Know the Right Sleeping Positions for Your Needs

Know the Right Sleeping Positions for Your Needs

Jan 12, 2022

There are many sleeping positions that you can use to get to sleep at night, but unless you have health issues that stop you, know that sleeping flat on your back is the healthiest way to sleep for your posture, spine alignment, and overall health.

 

However, if there is a reason you cannot sleep that way, choosing another position can help.

 

  • Stop Pain – If you feel pain when you wake or while trying to sleep, it’s important to find the right position for your needs. It can help to talk to a chiropractor or physical therapist about your sleeping pain to help you sleep more soundly with fewer moments of waking due to pain.

 

  • Stomach Sleeping – The prone sleeping position is common for many people, but the problem is that it can cause serious back and spine issues since your back does not stay in a neutral position while you’re on your tummy. If you’re having snoring or breathing issues, it might help with that, but you can end up with other problems.

 

  • Back Sleeping – If you sleep on your back, it’s considered the healthiest for the spine, but it can have problems too if you have a problem with low back pain, snoring, or sleep apnea. Also, it can be hard to do if you’re pregnant.

 

  • Side Sleeping – This is the most popular sleeping style and the easiest to spoon your partner with. It works for snorers, and it can help you if you have certain types of back pain if you get a pillow to go between your legs to keep your spine more neutral. In addition, side sleepers report more deep sleep, which ensures your cerebrospinal fluid is flushed out during sleep.

 

  • Fetal Sleeping – More than a third of the population sleeps in the fetal position. This is sleeping on your side in a small ball curling up with your knees bent toward your chest. If you notice hip pain in this position, although it can lessen lower back pain, try adding a pillow between your legs to lower the pressure. 

 

Finally, if you have stomach issues like GERD or other digestive problems sleeping on your left side can help avoid more pain and symptoms of GERD. If you do have GERD, see your doctor. Ask the healthcare provider to test you for the helicobacter pylori infection. This is a common problem that causes GERD that is often left undiagnosed. Getting that condition cured will be a real help to falling asleep regardless of sleeping position. The main thing to know about sleeping positions is that while they all have their drawbacks, the one that enables you to sleep the most soundly for the longest period of time is the best for you.