When you are getting yourself ready for a good night’s sleep, you probably settle into your favourite position without thinking much about it. But could one sleep position be better than another?
According to experts at hopkinsmedicine. org there are several positions that may be better than others for certain conditions. Consider these factors before you switch off the light:
Back and neck pain: When it comes to alleviating pain, sleeping on your back is good and bad. For people with neck pain, sleeping face up can sometimes make the pain worse. But many people find back sleep is helpful for alleviating low-back pain. If you have soreness in your spine, experiment with different positions and pillows to find what works for you.
Snoring and sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea causes the airways to collapse during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing. It often goes hand-in-hand with snoring. Positioning yourself on your side or stomach can help the airways stay open to reduce snoring and alleviate mild apnea.
Reflux and heartburn: If you suffer from heartburn, sleeping on your right side can make symptoms worse. That’s true for people who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and for people who have heartburn for other reasons, such as pregnant women. Flip to your left side to cool the burn.
Appearance: If you sleep on your side or stomach, you’ve probably noticed creases on your face when you wake up. Over time, that can lead to breakouts or cause chronic changes to the skin.
But sleep position isn’t the only thing to consider when going for a comfortable night’s sleep. Replace old mattresses and pillows and aim for something supportive. If you have neck or shoulder pain, a supportive pillow designed to cradle the neck could be helpful. A bolster or pillow supporting the legs could ease pain in the lower back.
Here are a few more tips:
Clean sheets: Wash sheets frequently and vacuum the mattress to rid it of dust and dander that can cause allergies and impair your sleep.
Location matters: Position your bed so you aren’t facing distractions such as a desk stacked with work or a blinking light.
