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Chapter 1: What is the best sleeping position for overall health?
What's the best sleeping position? Thanks for asking. Side stomach or back, what kind of sleeper are you? Some people say that our sleeping position reflects what kind of person we are. While we can't really comment on how much truth there is to that, we can say for sure that it has an impact on sleep quality and consequently our mood in the morning.
Let's take a few minutes to talk about our personal favourites.
Chapter 2: How does sleeping on your back affect sleep quality?
Well, I usually sleep on my back with my arms over my head. Is that good or bad?
It's often said that sleeping on your back is the ideal position. And that is indeed the case, as long as your mattress isn't too soft. If it is too soft, you may want to consider adding a small pillow beneath your knees, which limits strain on the spine. It's also the best position if you suffer from lower back pain, in which case you can try using a pillow under your lower back.
But sleeping with your arms above your head isn't really ideal. You risk developing an excessive back curve, also known as lumbular lordosis.
Okay, I see. That's something to keep an eye on then. What about you?
On my side actually, and most often on the left side if you really want to know, I tend to get cold pretty easily, so I often bring my knees up close to my chest. This fetal position is a variation of side sleeping, which is the most common position according to a study published in the Nature and Science of Sleep Journal in 2017.
It has several benefits, like promoting healthy spinal alignment and reducing the risk of back pain. In the worst case scenario you might experience some shoulder pain if you always sleep on the same side. That's because the shoulder takes on more pressure than usual. Regularly alternating would be one way of avoiding that and really optimising your sleep, if you can manage it.
It will let you relieve muscles and joints on each side in turn. What about stomach sleeping? It's really not the best position. If it's your favourite and not causing you any pain, there's no need to force yourself into changing. But given that you have to turn your head to the side, you inevitably twist your neck and head out of alignment with the spine.
It also provides the least back support of any position. Sleepfoundation.org recommends stomach sleepers use a thin pillow. So you may want to try that, or even go without. That's so your neck doesn't tilt further back and out of alignment. Instead you could put a pillow under your hips to relieve pressure. What about the snorers out there?
Sleeping on your back leaves you susceptible to airway collapse. Air can't flow freely, which causes the upper airway tissue to vibrate, leading to snoring sounds. Snorers or people with sleep apnea may find sleeping on their side is the best option. Let's finish off with a few other pointers. Studies seem to show that sleeping on your left hand side is best if you're prone to acid reflux.
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