Sleeping positions

How your sleeping position affects your health?

Do you remember what was your position when you slept last night? When you woke up it was not definitely the one you dozed off with. Because we do not put any effort to think over a sleeping position. There are different people, different sleeping positions and some individuals even try all positions over the night. Chuckles!!

Sleeping hours are always at first preference when it comes to the lifestyle, however, we unnecessarily ignore the sleeping position. It plays a significant role and it affects directly your health. Every position has its advantages and drawbacks.

1. The Yearner

Sleeping on your side position with arms out in front of their bodies, legs slightly bent, and head slightly off-center.

Advantages: 

  • Prevents neck and back pains
  • Reduces acid reflux
  • Relieve sleep apnea and snoring to some extent
  • Relieve heartburn
  • Reduces the risk of developing disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
  • Sleeping in this position could prevent waking up in the middle of the night

It may result in pain in shoulders and arms. The strain on internal organs may occur due to nerve compression also this posture can cause saggy breasts and premature skin aging. To reduce this wrong impact you can place a pillow between two legs to support the upper leg.

2. The Starfish

A person lies on their back but with their arms up on both sides of their head. Only five percent of people sleep in this position. It is also good for the back and could prevent skin breakouts and facial wrinkles.

Since this position is analogous to ‘the soldier’ benefits are also the same. Read it below.

3. The Log

A person lies on his side with both arms positioned downward in a straight line. About 15 percent of people sleep in this position. It is always recommended to sleep on your left side.

Advantages: 

  • Prevents back and neck pain
  • Relieve sleep apnea to some extent
  • Reduces snoring
  • Recommended position for pregnant women

It increases the chances of back or hip pain. The log position can lead to facial wrinkles, skin aging, and sagging breasts. It can even cause neck pain.

Since it can cause neck pain due to wrong support to a neck, it is advised to use a big pillow. Place a pillow between your thighs to support your top leg.

4. The Soldier

Lying on your back with your arms to the side is one of the best positions for spine health and your neck. This position is similar to the Savasana pose in yoga. But there shouldn’t be more than one pillow used.

Advantages:

  • Best for spine, neck, and arms
  • Reduces acid reflux
  • Cures insomnia
  • Prevents facial wrinkles
  • Relieve headaches

However, snoring is discovered worsen in this position in people with sleep apnea. The lower back pain is also prevalent.

5. The Freefaller

Sleeping flat on your stomach is not advised ever. It may help to reduce snoring but has many other drawbacks. Such as puts strain on the spine and causes neck and lower back pain.

It would be responsible for facial wrinkles. In this posture, excessive may put on the internal organs.

6. The Foetal Position

Lying on your side with your knees drawn toward your chest and your chin tilted down. More than 40 percent of people sleep in this position. It is the most common position for women. It is advised to rest on your left side.

Advantages:

  • Help to reduce snoring
  • Another preferred position for pregnant women
  • Reduces acid reflux

It can also have similar drawbacks like other positions. A firm pillow would be helpful in this case. It is advised to change the position during the night if you sleep in this position. It is advised to put a pillow between your stomach and the mattress.

So, it is up to you to decide what your best sleeping position is. It is true that all sleeping positions can be improved with adjustments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAFK5LalN_c&t=135s

N.B.- Please refer to the featured image for the respective positions.

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