When you sleep, your body is repairing and resting. When we are very tired, we often do not think about our sleeping position, but the position we sleep in impacts our overall well-being when we wake up. On average, we spend a third of our life sleeping, so we should give our sleeping position more thought.
What Is the Best Sleeping Position?
There are many different sleeping positions, and what works best for one person might not work for another. It’s important to experiment to find what feels most comfortable for you. Here are some of the most common sleeping positions and what they can do for you.
Sleeping on Your Back
Sleeping on your back is often recommended as the best sleeping position because it keeps your head, neck, and spine in a neutral position. This decreases the chances of experiencing pain in those areas. Sleeping on your back is also the best position for people with GERD or other digestive issues since it decreases the chance of stomach acid entering the esophagus.
You might want to avoid sleeping on your back if you have sleep apnea. Sleeping on your back can make sleep apnea worse.
Sleeping on Your Side
Sleeping on your side is generally considered the best position for people with back pain. This is because it can take pressure off your spine and muscles and also help to improve blood circulation.
Sleeping on your side is also good for people with heartburn, as it can help to relieve some of the pressure on your stomach. If you are pregnant, sleeping on your side can also be beneficial, as it can help to improve blood circulation to your baby and relieve some of the pressure on your back and legs.
Sleeping on Your Stomach
Sleeping on your stomach can be tough on your body. For one, it can put a strain on your back and neck, as well as make it difficult to breathe. If you absolutely must sleep on your stomach, you can do a few things to help ease the pressure.
First, try placing a pillow under your pelvis to take some strain off your back. Also, keep your head and neck elevated with a pillow to avoid any unnecessary strain. Finally, avoid sleeping on your stomach for extended periods, leading to back and neck problems.
What Sleeping Position Should You Avoid?
There are certain sleeping positions that experts say can cause problems. Here are some sleeping positions that you should avoid:
On Your Back with Your Legs Crossed
Sleeping with your legs crossed is also not good for your back. This position can cause the joints in your lower back to become misaligned and can lead to pain.
Fetal Position
Sleeping in the fetal position is often recommended by doctors for pregnant women. However, this position can also cause problems for your back. If you must sleep in the fetal position, put a pillow under your knees to take some pressure off your back.
Reclining Position
Sleeping in a reclining position can put pressure on your spine and cause pain. If you must sleep in a reclining position, use a pillow to support your back and take some pressure off your spine.
Conclusion
The best sleeping position for you is the one that is most comfortable for you and allows you to get a restful night’s sleep. If you have a specific health condition, you may need to sleep in a certain position to minimize pain or prevent further injury. Always talk to your doctor about the best sleeping position for your individual needs.
If you are experiencing body pain, you may need to get physical therapy or see a chiropractor. Grace Medical & Chiropractic is a team of chiropractors in Fort Myers where you can get various services for your physical well-being. Get in touch with us to book an appointment.
