When it comes to a daily routine, sleep is non-negotiable. A good night’s sleep has more to do with the quality of rest than the number of hours. If you’re trying to enhance the quality of your rest, one of the first things you have probably tried might be attending sleep meditation because it is proven beneficial in improving the inner conditions needed for a restful night. But did you know that the positions you take while lying in bed can also contribute to a good night’s rest?
When you curl up under the covers at night, you probably have one favorite position that naturally helps you fall asleep every night. Right? Have you ever considered which sleeping position is best for you? Do you sleep in a posture that is healthy for your sleep cycle?
In this article, let us learn the different sleeping positions so that you can find your best one and make a significant difference in your daily sleep routine:
Sleeping on your side
Many of us prefer sleeping on our sides. You may be surprised to hear that 60% of individuals prefer to sleep on their sides (source). As kids, we used to move around the bed like a clock while dozing off. However, as we aged, we tended to prefer sleeping on our sides.
This is because our spine tends to become less flexible as we grow older, which is why side sleeping is one of the most comfortable positions for older adults. Sleeping on your side is probably the best way to get a good night’s rest. Because it offers several benefits to your body, from promoting healthy spine alignment to reducing snoring and mild sleep apnea, this position also reduces the risk of back pain, mainly when supported by pillows. All these factors make it a suitable sleeping position for a restful night.
Sleeping on your back
The second most popular sleeping position is lying on the back, which is preferred by 38% of people (source). This position is most comfortable for people who suffer from neck or back pain. However, you, too, can benefit greatly from it in many ways.
Sleeping on your back offers a more even distribution of your body’s weight and allows your spine to rest in its natural alignment. This can help you avoid neck and back aches while you are in a deep sleep. It is also beneficial for those suffering from stuffy noses or allergy congestion.
However, this sleeping posture is not suggested for pregnant women, as a growing infant can add pressure to the heart, causing problems with blood flow. Additionally, older and heavier people should also avoid lying on their backs because the force of gravity on their bodies can make it more difficult for them to breathe. Hence, the side sleeping position can be preferable for heavier and older people.
Sleeping on stomach
Stomach sleeping is the least common sleeping position. Did you know that we sleep in this posture for less than 10% of our nighttime? (source). Although it helps relieve snoring, the benefits don’t extend much further.
Generally, this sleeping posture is not recommended for most people, especially pregnant women. Well, there is a reason, after all. First, since this posture lacks sufficient room to breathe, your ribs may require more energy to work against gravity, making your sleep less restful.
Secondly, it offers the least amount of back support and can add unnecessary strain to your spine, which is why you might wake up with pain the following day.
Furthermore, turning your head to one side while lying on your stomach can cause your neck and head to twist out of line with the rest of your spine. However, this does not imply that you cannot enjoy sleeping on your stomach; in fact, you can do so by implementing the tips below:
Place a pillow under your stomach to maintain a proper alignment.
The right pillow or mattress can help you sleep on your stomach without experiencing any pains or aches.
So, have you discovered your ideal sleeping position? Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to sleeping postures. To determine your best sleeping posture, you must weigh several factors and experiment with a few different positions.
If you are having trouble with your current posture, try adjusting to a new sleeping position. We hope you will soon figure out the most comfortable sleeping position that can leave you feeling rested the next day.
