Learn how your sleeping position can affect your sleep

After a busy day, a good night’s sleep is what you need. Unfortunately, there are many people who are deprived of this. There can be countless reasons behind this, but there is one in particular that many tend to overlook, and that is the ‘sleeping position’. Wrong sleeping positions can lead to many health problems such as sleep apnea, heartburn, headaches, backaches, etc.

How to find out the correct sleeping position?

Some people are comfortable sleeping on their backs, while others are fine sleeping on their sides or stomachs. The question is, can you change to a different position if that is what your health requires?

• Unless your doctor recommends it, try to stick to your natural inclinations because your body is comfortable that way. You can breathe properly only if you are sleeping the way your body prefers!
• Unnecessary changes in sleeping positions will not only deprive you of sleep, but also make you feel cranky for the rest of the day.

Pros and cons of different sleeping positions

On your back and your arms by your side

• This position works absolutely well for people with back and neck problems.
• People who sleep on their backs tend to snore a lot and tend to develop sleep apnea.

On your back and arms resting near your head (starfish position)

• This position is good for people who suffer from back problems.
• Sleeping like this will prevent skin breakouts and facial wrinkles.
• Although, you may have to deal with issues like snoring, acid reflux, shoulder pain and discomfort.

Face down (face down)

• This improves digestion.
• But it causes neck strain.
• Possibility of back pain, since your spine is not supported.

Fetal Position (Cuddled up sleeping with knees drawn up to chest)

• It is a very comfortable position.
• But strain your neck and back.
• It can also restrict deep breathing.

On your side with your arms straight at your sides

• This position reduces the risk of sleep apnea.
• It also reduces neck and back pain, if any.
• But you may have to deal with sagging breasts and facial wrinkles due to gravity.

Sideways with arms outstretched

• Again, there is no risk of sleep apnea or back and neck pain.
• There may be some discomfort in the arms and shoulders due to slow blood flow.
• sleeping on the sides

Right side- This position worsens heartburn.

Left side- This position puts pressure on important organs such as the stomach, lungs, and liver. But, it minimizes acid reflux.

Pregnant women are usually advised to sleep on their left side as it improves blood circulation in the fetus.

Important tip: Being health conscious is great, but you should never attempt to make drastic changes to your lifestyle without expert advice. Each sleep pattern has its own pros and cons, but which one is perfect is something only your body can tell!