Over the years, we build on different sleeping postures that we deem comfortable to ourselves. Do you prefer to sleep on your back, side or stomach? Getting your sleeping posture right may help to improve your sleeps and reduce the chances of getting muscle tightness or soreness around your shoulders, neck or back.
Stomach position
If your partner or family members frequently complain about your snoring habits, this position is your solution. While sleeping face-down helps to clear any obstructions to your airway and prevent yourself from snoring, it may result in other medical conditions.
In this position, you may suffer from neck or back pain as they are not in a neutral position. As such, it is recommended to simply embrace your snores by sleeping in the usual positions that you’re comfortable with.
Back position
As sleeping on your back can sometimes cause backaches, it is not recommended especially if you have any existing back injuries or pain. On top of that, ladies who are expecting should also avoid sleeping on their backs for a healthier and safer pregnancy term.
That said, there are some benefits to sleeping on your back too. As the position allows gravity to keep your body in a neutral position, it greatly reduces unnecessary pressure on your back or joints. Furthermore, elevating your head with your pillow is considered the best position after heartburn caused by a meal too full.
Side position
Also known as lateral sleeping, this position is the most popular. In recent studies, scientists learned that sleeping on our sides can also be good for our brain as it’s able to more efficiently clear brain wastes which are usual culprits of Alzheimer’s, Parkinsons’ and other brain-related diseases.
Fetal position
While we may not remember much from when we were just babies, some of us may carry our sleeping habits into our adulthood. Although it’s also considered a side position, the fetal position has our legs bent and curled towards our bodies. Studies have also shown that women are more likely to sleep in this position than men.
A positive note for expecting ladies, the fetal position helps to improve blood circulation which is always a good thing for the mother and her fetus. If you experience soreness in your hips in this position, placing a pillow between your knees may help relieve the pressure.
