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Doctors claim that it is your sleeping position that can cause you health problems.
However, to enjoy sleeping in your favorite position you don’t have to change your current habits. Simply make small changes.
Today we will show you what changes those are, depending on the particular sleeping position you like best.
1. If you sleep on your side
Scientists have found that cerebrospinal fluid clears toxins much better when you sleep on your side. This significantly reduces the risk of headaches and also the risk of developing Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
In addition, sleeping on your side alleviates heartburn problems. The downside of this position, however, is that it increases pressure on the liver (if you sleep on your right side).
What doctors recommend:
a) To alleviate digestive troubles, sleep on your left side. This will improve blood circulation in the abdomen and relieve the stomach and gallbladder.
b) If you have problems with a crooked spine, place a small firm pillow between your knees. It will reduce pressure on the vertebrae. Use a large soft pillow under your head.
c) For high blood pressure and circulation problems, it is recommended to sleep on your right side. This reduces pressure on your heart.
2. If you sleep on your back
Sleeping on your back is best if you have problems with your spine and joints. This position also prevents heartburn and the formation of wrinkles.
If, however, you have problems with your nose, upper airways, or high blood pressure, then this position is the worst.
What doctors recommend:
a) For snoring, put a small pillow under your head so that the upper airways are as relaxed as possible.
b) If you have a runny nose use several smaller pillows to elevate your head. This will prevent mucus from getting stuck in the sinuses.
The angle, however, should not be too steep, otherwise you may damage your cervical spine.
c) For back and joint pain, place a small pillow under your neck, a large (but flat) pillow under your knees, and a rolled-up towel under your lower back. This arrangement will fix the spine in the correct position and ensure normal blood flow.
3. If you sleep on your stomach
Japanese scientists have found that sleeping face down helps lower blood pressure, improves digestion, and eliminates snoring and heartburn.
What doctors recommend:
a) To protect the spine from excessive strain and reduce pressure in the lower back, place a small pillow under the pelvic area.
The pillow under the head should be flat or you can remove it entirely so your neck won’t suffer.
4. If you sleep in the fetal position (fetus position)
The fetal position is a position where both legs are bent at the knees and pulled closer to the chin (one more so, the other slightly less). It may be comfortable, but it can affect your health.
Because a curled-up body hinders diaphragmatic breathing. This does prevent snoring, but if you have any respiratory problems, such as asthma, then you should rather avoid this position.
What doctors recommend:
a) To straighten the spine, make sure your arms and legs are in the correct position in which the chest is free. Place one large soft pillow between your legs and another smaller one between your elbows.
Doctors believe that the best pillow under the head for this position is small but fluffy so that it supports the neck well.
What is your favorite sleeping position? Do you already use any of the tricks listed here?
