Sleep is a vital part of our life and up to 40% of Americans do not get enough sleep. We have the time for sleep and our body depends on it, yet sometimes we still are not able to enjoy it. This can have a lot to do with the positions in which we sleep.
Our sleep position has real consequences for our overall functioning and health. Here are the top 4 sleeping positions and how each is uniquely helpful:
Related Blog: Best Sleeping Positions for Restful Sleep
1. Stomach Sleeping
Lying on your stomach with your hands wrapped around your pillow and your head turned to one side, is a very comfortable position. Sleeping on your stomach like this is good for overall digestion and also helps lessen your snoring.
2. Side Sleeping
There are 2 different ways to sleep on your side; either in fetal position or with your legs extended straight out. Fetal position, while one of the more common choices, has actually been proven to be unwise as it can negatively impact your back and neck. Lying on your side with your legs straight out and arms down by your side is great for keeping your spine in its natural curve, easing those who have back pain. This position's assistance with circulation has made it the #1 choice for pregnant mothers.
3. Back Sleeping
Lying flat on your back, arms down and with few pillows is good for your spine and neck. It minimizes acid reflux and has even been said to decrease wrinkles.
4. Pillow-Supplemented Sleeping
This position applies to all of the above 3 positions by just adding a single pillow to an appropriate place that best supports your body position. The supplementation of a pillow has been tried and tested to provide a better night's rest with less pain. Back sleepers should place the pillow under the arch of their spine, side sleepers, between their knees, and stomach sleepers, under their hips.
Lack of sleep leads to exhaustion. It has also been linked to cases of depression, weight gain, and high blood pressure. After taking the top 4 sleep positions into consideration, find what works best for you and enjoy many nights of peaceful, blissful and restful sleep.