How does the sleeping position impact our health?

What is your usual sleeping position? The question is important, since the way you sleep has a direct influence on your health. Learn how the eight sleeping positions impact our sleep.

1. The stomach position

The stomach position is a wonderful way to improve your digestion. If you find it difficult to breathe, perhaps it’s due to the constant moving of your head, form one side to the other, and the resulting pressure exerted on your neck. Additionally, this sleeping posture can lead to back pain.

2. The fetus position

This is suitable for snorers and pregnant women. Sleeping in such a curled up position, with your knees pulled up and chin dropped down, could sound very comfortable but has a negative effect on your back and neck.

3. Side-lying position with arms straight down

If you sleep on one side with arms straight down, your spine will rest in a comfortable position, following its natural curvature. This can reduce back and neck discomfort and improve sleep apnea symptoms. The negative side–it provokes a faster skin-aging process, causing face wrinkles and saggy breasts.

4. Side-lying position with arms reaching out

The advantages of this position resemble those of the previous one. However, it can lead to shoulder and arm pain caused by slow blood flow, resulting from an exerted pressure on the nerves.

5. On the right side

The side on which you sleep is extremely important. When you sleep on your right side, it can lead to an acidic stomach and pain, while sleeping on the left can cause pressure on inner organs, e.g., liver, stomach, and lungs. Health practitioners advise pregnant women to sleep on their left side, as this improves fetus’ blood circulation.

6. Sleeping on your back with arms resting at the side

You can view the position as the best for your spine and neck. The truth is that the positive effect is present only when the pillow is not too bulky. Otherwise, the sleeping on the back can cause snoring and sleep apnea.

7. On your back with arms above the head

The posture is known as the “starfish sleeping position”. It has a very good impact on the back, prevents the formation of face wrinkles but also can lead to snoring and Gastroesophageal Reflux. Additionally, the extended arms over the head tire the nerves of your shoulders, thus causing painful sensations.

8. Use an additional pillow under your body

Regardless of your sleeping position, to achieve real comfort, you need to use an additional pillow under your body. In case of sleeping on your back, you have to insert the pillow under the waist. If you sleep on your side, put the pillow between your knees. In case you are a stomach sleeper, the pillow has to be tucked in at a lower position, under your stomach, to avoid problems with lumbar vertebrae.

Source: www.elle.bg