WHAT IS THE BEST SLEEPING POSITION
22nd September, 2022, 2:17 PM
Your sleeping position goes a long way to enjoying a relaxing and healthy sleep.
If you are concerned about the best sleeping position for you then you've come to the right place. We have various sleep positions which we'll be discussing here.
Fetal Position
This is a popular sleeping position. It is sleeping on the side with the legs bent and curled in towards the body. It is good for pregnant women and reduce snoring. On the other side, It can affect deep breathing and cause stiffness and joint pain if posture is not loose. To take better advantage of the fetal position sleep with a pillow between your knees
Stomach (prone) Position
If sleeping positions where to be ranked, the prone position will be the least but it is good for sleep apnea and snoring.The disadvantage of the prone position is more than the advantage.
The prone position can cause neck pain, back pain,strain on the joint making you feel sore.
If you are already a prone sleeper and you don't want to change position you can enjoy it better by putting a pillow in your lower abdomen and a thin pillow or no pillow at all for your head
Side Sleeping
The side sleeping position has numerous advantages.
It is good for digestion, may reduce heartburn, it is good for people with some type of back pain. It is the best sleeping position for older adults
Which Side Is The Best For Sleeping?
The right side is associated with increased heart burn and acid reflux. The left side is better for regular bowel movement. The left side also facilities healthy blood flow. The left side offers more benefits making it best side for sleeping
What Is The Best Sleeping Position For Pregnant Women?
The side sleeping position is more comfortable and healthy for a pregnant woman as it prevents the pressure of a growing baby. The left side is healthier as it prevents pressure on the liver and facilitates healthy blood flow to the fetus.
Back(supine) position
The back sleeping position offers the most benefits. It uses gravity to align your body to your spine reduce the chances of body aches.It protects your spine and it helps relieve hip and knee pain.
-People with neck pain as it prevents misalignment that might occur in the stomach or side sleeping position.
- People with lumbar spinal pain (lower back pain)
As comfortable as back sleeping position is some find it discomforting, increasing pain on the lower back. This is because as you lie on your back there are tendencies that a small gap may form between the mattress and the lower back which leads to uncomfortable tension at the back. This can be resolved by putting a thin pillow in the lower back or at the back of your knees to support the natural curvature of your spine.
- People with nasal congestion
Lying on your back with a pillow at your upper back puts you in a more upright position without collapsing the spine. This position helps your airways stay open which can help drain your nose. Avoid lying flat on your back as this might worsen nasal congestion. The best sleeping position for nasal congestion is the supine or back sleeping position.
Are There Restrictions For Back Sleeping Position?
The supine or back sleeping position is not recommended for;
-Pregnant women
-People with snoring or sleep apnea
-Older adults
-People with GERD and acid reflux
-Heavier adults
The back sleeping position is not advisable for pregnant women because a growing baby can add pressure to the heart which is an extra load for the heart making efficient blood flow difficult.
The back sleeping position is also not advisable for people with sleep apnea as it makes you susceptible to airway collapse.
People with GERD or acid reflux should avoid the back sleeping position as episodes of GERD becomes frequent and this position and can start as soon as one minute after lying on your back
For heavier and older adults sleeping on the back might make breathing difficult due to the pressure of gravity. The side sleeping position is the best sleeping position for older and heavier adults
Your sleep position is important in ensuring quality sleep. If your current sleep position makes you comfortable, feeling refreshed and energized, without body aches or pain then don't feel forced to. If feel changing sleep position can help you have a comfortable sleep then go ahead. You can also use pillows to support you as you adapt to a new sleep position.
