Are you a side sleeper? Each sleeping position matters. Find out the effects of sleeping on your side and how it affects your health.
Every person has a preferred sleeping position. Some love to sleep on their back, while others sleep more comfortably on their stomach. On the other hand, most individuals are combination sleepers. They can fell asleep in two or more different positions. However, did you know that every sleeping position has its downsides? It can affect the quality of your sleep and cause more harm to health than good. You can learn from this source all the perks and drawbacks of each sleeping position.
Do you sleep on your side? Side sleeping is probably the most common sleeping position. More people sleep on this position rather than those who lay on their back or stomach. But while sleeping on the side is the coziest position, there is some hitch to it.
Benefits of Being a Side Sleeper
Side sleeping is not all that bad. Medical professionals even recommend such a sleeping position for people who suffer from chronic back pain, heartburn, and acid reflux. Pregnant women are also advised to sleep in such a position since it is more comfortable and prevents adding pressure on joints and muscles.
Another advantage of sleeping on the side is it keeps the spine aligned. It does not distress the spinal alignment, unlike when sleeping on the stomach. Since the esophagus is slightly elevated, it prevents a person from snoring when asleep. Likewise, the lungs and airways are left open, making it easier to breathe. Also, there is less pressure on the heart, especially when sleeping on the right side, thereby allowing good blood circulation.
Drawbacks of Being a Side Sleeper
Remember, when you sleep on one side for an extended period, it puts pressure on one part of your body. It causes discomfort on the hips, shoulders, and neck. As you woke up, you will feel numbness and a bit of soreness on one side of your body.
Sleeping on one side also cuts off blood circulation in the arm under your body. It pressure coming from your weight causes pain and discomfort.
Take note that there are different types of side sleepers. These are log, yearner, and fetal. Among these three, fetal is the most common side sleeping position and the worst one.
In a fetal position, your body is curled up too tight. It restricts the diaphragm making it harder for you to breathe. Additionally, people with arthritis, back pain, and joint pain suffer more from this sleeping position. Curling up applies pressure on the joints and muscles. It also causes the spinal column to bend in an awkward position, causing discomfort and pain when sustained for a long period.
Although sleeping on the side is good during pregnancy, sleeping on the left side is not. It presses the uterus against the liver that facilitates blood circulation of the fetus.
How to Prevent the Side Effects of Side Sleeping
It is very hard to change a sleeping position fast. Thus, the only solution to prevent its effects is to reduce the impact of the sleeping position.
Choose a good mattress for sleeping on your side. The mattress has to be comfortable and soft enough to conform to your body’s position. Do not choose a firm mattress, for it will only add more pressure on your side, cut off blood circulation and pain.
The best mattress for side sleepers is gel-memory foam and latex. Also, consider options designed to cater to the needs of side sleepers. For example, view the website here, which will lead you to the leading mattresses for this sleeping position.
Finally, remember to stretch your body after waking up to ease your muscles and reduce soreness.