In the past months, everyone has been anxious about the spread of the epidemic, which has affected the change of daily routine, thus changing our sleep habits as well.
The position of sleep has a significant impact on your overall health. The way you sleep can cause back and neck pain, shortness of breath, and abdominal problems. So let's take a look at each popular sleeping position, review the pros and cons of the sleeping positions and the best ones for your health.
Sleep on the back
Although it is not the most common position - as only 8% of people sleep on their backs - it is by far the healthiest option, one of its most prominent advantages is that it allows your head, neck and spine to rest in a neutral position, as there is no additional pressure on these areas. Thus, you are less likely to experience pain.
According to Psychologytoday, back sleepers tend to be more introverted, according to a poll of 2,000 Americans.
Sleeping on the back also helps digestion better, and helps the freshness of the skin, as those who sleep on the back have fine lines and fewer wrinkles compared to other sleeping positions.
As for the downsides of this situation, it increases the risk of developing sleep apnea due to snoring, which is a common disorder that obstructs the airways at night.
2. Sleep on both sides
Side sleeping is the most common position, in fact 63% of people sleep on either of their left or right sides.
Psychology Today noted that those who sleep in this position are more open to people, experiences and ideas. One of the most prominent advantages of side sleep is that it helps you think better, according to a study conducted by "Stony Brook" University in 2015, as the side sleep position is associated with the removal of brain debris, and it is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Lateral position also enhances blood flow and circulation, thus being better for the heart.
3. Sleeping in a fetal position
With 41% of adults choosing this option, - according to the "Sleep" website - it is one of the most common sleeping positions, as the position of the fetus (sleeping on the side with the torso bent and the knees bent) is considered wonderful, but on the other hand it reveals that its owners They suffer from anxiety and seek a sense of safety by sleeping in the fetal position involuntarily.
As for the most prominent disadvantages of this situation, the diaphragm may restrict breathing, and then make you feel some pain in the morning, and you can avoid these problems by straightening your body as much as possible.
4. Sleeping on the stomach
The stomach or stomach sleeping position is less common. While this position is useful for relieving snoring, it is completely harmful even though 7% of adults choose it. It can lead to back and neck pain, because it is difficult to keep the spine in an upright position, which may lead to numbness, tingling, pain and nerve irritation.
This situation also increases wrinkles, as pressure on the face increases friction, which may make those fine lines accumulate over time.
Psychology Today revealed that this is a position that indicates that you have a friendly personality, as those who sleep on stomach tend to love being around other people.
Bedtime tips
Rachel Salas, associate professor of neuroscience at Johns Hopkins Medicine, says sleep posture is less important for healthy young people, but with age and more health problems, sleep posture can become positive or negative. And she gave some tips before bed:
1. Choose a comfortable mattress
Sleeping position isn't the only thing to consider when going for a comfortable night's sleep, says Salas, as old bedding and pillows should be replaced. She says if you have neck or shoulder pain, a supportive pillow designed to soothe the neck may be helpful.
2. Never underestimate the importance of improving your bedroom
You should clean and wash the sheets frequently, and vacuum the bedding to rid it of dirt and lint that may cause allergies and impair your sleep.
3- Don't ignore the curtains
Salas also stressed closing the curtains, calling for the use of curtains that keep the room dark, and adding, "The sleep environment can be easily fixed." By thinking a little about the position of your body and your bed, you may find that your sleep is calmer and better.