Getting a great night’s sleep is never guaranteed. For some people, no matter how much they try, they can’t get a full night of uninterrupted, blissful, deep sleep.
Studies have shown, however, that with some commitment to adjusting your sleeping patterns and positions, anyone can get a better night’s sleep, and even regularly get a full rest. Sleeping and resting are important parts of our natural cycle, and as necessary as food and water to maintain a healthy mind and body.
Finding the right sleeping position for you and your body is often the most crucial step you can take towards getting a good night’s sleep. It can also help prevent aches and pains in your waking hours, as sleeping in an uncomfortable or contorted position can lead to lower back pain, neck pain and even digestive problems in the day. Below we have compiled the five best sleeping positions for your health, so you can try a few for yourself and hopefully get a full night of rest.
Sleeping on Your Back
Sleeping while flat on your back and help your spine, neck, and head can help relieve tension and pressure that builds up during the day. Having your spine in a straight and neutral position helps correct alignment and reduces curves and hunches in your posture. Sleeping on your back isn’t recommended for people with sleep apnea, but is great for sufferers of acid reflux as long as the head is elevated above the stomach. Sleeping on your back is also said to reduce wrinkles in the skin.
Sleeping on Your Side
Most people sleep on one of their sides. This is well known to prevent snoring and reduce spinal curve. Generally speaking, as long as your legs and torso are straight, this is a great position to sleep in, and can also be effective for acid reflux sufferers. Having a supportive and comfortable mattress is an important part of a good night’s sleep too, and a memory foam mattress is a great way to give yourself support and comfort while you sleep.
Sleeping in the Fetal Position
If you prefer curling up to go to sleep, then this will be your preferred sleeping position, but do try and keep your body straight. Sleeping in this position is good for your circulation, and is an excellent position for sleeping when pregnant.
Sleeping in the Starfish Position
The Starfish position is a very healthy position to sleep in. Lying on your back is a good way to sleep anyway, and having your arms and legs extended is good for circulation and posture. You can make the most of this sleeping position by varying your arm posture and sleeping with them in different positions to avoid hurting your shoulders or straining your back while you sleep.
Sleeping on Your Stomach
Sleeping face down is not a preferable position, but it can ease chronic snoring and the symptoms of sleep apnea. If you sleep on your stomach you run the risk of knocking your spine out of correct alignment and lead to lower back pain from sleeping. If you find yourself sleeping in this position and want to change it, try using pillows to keep you propped on your side at night.
No matter what the health benefits may be of one position over another, most people will go to sleep in whichever position they like best. It is worth experimenting with different sleeping positions to find one that suits your body best and reduces any aches and pains you experience throughout the day. With the right sleeping position, you could change your life by getting more restful, deeper sleep for longer.