While most people are aware of how amazing a good night’s sleep can make you feel, few people are aware of just how vital sleep is to the body’s normal functioning. When trying to get the best night’s sleep possible, several things factor into the equation, with body positioning close to the top of the list. If you’re looking for a way to shake up your snooze routine, here’s your guide to changing your regular sleeping position.
Sleep positioning can help with insomnia
For those struggling with insomnia, the effects of long-term sleep deprivation can be life-threatening. When the body’s sleep needs go unmet for an extended period, it places the brain under additional stress and jeopardizes maintenance tasks while the body is sleeping. Sleep deprivation also raises the body’s risk for developing heart disease, stroke, and impaired immune systems.
A reclined sleeping position has many advantages
Many people have found that sleeping in a more upright position makes it easier to fall asleep and helps improve sleep quality. Sleeping in a recliner or a sleeping chair is ideal for this purpose. The chair helps elevate the head while relieving stress on the lower body and the larger back muscles.
The fetal position
The fetal position is the most common sleeping position globally, favored by nearly 40% of the human species. Sleeping in this position is excellent for relieving pain in the lower back and helps improve pressure on the heart in the later stages of pregnancy.
For those suffering from frequent heartburn or acid reflux, sleeping in the fetal position on the left side can offer some relief by placing the stomach in a better position for digestion. As a bonus, this position also helps reduce snoring, allowing others to get a good night’s sleep.
The side sleep position
Sleeping on your side offers the benefits of improved spinal alignment and improved brain health. Studies have shown that sleeping position impacts the brain’s efficiency in clearing waste, and side sleepers have an advantage in this department over those sleeping on their stomach or back.
Sleeping on your back
Great news for those routinely sleeping on their back: this position keeps the spine in near-perfect alignment and dramatically reduces the incidence of waking up with back pain. This position also puts less stress on the shoulders and the abdominal organs.
But sleeping on the back can be challenging for those suffering from neck or upper back pain or injuries. While sleeping in this position, it is essential to sleep on a low or nearly flat pillow. Sleeping too full of a pillow on your back will place the head and neck into an unnatural alignment that can cause headaches and neck pain.
Before you go
Both sleeping hours and waking hours are affected by sleep quality. Take care to keep the sleeping environment calm, quiet, and conducive to a good night’s sleep by eliminating distractions, bright lights, and excessive noise. Limiting screen time before retiring will significantly increase your chances of enjoying a great night’s rest.