There are many factors that can have an impact on the quality of your sleep. Among others, one of the most significant would be your sleeping position. Generally speaking, there are three sleeping positions: back, side, and stomach. Each of these positions have their respective pros and cons. It is impossible to tell which one is best.
At the end of the day, it will all depend on the individual. Also regardless of your sleeping position, it is important to use the right pillow and mattress, which will be highly influential for your comfort.
Keep on reading and we will provide you with a quick look at the different types of sleeping positions, as well as their pros and cons.
Among the three sleeping positions, this is considered by many to be the best because of promoting the ideal alignment of the body, and hence, lessening the likelihood that you will be suffering from pain upon waking up.
Advantages: There are a lot of reasons why this is the preferred sleeping position. One of these reasons would its ability to promote the relaxation and alignment of the spine when you are sleeping. It is also a good thing that it does not only balance the body, but it also keeps your internal organs aligned. The neck is also in its natural position, which means that it is not going to feel any pressure while you sleep. A lot of people also loved it because it can help fight wrinkles. This is basically because your face will not be pressed against the pillow. To make it even more beneficial, it is also recommended to have a pillow placed under the knee.
Disadvantages: In spite of the good things about sleeping on your back, there are also some drawbacks. This position can trigger snoring. If you sleep with a partner in bed, this might not be a good position as it can make snoring worse and it can also trigger sleep apnea. The snoring problem is basically because of the positioning of the tongue, which obstructs the windpipe. This is also not recommended for women who are pregnant as it can increase the pressure on the back.
1. Sleeping on your Side
This is the most common from the three sleeping positions. It can have variety, but the most popular is indeed the fetal position. Most people who sleep in this position are curled up on the side and they have their knees bent. It can be uncomfortable on one side as it is where the pressure is. To avoid discomfort, it is highly recommended that you use the right pillow and mattress.
Advantages: If you have sleep apnea and if you snore, this is the best sleeping position for you. One of its benefits is that it is able to keep your airways open. More so, as long as you sleep on your left side, several studies in the past have proven that it can be effective in the alleviation of heartburn. For pregnant women, sleeping on the left side is also advised by doctors because of the assertion that it can help in the improvement of blood circulation.
Disadvantages: One of the biggest problems with this sleeping position is that it has the ability to put a strain on the organs that are found on a specific side, such as your lungs and stomach. To be able to prevent organ strain, however, it is highly recommended that you alternate sides. When you wake up in the morning, there is also a possibility that your arm and hand will be numb, specifically from the side where you slept.
2. Sleeping on your Stomach
From the three sleeping positions that are discussed, this is the least preferred and it is not recommended. Even if you use the right pillow and the right mattress, the discomfort that can be yielded from this sleeping position will not diminish.
Advantages: Sleeping on your stomach is believed to be helpful in the reduction of snoring and sleep apnea. Other than these, however, there is nothing to gain from this sleeping position. As much as possible, avoid it at all costs if you want to have an improved quality of sleep. Its only benefit can be enjoyed with side sleeping, so it is better to sleep on your side than sleep on your stomach if your only concern is snoring.
Disadvantages: One of the reasons why this can be uncomfortable is because it stretches out the spine, which will surely cause discomfort when you wake up. The natural curve of the spine will be flattened. It also positions your head on a single side, increasing the likelihood of having stiff neck. Even with the use of the right pillow, these problems can still be apparent.
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