Doctors claim that it is your favorite sleeping position that can cause health problems. Meanwhile, you don’t have to change your habits to stay healthy, just make a few corrections.
We gathered expert recommendations on how to sleep in our favorite positions and stay safe and sound.
Best Position To Sleep
1. If You Sleep On Your Side
Scientists have found that cerebrospinal fluid gets rid of toxins better if we sleep on our sides. It Reduces headaches and the risk of getting Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Also, sleeping on the left side eases heartburn, but increases pressure on the liver.
In case of digestive problems, doctors recommend sleeping on the left side. It helps improve blood flow, relieving the esophagus and stomach.
To keep your back straight when sleeping on your side, place a small, hard pillow between your legs – this will reduce pressure on the joints. Put a large, soft pillow under your head.
In case of high blood pressure and problems with blood circulation, it is recommended to sleep on the right side: it will reduce the pressure on the heart.
2. If You Sleep On Your Back
Sleeping on your back is the best position if you have problems with your spine and joints. This position also prevents heartburn and wrinkles. But it is one of the worst positions if you have nose problems, high blood pressure, or snoring.
To get rid of snoring, use a “plump” pillow (or a small pillow under the neck) so that the upper air passages are in the correct position.
In case of a runny nose, use two pillows to lift your head. This will prevent mucus from staying in your sinuses (the angle should not be too large to avoid damaging your neck).
For back and joint pain, place a small pillow under your neck, a large but flat pillow under your knees, and a twisted towel under your lower back. It will support the spinal column and ensure normal blood flow.
3. If You Sleep On Your Stomach
Japanese researchers found that sleeping on your stomach helps reduce blood pressure, improve digestion, and eliminate snoring and heartburn.
To protect your spine from excessive flexing and reduce pressure in the lower back, place a small pillow under the stomach and pelvic area. A pillow under your head should be flat or you can remove it so that your neck doesn’t suffer.
4. The Fetal Position
The position in which the knees rise to the chin can be comfortable, but it affects the health of the back. This curved position that limits diaphragmatic breathing will prevent you from snoring, but if you have respiratory problems, such as asthma, it is recommended to avoid this position to sleep completely.
To straighten your back, check that your legs and arms are in the correct position and that your chest is “free”. Put one large, soft pillow between your legs and one between your elbows. Doctors think that the perfect pillow to put under the head is a small but puffy pillow to support the neck.
And what is your favorite sleeping position? Do you already use any of these tips?
