You probably know this already, but the thing about growing up is that eventually, something as common as sleeping in the wrong position can really mess you up. Problems like back pain and other issues arise if you don’t sleep on the right kind of pillow and use the right kind of mattress, and you wonder how your ancestors ever slept in caves.
Regardless, something has to be done about your own quality of sleep, and maybe adjusting your sleeping position might be the way to go. We know you’re likely to change position and move around a lot during the night, but if you stick to the right positions through most of the night, you’ll minimize your risk of developing back pains and joint aches.
If you want to know more about the most common sleeping positions and what’s best for you, keep reading!
1. Sleeping on Your Stomach
This is hardly the healthiest position out there for most folks, but people who struggle with sleep apnea and snoring can benefit greatly. If you have the right mattress, sleeping on your stomach can be a blessing in disguise. Shape has a great section on their site about the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, and you can even find out more about what things you need to consider when you get yourself a mattress for stomach sleeping.
Be warned, you’ll need something that offers a lot of support and keeps your mid section from sinking into the bed. This way your spine will stay properly aligned and your sleep position won’t cause you any unpleasant aches during the day.
2. Fetal Position
Sleeping in the fetal position feels great when you’re pregnant, and it’s great even for lower back pain. Even though we don’t fully know why, it can help reduce snoring in some people. Be careful though. What seems like a comforting position to sleep in can quickly turn sour.
If you have any issues with joint pain, sleeping tightly curled up can leave you sore in the morning, not to mention how it’s not the best for people with breathing issues either – you’ll have a hard time taking deep breaths.
3. Sleeping on Your Side
Sleeping on your left side can help you with joint pain, improve digestion, and reduce heartburn. Sleeping on the right side may not be as great, and side sleepers have been observed to develop stiffness in their shoulders and even their jaw over time – especially on the side they sleep on.
This is why it’s absolutely essential that side-sleepers choose the right kind of mattress. One that’s soft enough to not make them uncomfortable, but also firm enough to provide support and make sure their shoulders and side isn’t taking too much pressure.
1. Sleeping on Your Back
Turns out the best sleep position for your spine is sleeping on your back. This way you have gravity helping you keep your spine straight, and it helps even more if you put a pillow under your knees. In fact, that helps keep the natural curvature of your spine intact at night.
Scientists have claimed that it keeps the skin safe from any wrinkles caused by your pillow or gravity itself, and it’s the ideal sleeping position for anyone who already has some back and spine issues.
2. Sleeping With a Pillow Between Your Knees
If you’re a side sleeper and it hasn’t been kind to your back and shoulders, it might be hard to quit the habit. In case you have trouble falling asleep any other way, try sleeping on your side like you’re used to, only with a pillow between your knees this time. If there’s a gap between your hips and the mattress, put a pillow there too.
It’ll help so much with your spine alignment and your sleep quality, you’ll love it when you wake up feeling refreshed in the morning.
Read More: Benefits of Sleeping on Buckwheat Pillows
