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Sleep is an integral part of our lives. It allows the body to recover, regenerate, and restore the energy lost during the day. On average, a person sleeps 7 to 9 hours a day. That translates to sleeping up to 25 years of your life. So why not make that time even more meaningful, for example by addressing various health issues?
Regardless of sleep duration, sleep position is also important because it can significantly affect your overall health.
Today we will show you how you can solve several health problems using your sleeping position.
So let’s get to it:
1. Digestive problems
To improve digestion and minimize digestive issues, sleep on your left side.
Why the left side? This allows gravity to make it easier for food to pass through the intestines.
2. Back pain
If you suffer from back pain, you should try to sleep on your back with a rolled towel under the small of your back and a pillow under your knees.
3. Neck pain
To treat neck pain, place a small rolled towel under it.
4. High blood pressure
Researchers at the Faculty of Medicine at Ehime University found that sleeping position can affect blood pressure.
To lower your blood pressure, you should sleep face down.
5. Heartburn
An insufficiently tight stomach sphincter can allow stomach acid to penetrate back into the esophagus and cause heartburn.
To prevent this during the night, lie on your left side.
6. Sinus problems
As recommended by Harvard Medical School, if your sinuses are blocked or inflamed you should sleep with your head elevated above the rest of your body.
You can achieve this by placing an extra pillow under your head.
7. Shoulder pain
If your shoulder hurts, sleep on the other side that doesn’t hurt during the night.
Also keep your knees slightly bent, place one pillow between them and hold another at your chest.
8. Premenstrual pain and cramps
Do you have problematic days leading up to your period?
Then put a pillow under your knees at night. This will help relieve pain in the lower back and lower abdomen.
9. Headaches
Headaches are often caused by twisting the neck during sleep, which leads to muscle tension and reduced blood flow to the head.
To prevent this, place several pillows around your head.
Conclusion
Choosing the right sleeping position can have a big impact on your health and can even be your ally in overcoming various issues.
Of course, your position tends to change during sleep. Try, however, to at least fall asleep in the chosen position or return to it whenever you wake up during the night.
Try it and you will surely notice a big difference in the morning. You will feel much fresher, more recovered, and free of pain.
