Sleep is one of the few natural phenomena that is hardwired into everyone. We are instinctively able to sleep, regardless of age. Everyone is born with the ability to sleep, as demonstrated by babies’ ability to sleep. As far as everyone is concerned, it is a natural process.
However natural sleeping is, it can end up being a not-so-easy endeavor. Various factors come into play, each determining the extent of benefits derived from sleeping. Too much sleep is associated with some conditions detrimental to health, such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, too little of it is known to cause some negative side effects as well, including dementia and diabetes.
Sleeping posture is the most important factor affecting the amount of sleep one gets. Sleeping position can cause wrinkles, heartburn, and snoring.
Read to find out how your sleeping position is affecting you.
Back Sleeping
The Benefits: Ask any physician which is the best sleeping posture, and they will intuitively tell you it is the savasana pose. The benefits that emanate from sleeping in this position are enormous. For starters, the whole back section, including the spine, is relaxed and well-supported. In this case, the mattress can perform its work comprehensively by supporting the spine. This means the back muscles and the spine are relaxed and get a good night’s rest.
Additionally, the neck is placed in a neutral posture, thus reducing unnecessary pressure.
Since your face is free of any compression against the pillow and mattress, you are free from any sleep-induced wrinkles. This is a huge plus for all those who aim to maintain a wrinkle-free face.
The Cons: as you would imagine, there are some definite cons to being a back sleeper. One of them is the increased susceptibility to snoring and sleep apnea. Sleeping on your back causes the lower end of your tongue to collapse while you sleep, obstructing the windpipe. Consequently, you end up snoring. There exists a high correlation between this sleeping position and snoring or apnea. One of their treatment is sleeping on your side!
Additionally, research into good night sleep has shown that people who nap in this position tend to suffer from a poor night’s rest. Information stemming from the research shows that people who have a restless night spend a good amount of time on their backs than in any other position.
Side Sleeping
The Benefits: This is the most popular sleeping posture. Most often, you will find yourself in a fetal pose while sleeping, but other times, you will be stretched out straight. Whichever of the two you opt for, you stand to ease the extent and the occurrence of any heartburn. Additionally, sleeping on your left side is advised if you are pregnant, which improves heart circulation. Back sleeping during pregnancy places undue pressure on the back, which can cause fainting episodes.
The Demerits: Sleeping on one side the whole night can cause organ strain, with the lungs and stomach being the most susceptible. Organ strain can be prevented by altering between the sides as you sleep (which is rather difficult once you completely doze off). One side sleeping can also cause pressure-induced numbness on the arms. Supporting your body weight with one arm only places a lot of pressure on the given armís muscles and nerves and restricts blood flow. Consequently, you may end up experiencing painful needle-sharp pains in your arm or an episode of ìrubber armî.
Stomach Sleeping
The Benefits: Sleeping on your stomach gives you very little to gain. This sleeping position is the most disadvantageous sleeping position. Nevertheless, you stand to reduce susceptibility to apnea and snoring.
The demerits: Sleeping on your stomach distorts the spine’s natural alignment, leading to lower back aches. The resulting head posture, which is placed at one side only, affects the neck. If you are an advent stomach sleeper, you can reduce the impact on your back by placing a pillow under your abdomen to raise your lower back.
Sleeping is a matter of comfort, and much should be done to ensure you are comfortable. Play around with the various sleeping postures until you find the perfect match.
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