circulation in your body as well as the fetus. It should be noted that sleeping on your left would be best since sleeping on your right might pressure your uterus. However, make sure to not curl up too tightly in this position. Curling up too tightly can restrict breathing in your diaphragm and make your body a bit sore in the morning. You can stop this by straightening your back as much as possible rather than pulling your knees up too high. Reduce straining your hips by putting a pillow between your legs too!
Plain Bad: On Your Stomach
For snorers, this position might help but keep in mind that this position also happens to be bad for everything else. It can lead to back and neck pain especially since your spine will not be in a neutral position. This position can also lead to numbness, tingling, aches, and irritated nerves because there will be more pressure on your muscle and joints. If sleeping in this position is non-negotiable to change, then try laying face down, that you can keep your upper airways open. You’ll probably want to keep your forehead propped on your pillow to give yourself some space to breath too.
There you have it! The four different positions ranked from best to worst. It’s about time that you give yourself the rest you deserve rather than waking up literally and figuratively tired of feeling restless.
