At least once a month, I wake up in terrible pain because I slept on my stomach. But I’m not by myself. Researchers have found that the way we sleep has a big effect on our health, mood, and general well-being. Sleeping on your side is the best way to rest.
Dr. Robert Hayden, a chiropractor in Georgia, says that this position keeps your spine straight and stops joints and connective tissue from being stressed. Also, sleeping on your side keeps your lungs open, which lowers your risk of snoring and sleep apnea. When a woman is pregnant, sleeping on her left side helps the baby and mother get more air.
Experts say that you should put a body pillow under your chest and another one between your knees to stay in this position. To keep your neck and back from getting sore, make sure your head stays level with the mattress.
What if you don’t naturally sleep on your side? Do not worry. You can get used to it with time and practice. First, take a look at your mattress. For the best support, choose one that is firm. If you sleep curled up or with your weight on your arms, it can hurt your circulation.
Sleeping in the wrong position can have long-lasting effects on your mental, social, and cardiovascular health. “Certain hormones regulate tissue repair and healing, secreted during stage IV of the sleep cycle,” Dr. Hayden points out. Getting out of this loop can cause you to gain weight, get sick, and have heart problems.
Take care of your stress before bed to get a good night’s sleep. Reading, taking warm baths, or meditating are all good ways to relax. Try different pillow positions to help your spine’s natural curve.
Comfort is very important when you sleep on your side. With the right support, other positions, like sleeping on your back, can also be good for you. To straighten your back, put pillows under your knees and head.
Should you make these easy changes, you should be able to wake up without pain and feeling refreshed. If the pain doesn’t go away, see your doctor to get to the bottom of it.