Different Ups And Downs For Different Sleepers
Some prefer to be on their sides, some prefer to be on their bellies, some prefer to sleep on their backs, and some writhe around all night like a fish out of water, but in slow-motion.
Here’s WebMD’s advice on varying sleeping positions, and their health impacts. We’ll explore them here.
1 Facing Down
This is a position that can be quite comfortable, but it can also take some time to get in this position as you’re drifting off, which leads to tossing and turning.
Also, Web MD notes you can hurt your neck and back owing to pressures of gravity.
Their advice is to put a very soft pillow under your forehead to keep your airways clear and relieve strain on your neck.
If you’ve got back issues, you might want to try changing how you sleep to more efficiently serve your unique physical needs.
2 Facing Up
Those with heartburn tend to sleep better on their backs, facing up. If your heartburn is severe enough, you may have to lean against a pile of pillows at a slight angle.
Having Alka-Seltzer or other antacid solutions [1] available can be helpful in assuaging such difficulties. Sleeping on your back does tend to be healthy, but you may snore.
Most adults are going to snore at some point. This is something that others find irritating, and it can actually be unhealthy for you owing to issues related to sleep apnea.
If you find yourself waking up breathless in the night or getting smacked by your spouse with a pillow at three in the morning, you might try front-facing positions or side-sleeping positions.
3 Side Sleep
This is one of the most healthy positions to sleep in, but you can stress your hips if you’re not careful.
Going “full fetal” is pretty good for your spine alignment, but what’s even better is stretching your legs out a little bit.
The thing is, your hips can be compromised owing to the weight of your legs, so put some bedding or a pillow between your knees.
Sometimes if you’re a side sleeper, but you’re having trouble getting proper sleep, you might want to seek out a mattress for side sleepers[2].
Such mattresses are designed to help individuals who sleep in the side or fetal position both fall asleep quicker, and have a more restful night’s sleep overall.
Before you buy a new mattress, you definitely want to observe what sort of sleep most commonly defines you.
Be aware of the position you’re in when you wake up in the morning. Generally, that’s going to be the one which most describes you.
You’ve noticed it yourself, likely: the most restful sleep you get at night hits toward the end of the night.
4 The “Marty McFly” Angle: “Starfish” Sleepers
Who remembers Back To The Future? Remember when Marty McFly, as played by Michael J. Fox, wakes up? It happens in a handful of scenes.
He plays a teenager in the film and sleeps with his arms all cattywampus. One arm is facing one way, one leg is facing the other, and his mouth is hanging open in slumber till he’s awakened.
This is the “starfish” position as outlined by Web MD. It’s a modified form of the back sleeper. Most who sleep in a “starfish” shape are going to be on their back.
Though there are likely a few people who sleep with their heads down and their limbs akimbo like that. At any rate, the same health conditions as back sleeping tend to affect starfish sleepers.
Basically, sleep apnea is possible, as are snoring issues. Back issues are reduced, and if you’ve got heartburn, the starfish position is often to be recommended.
However, especially if you’ve got a partner, this can be rather inconvenient. The difficulty is getting comfortable without throwing arms and legs all over the place.
It can be done, but it may take time.
Being As Healthy As You Can While You Sleep
Starfish sleepers tend to benefit from the same sort of mattress as back sleepers, and this position is conducive to those who have heartburn.
However, sleep apnea may make an appearance owing to increased snoring.
Traditional back sleepers have basically the same trouble as starfish sleepers, minus conflicts from sleeping partners.
Front-facing sleepers tend to have the most health risks regarding breathing difficulties and back problems.
At the end of the day, regardless of your preference, you want to sleep in a way that gives you the most rest for the following day’s needs.
