Sleep plays an incredibly important role in good health and well-being throughout your life. Getting enough quality sleep can help protect both your mental and physical health, keep you safe as your go about your day, as well as enhance your general quality of life.
The way you feel while you’re awake depends in part on what happens while you’re asleep. How you sleep at night can have a large effect on how you function during the day. It is because of this that it is often asked which sleeping position is best to ensure quality sleep.
- BACK SLEEPING – Sleeping on your back is an ideal way to sleep because it allows for your internal organs to expand and relax. Sleeping on you back is not the most common; however, it is the healthiest sleep position. This position allows your spine to relax in its most natural alignment. Some find that lying flat on their back puts pressure on their hips. If this is the case, a simple solution is to place a pillow beneath your legs, leaving them slightly bent.
- SIDE SLEEPING – The most common sleeping position is on your side and this is generally quite comfortable for most people. The main issue is figuring out what to do with that bottom arm! It is important not to place it overhead as this can really crunch up the neck area. Another problem that can arise is twisting of the pelvis by having one leg flexed up too high toward the chest. An option can be to place a pillow between your legs to relieve pressure on your knees and keep your hips from rotating.
- STOMACH SLEEPING – It is generally accepted that sleeping on your stomach is the least healthy way to sleep. When you sleep in this position you head is turned and neck is twisted which is not good for your spine. Sleeping on your stomach flattens out your natural curves and may also leave your lower back achy in the morning. In addition, your organs may receive additional pressure and it can also limit your air intake.
No matter what position it is that you find most comfortable, the way your head is positioned can make a big difference in the quality of sleep you receive at night. Having your neck stretched or compacted can affect your breathing and cause neck problems. Be sure that your neck is supported in a straight, forward-looking position. This is almost impossible while sleeping on your stomach! In spite of the above problems, many find comfort in sleeping on their stomach. If you find that you cannot sleep on your back or side try turning your pillow length-wise and lying against it. This can help transition you from sleeping fully on your front, to a more side-lying position.
