You may have spruced up your sleeping environment by adding shades, calming music or the sound of rain, warm blankets, and plenty of exercise during the day to tire out your body. However, few people think about their sleeping position and how it may impact their health.
The wrong sleeping position can cause you to have lower back pain or discomfort in the neck and upper back, as well as the potential to develop sleep apnea or start snoring overnight.
Below, you will learn how to change your sleeping position and the health impacts of the wrong sleeping position. Lastly, you’ll read about the best sleeping position for your health.
How to change your sleep position
If you are concerned about the adverse health effects of the wrong sleeping position, you should consider changing your sleeping position to a better one that produces improved health outcomes. Sleeping on your side is usually considered the best choice, so you may be hurting your spine if you sleep in a different position.
Here, you can learn tips and tricks for changing your sleeping position. First and foremost, you should consider purchasing a sleeping recliner, which can help improve your comfort level when sleeping. The right recliner has multiple angles to let you find the best disposition.
Three other options include:
- Fixing your pillows
- Improving your mattress
- Producing a comfortable sleeping environment
Putting pillows on either side of yourself may help train your body to stay on its side while you snooze.
Fix your pillows
In addition to finding the perfect sleeping recliner, you should try to put your comfy pillows in a better area to help you secure the ideal sleeping position. For example, if you’re going to sleep on your back, you’ll want to put some pillows below your knees.
If you want to sleep on your side and stop sleeping on your back, put one pillow on each side of your body when you’re on your side. This positioning will keep you from rolling over onto your stomach.
When sleeping on your stomach, you’ll cause yourself real spinal problems and have pain in your back and neck. Use pillows to fix your sleeping position into a more comfortable one that’s better for your health.
Fix your mattress
Switching to an adjustable mattress, such as a sleeping reclining bed, can help improve your posture and sleeping position overnight. When an adjustable mattress brings your lower legs slightly up, you should be in a more comfortable position that lets you sleep on your back or side.
However, if you prefer a regular mattress, make sure to get a firm one that can support your body and ensure you don’t have any lower back pain. Fixing your bed or choosing a better mattress can help improve your sleeping position.
Create a comfortable sleeping environment
You may find that one of the hardest things to do when it comes to sleep is developing a genuinely comfortable environment to get a good night’s sleep. In particular, if you’re trying to change your posture and sleeping position, getting comfortable may be rather tricky.
As such, you should make yourself comfier by wearing soft and luxurious pajamas, adding quiet and relaxing sounds, smelling sleep-inducing scents before bed, and getting some plush blankets.
With a comfortable sleeping environment, you’ll have an easier time changing your sleeping position overnight.
How your sleeping position impacts your health
The freefall position or sleeping on your stomach with your head lying to the left or right side can lead you to injure your neck or back over the long term. The position has a very negative impact on the curvature of the spine and neck.
Sleeping on your stomach can strain out your entire back and spine because most of your weight is in the middle of your body. You might also be moving your head around in this position all night long to breathe better. This movement will cause neck pain.
You can also experience pain in your shoulders, head, or legs when you sleep in the wrong position. Furthermore, those who sleep on their back are more likely to suffer from snoring or sleep apnea.
What is the best sleeping position for your health?
Sleeping on your side is preferred to prevent snoring and back pain. The side position may also reduce sleep apnea symptoms. Sleep researchers and doctors recommend sleeping on your side as the best position for most people. Sleeping this way allows your spine to remain in a neutral position. This spinal support will prevent or reduce back, shoulder, and neck pain.
If you’re experiencing problems with sleeping during the night, try sleeping on your side.
Final word
If you want to avoid back or neck pain from a night of sleep, you may need to change your sleeping position. Sleeping on your side is recommended. Consider getting a recliner providing multiple sleeping positions or a firmer mattress to improve your overall health.
