REM Sleep Labs Blog
Date posted: january 18, 2012 09:58pm
Best Sleep Position for Quality Sleep
We all have experienced it, the dreadful body pain and unexplainable annoyance that comes with sleeping on the wrong side. Experts say that improper sleep posture can affect the level of rest you get at night, which can pose potential health risks such as headaches, sleep apnea, heartburn, and back pain. There are 3 main types of sleep posture: the back position, side position and stomach position. Each position has its own unique quirks and a trained expert at an Orange County sleep center can help you find your optimal sleep position.
Expert’s Pick - The Back Position
Sleep experts all tend to agree, sleeping on your back is considered the healthiest sleep position because it aligns your body and spine into a neutral position. This position is known to prevent back and neck pain, minimize acid reflux and keep pressure off the internal organs. It can also reduce wrinkles on your face by keeping your head in an upright position. One disadvantage of sleeping on your back is that it is frequently associated with snoring and periods of breathlessness. An article in CHEST Journal revealed that patients who slept on their back experienced twice as many apneas, pauses in breathing, versus patients sleeping on their side.
America’s Favorite - The Side Position
According to a recent poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, around 60 percent of Americans are side sleepers, with 14% sleeping on their back and 16% on their stomach. This widely popular position prevents back pain, reduces acid reflux and curbs snoring by keeping airways open. However, curling up into the fetal position throughout the night can cause arthritic back or joint pain by over-stretching ligaments. Additionally, sleeping on the side can also create premature facial wrinkles and sagging of breasts.
Worst Sleep Position – The Stomach Position
Sleeping on your stomach puts excessive pressure on joints, muscles and internal organs, often leading to discomfort in the morning. This position is frequently accompanied with neck and back pain that could last for days. Even with all its disadvantages, this position is helpful for those with excessive snoring, mainly because it opens up the upper airways. If you must sleep in this position, try placing a pillow below the hip to alleviate pressure on the internal organs.
Sleep specialists at Orange County sleep centers can help you determine the best sleep posture for your body and maximize the efficacy of your rest.
Finding Your Ideal Sleep Position
According to the National Sleep Foundation, about 30-40% of adults in America experienced difficulty sleeping within a given month. Finding your ideal sleep position can be essential to a good night’s rest, especially if you have an underlying sleep disorder. Undiagnosed sleep disorders can lead to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes and other chronic diseases. Every person is unique and has specific needs and capabilities, making it important to determine the sleep posture that is most effective for you. If a better pillow or different position is not satisfying your need for quality sleep, contact an Orange County sleep center and have an experienced staff member guide you to getting the rest you deserve.
