What Is The Best Side To Sleep On?
Whether your favorite sleeping position is on your right side, left side, stomach, or back, the truth is that the way you sleep does have an impact on the quality of your sleep, as well as other challenges such as snoring, stomach pain, and even heartburn.
So today, we will be going over the 3 common sleep positions in order to determine which is best. We will look at both the benefits and disadvantages of each position and how you can change the way you sleep for a better night’s rest.
Sleeping On Your Right Side
Sleeping on your right side is not the worst for you, but it also isn’t the best sleep position. It can often cause acid reflux and in most cases, heartburn. This is because there is a lack of drainage of toxins that travel from your lymph nodes. There is also less blood circulation caused by the way our organs are located internally.
However, if you are a side sleeper and prefer right over left, then it is not the end of the world. The best way to avoid symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn is simply switching sides periodically throughout the nighttime. This is obviously difficult to do while being asleep, so to do this, you will have to try reminding yourself simply to turn over whenever you wake up at any point during the nighttime.
Sleeping On Your Stomach
There aren’t many advantages to sleeping on your stomach. The only one that you will ever hear about is that it reduces snoring, and that’s about it!
Unfortunately for you stomach sleepers, this is the worst sleep position to be in, especially if you suffer from back pain or have back problems. Sleeping on your stomach flattens the natural curve of your spine, which is a common cause of lower back pain and/or neck pain due to the amount of resistance and pressure applied to the spine.
If you prefer to sleep on your stomach, then you can tuck a firm pillow under the lower abdomen and hip region. This will help to support your spine by lifting it slightly, resulting in a better night’s rest while preventing back pain.
Sleeping On Your Back
Sleeping on your back is the best for neck, spine, and correcting posture because it keeps your spine in a neutral position and helps it remain straight throughout the night. However, these benefits only apply if you sleep on a good mattress that offers adequate back support.
Another commonly known belief is that if you sleep on your back, you can experience facial cosmetic benefits. Because your face is in the air and is not touching your pillow, this can lead to fewer wrinkles and fewer facial imperfections including acne, and irritation caused by dust, oil, and bacteria.
The downsides of sleeping on your back are no secret. Snoring is the biggest concern when sleeping in this sleeping position because it causes your tongue to collapse back into the airway, therefore obstructing your ability to breathe. This can not only be a problem for those who want to avoid snoring, but it can also prevent proper oxygen flow which affects your muscles, brain, and heart rate.
Sleeping On Your Left Side
According to research, sleeping on your left side provides the most health benefits. The way our organs are placed makes us asymmetrical internally, therefore influencing multiple factors, including digestion and overall health aspirations.
When sleeping on your left side, you simply allow gravity to do all the work internally. Waste deposits can easily pass through the ascending colon and into the transverse colon which then exits the descending colon pathway. This can help you go to the bathroom easier in the morning, prevent constipation, acid reflux, and heartburn.
In addition, side sleeping on the left can help boost brain health. This is because sleeping helps your body remove what's called interstitial waste from the brain, a type of fluid that is linked to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
If you already sleep on your left side, then you don’t have to change a thing! However, if you sleep on the right side, then it is best to try to change sides as much as possible until you form a better habit of sleeping on the left.
How to Switch Sleep Positions
You may need to change up your favorite sleep position if it starts causing you health problems. For example, a back sleeper with sleep apnea may want to train themselves to sleep on their side. It can be difficult at first, but the benefits are well worth any discomfort that comes along with changing your habits in order for a better night’s rest and improved health!
Some people who transition from their old sleeping position may find it difficult at first and might struggle with waking up feeling stiff or sore. If that sounds like you then we have just what you need! Sleep hugging one of our quality pillows can give an excellent feel for support just like when using a mattress-top sleeper pillowcase provide ample pressure relief without having to buy any new furniture yet.
Choose The Right Mattress
People often have differing opinions on what sleeping position they prefer. Some say that it is best to sleep with your back, while others are adamant about the value of a side sleeper mattress. There are many things to consider when looking for the right bedding style; people should take into account their own preferred way of resting and what kind of support they need from their mattresses before making any purchase decision.
The best mattress for back sleepers is a medium-firm to firm feel. Some people find that the perfect combination of support and comfort comes in with an extra lumbar layer on top, which can be found even in more affordable models. The key here is keeping your spine neutral as you snooze - this will keep neck pain at bay too! Stomach sleeping requires a very supportive yet comfortable surface where they don't sink into their pillow while still feeling like it's cradling them from head to toe; look for thin layers so sinking happens less often.
The best way to get some shuteye without waking up tired or experiencing any discomfort? Keep these tips close by when selecting the right mattress.
Choosing The Right Pillow
The pillows we sleep on have a significant effect on how our neck and shoulder muscles feel in the morning. If you are someone who sleeps mostly on their back, then your pillow should be between 2 to 4 inches thick. However, if you're more of a side sleeper or stomach sleeper, it's better to go with thicker pillows - around 6+inches! This is because when sleeping horizontally, there is an increased distance from the mattress which requires extra support for your head & neck.
If you sleep on your side, try hugging a second pillow for more arm support. If you're back-sleeping, look for pillows with adjustable fills that will mold to the neck and cradle your head. Stomach sleeper? A flat cushion under 3 inches thick is perfect; just make sure there's one underneath so stomach sinkage doesn't occur!
For tips on how to choose the right pillow, you can check out this article.
The Bottom Line
After exploring all four sleeping positions, it is clear that sleeping on your left side is the best option. It not only helps with digestion and heartburn, but can even help prevent various neurological diseases in the long term.
If you presently have a habit of sleeping on your right side, stomach, or back, then give sleeping on your left a go and see what kind of results you obtain!
