Sleep: we know we need it, and we want it. We have been told that several hours of sleep are needed daily since we were young—and for a good reason! Did you also know that the way you sleep can impact your health? Here are a few sleeping positions that could be good for your health:
Sleep on your side
Sleeping on your side can help in some cases, especially if you need heartburn and acid reflux relief. It’s been shown that after a heavy meal in the evening, sleeping on your side can help decrease your acid reflux, but only if you sleep on your left side.
However, there is something to be said about side sleeper pillow shoulder pain, which can happen for those who sleep with the wrong pillow. Getting the right pillow to provide shoulder relief can be helpful.
Sleep on your back
There are a few benefits of sleeping on your back, but it can also be one of the more challenging ways for people to sleep. From helping your knees to your spine, this could be the perfect sleeping position for you if you suffer from pain in your hips or knees. It’s also great for those who want to keep their skin looking youthful. However, it’s not the safest position for those with sleep apnea or those who snore.
A pillow under the knees is beneficial for relieving any pressure you may feel in your back. If you’re at all congested, it could be a bit uncomfortable to sleep this way.
For some issues, sleep on your stomach
This position can cause issues, so it’s crucial to only sleep on your stomach for a few reasons. One is if you’re feeling very congested or need to ease travel sickness, it can help you breathe easier. Another reason is if you have sleep apnea. Thirdly, if you snore a lot, it could help reduce your snoring, which can be helpful for you and your partner.
However, if you want to sleep in this position, keep in mind that you could wake up with joint pain or back pain if you use pillows that are too high. Consider using a lightweight pillow in your bedroom or none at all. You can also put one under your belly if you find this position a bit uncomfortable but still want to “fix” your snoring.
Adopt the fetal position
The fetal position may be something we adopted in the womb, but it could be the most comfortable way for us to sleep as adults. For the most part, the fetal position is a relaxing way to sleep. Plus, it’s good for lower back pain and can reduce snoring for some people.
However, sleeping in the fetal position can affect your breathing if you’re not feeling very relaxed. Additionally, some people may wake up with joint pain the following morning.
Additional sleeping tips
Here are a few more tips to help you sleep better and improve your health:
- Putting on a meditative playlist and calming music to achieve deeper Zzzzz’s
- Creating an environment fit for sleep
- Avoiding caffeine and other stimulants before bed
- Maintaining a sleep schedule
- Use CBD supplements for sleep
In Conclusion
Everyone wants to sleep well, and some ways to sleep better can be found in this article. Many of these positions can help you feel better overall, while others allow you to avoid issues like snoring or heartburn. If you have problems with sleeping, you may want to look at the position you adopt at night and try remedying it. If it goes beyond your sleep position, consider investing in some sleep supplements to obtain extra sleep support.
