Everyone sleeps in different positions, but did you know the way you lay in bed could have an impact on your health? Sleeping in certain positions can cause issues such as neck and back discomfort, tummy issues, wrinkles and aches and pains.
In a survey by the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service, the positions we sleep in can have an impact on our health, and they can also be linked to different personality types.
The chances are you probably change positions several times in the night, as even the soundest of sleepers can move two to four times an hour according to Eric Olson, MD of the Mayo Clinic. The best position to sleep in is the one you find most comfortable. But it can’t hurt trying out different positions and paying attention to have they impact your sleep.
- Back is best
According to experts, the best position to sleep in is on your back. Why? Because it keeps your spine, neck and head aligned, which helps prevent back and neck pain, reduces acid reflux and prevents wrinkles because your head isn’t face down in a pillow.
Interestingly, although highly recommended, it’s not the top sleeping position. Only 8% of people snooze on their backs. One issue with this position though is it isn’t good if you snore, as it can make it worse.
- Side’s alright
Next best is on your side. Perhaps it’s because it elongates your spine, it reduces snoring and is quite comforting. This is perhaps the most popular sleeping position. Did you know that which side you sleep on can impact your health? Pregnant women should sleep on their left to enable blood flow.
- Foetal position is not the best
Another popular sleeping position is the foetal position. Whilst it’s fine to sleep on your side, curling your knees up tightly can cause joint or back pain and it restricts diaphragmatic breathing. If you must sleep in the foetal position, don’t curl your knees up so far.
- Stomach sleeping isn’t ideal
And finally, last prize goes to those who sleep on their stomachs. It’s simply an unnatural position, causes strain on your lower back, and doesn’t support the curve of your spine. Your neck is in an awkward position and it also puts pressure on your joints, muscles and tummy. It can also cause back and neck discomfort. Plus, those that sleep on their stomach tend to be more restless.
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