How Your Sleeping Position Affects Your Health and Well-being
You switch off the lights and prepare yourself for sleep. Are you lying on your back? Or are you on your side? Or are you on your tummy? However, there is no scientific evidence that proves that your sleep position is related to issues such as back pain, snoring, personality, and frequency of waking up at night. Some interesting observations have been made.
On Your Tummy
Do you like sleeping on your belly? If you do experience problems while sleeping? The cause of this might be due to your sleeping position. Sometimes when you lie on your tummy, it is more likely for you to move and twist in an attempt to make it more comfortable. It can make tension in the neck and therefore influence the lower back area. Therefore if it’s how one likes to sleep, they should look forward to using a very soft pillow or none at all so as to ensure that their neck is well aligned.
Belly Position (Freefall)
Approximately 7% of the population sleeps in this position. This is when one lies on their stomach with hands wrapped around a pillow while turning head aside-ways. Likewise, some studies have suggested that if this were among one’s favorite sleep positions they may be more outgoing.
Sleeping on Your Back
Some people can develop lower back pain from this position. And if you already have that, it can make it worse. It also makes those bigger problems if you snore or have sleep apnea. If you have one of these issues and cannot find a way to get comfortable, discuss it with your doctor.
Soldier Back Position
This position is preferred by 8% of the population. You sleep with your arms down and close to the trunk of your body. It is claimed that you might be shy and always avoid speaking to others or being around them.
Back Position
This rare position involves lying on your back with your arms up by your head. Only about 5% of people use this position. If you sleep this way, you might be a good listener and avoid being the center of attention.
Side Sleeping
There are a variety of ways to sleep on your side, but the most common and comfortable method is the fetal position, where you bend your knees slightly toward your chest. This position can alleviate back pain, improve spinal alignment, and is often recommended for pregnant women to support optimal fetal development.
Side Position (Fetal)
It is the preferred choice for over 40% of people. It is a side sleeping posture where you curl up with your knees slightly bent towards your chest. This position is more common among women, who are twice as likely as men to sleep in the curled-up position. Research shows that if you sleep in this position, you might be friendly and sensitive, but you also may have a protective shell.
Side Position: (LOG)
This is when you rest sideways with both hands straight. Approximately 15% of people sleep like a log. Research suggests that people with this sleeping position may be sociable, friendly, and credulous.
Side Position (Yearner)
About 13% of people sleep in this side position with their arms out in front of their bodies. Studies say that if you sleep this way, you are open-minded but doubtful and resolute once a decision has been made.
Side Position (Spooning)
Sleeping closer to your partner would make you wake up more frequently though cuddling could benefit you. It stimulates your body to release oxytocin which is called a bonding hormone that can help reduce stress, bond partners and help them sleep faster.
When you Snore
Side sleeping is best for noise control at night. For those who love lying supine, they may want to use several pillows for support. In case your snoring results in gasping or tiredness during the day, or it awakens (or disturbs) you or your spouse seek medical advice. This is usually severe snoring and might indicate sleep apnea-a condition where breathing stops and starts while a person sleeps leading to stroke, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
If you have Back Pain
Again, side sleeping wins this category too. If need be, place a pillow between your legs to relieve some more pressure from your hips and back.
When you are Pregnant
Most times, sleeping on the side is more comfortable and healthier for both you and your baby. And probably the left side is better, as it may give a greater amount of blood and nutrients to the baby. If you have back pain, use a pillow under your belly as it will support your weight. In addition, you can try bending the knees with a pillow placed in between them.
How about your Mattress
A mattress that suits your sleep style and body type can help in many situations. It should be hard enough to support the back and sleep position yet not too rigid so as to fit appropriately with the body frame. This is not always easy to figure out. Some providers like Wowbeds let you try Mattresses in a Box for a few weeks then exchange it if it does not work for you. Always choose a mattress that suits your sleeping positions and other requirements.
Conclusion
Your sleeping position can impact your health and well-being in various ways, from affecting back pain to influencing personality traits. Choosing the right mattress for your sleep style, like those offered by Wowbeds, can improve comfort and support, helping you sleep better and wake up refreshed.
