The Right Sleeping Positions for 9 Health Issues
We need to sleep because our body revitalizes and restores its lost energy in that way. On average, humans sleep about seven to nine hours per day. In other words, we spend around twenty-five years of life sleeping.
Even though most of us are aware of the fact that we need a proper night’s sleep, we often sleep less than we are supposed to. Sadly, alarm clocks, energy drinks, coffee, and electronic devices interfere with our natural sleep and wake cycle.
To improve your sleep, you should:
- Have a sleep schedule and stick to it no matter what.
- Find yourself some bedtime rituals that will help you to relax.
- Make sure to be physically active.
- Make your bedroom perfect for sleeping, choose the ideal sound, light, and temperature.
- Have a nice and comfortable pillow and mattress.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol because these drinks do not let you sleep.
- Do not use electronic devices before you go to sleep.
Nonetheless, besides sleeping, it is important in which position we sleep because it may have an impact on our overall health. So, in this article, we will tell you how you can treat your health problems by sleeping.
The position in which you sleep affects many aspects of your body such as blood vessels, sinuses, and so on. Here is a list of health problems and the positions in which you should sleep to solve them.
1. Back Pain
If you are dealing with pain in the back, then, the back position is perfect for you. Also, keep a pillow under your knees, and a rolled towel under the curve of the back (1).
2. Digestion Problems
If you are dealing with digestion problems, you should sleep on your left side to let gravity take effect and enhance the process since the stomach is positioned on that side.
3. High Blood Pressure
According to researchers from the Ege University School of Nursing, the positions in which you sleep may have an impact on your blood pressure. So, they revealed that if you want to lower your blood pressure, sleep down on your face (2).
4. Neck Pain
If you are dealing with pain in the neck, then, you should take a rolled-up towel, and place it under it.
5. Sinus Issues
Harvard Medical School recommends you sleep with your head elevated to stop the mucus from clogging your sinuses (3).
6. Heartburn
Since heartburn is a disturbing health problem, you should sleep on your left side if you have issues with heartburn (4).
7. Pain Due to PMS
Pain in the spine is a common problem during the PMS period, so sleep with a pillow under your knees.
8. Shoulder Pain
If you experience pain in one shoulder, then, you should sleep on the side that does not hurt you. Also, keep your legs bent a little bit. Or, you can keep a pillow to your chest, and one between your knees.
9. Headaches
It happens often for a headache to be a result of a twisted neck. To prevent getting a twisted neck while you are sleeping, place pillows around your head (5).
Since sleeping as well as sleep positions are important for your overall health, make sure to sleep in the position that is right for you and helps you wake up healthy and fresh each morning.