There’s a ‘Right’ Way to Sleep, Experts Say
We all have different ideas about the best sleeping position. Every night, people cozy up in various different bed types, with an endless variety of pillows and mattresses, and all try — despite certain husbands hogging the good side — to find the comfiest spot. But sleep experts want us to know that a lot of us could be sleeping a lot better if we switched the way we’re actually lying down.
Although it’s not the most popular position, sleeping on your back is supposedly the best option, according to The National Sleep Foundation. If you can’t remember the last time you slept on your back, you’re not alone; experts say only about eight percent of people hit the hay in this manner. For most people, this is the healthiest position because it allows your head, neck, and spine to rest in a neutral position — so you have less chance of developing pain due to extra pressure placed on those parts of your body. It also makes you less likely to experience acid reflux, if that’s of concern to you.
That said, experts do caution that sleeping on one’s back is not for everyone. For instance, it can be dangerous to folks who are prone to sleep apnea — a dangerous condition in which a person’s upper airway becomes blocked repeatedly during sleep, reducing or completely stopping airflow. It’s recommended that people with sleep apnea sleep on their sides instead. It might also be a good idea for people who snore a lot to sleep on their sides, because sleeping on one’s back can sometimes make snoring more severe.
If you’re concerned about the way you’re sleeping, talk to your doctor about the best sleeping position for you based on your personal needs. The good news is that if you want to change your sleeping position to sleep on your back, it’s pretty easy to do. Shelby Harris, PsyD, a sleep medicine expert, told Popular Science that a few pillows may be all you need to do the trick; just put pillows on each side of your body and one under your knees to keep you in place.
Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’re about to claim the good side of the bed for tonight — with a few extra pillows!
Next, learn what you should do after waking up to have a great morning:
h/t Science Alert
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