How Your Sleeping Position Affects Your Health

It’s late at night, so you turn off the lights and crawl into bed. Is your sleeping position on your belly, back or side? How you sleep can be linked to many health issues. According to the Guardian, if we were to live for 75 years, we spend 25 of those years sleeping.

Your sleeping position can be the cause of back pain and snoring and also how often you wake up at night. In some instances, your sleeping position can also reflect the type of personality you have.

Below you will find the most common sleeping positions and what they do for your health.

The Belly: If you sleep on your belly, you’ll tend to toss and turn to get comfortable. This can cause severe strain on your neck and lower back, according to Healthline.

On Your Back: This position can cause lower back pain. If you have sleep apnea or snore, sleeping on your back can make it worse because your airways are narrower. The solution is to put a pillow under your knees if you are sleeping on your back. Everyday Health states that it will help your spin maintain its curve.

Soldier: According to WebMD, 8% of the world’s population favours this position. This position suggests that you keep close to yourself because you sleep with your arms close to your side, they add.

Spooning: If you cuddle up with your partner, you may be prone to waking up often. But cuddling your partner can help the body release oxytocin, which can help lower your stress, according to Fox News. Less stress is good in a relationship.

Your Side: If you have issues with snoring, you should sleep on your side. If you snore loudly, you might be suffering from sleep apnea, according to WebMD.  This can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease.

Back Pain: Sleeping on your side can also help reduce back pain, says WebMD. To help, put a pillow between your legs to take pressure off your hips and back.

Pregnant Women: Experts recommend that pregnant women sleep on their left side, says the American Pregnancy Association.  This will allow more blood and nutrients to flow to the baby.

Starfish: This position helps rest the spine and neck. It also helps reduce acid reflux since the head is elevated and substances cannot enter the esophagus from the stomach, according to WebMD.

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