Is Your Sleeping Position Compromising Your Health?

Your sleeping position is very important for your health, comfort and wellbeing.  If you prefer to sleep on your back, side or stomach, your sleeping position could be compromising your health.

The Best and Worst Sleeping Positions for Your Health

Your preferred sleeping position could be contributing to backache, neck pain, digestion problems, premature wrinkles and saggy breasts (for female counterparts only).   

Adopt a healthier sleeping position, and avoid the aches and pains associated with incorrect posture. 

• Sleeping on your back (Highly Recommended)

This is the best position for preventing aches and pains, reducing acid reflux and controlling the formation of new wrinkles.  Your spine is supported and your neck and head maintain a neutral position.

Best pillow: Puffy one

Best mattress: You can get away with a firm mattress that contours the body when pressure is applied and one that keeps the spine in alignment. 

• Sleeping on your side (Recommended)
  This is a good sleeping position for overall health, reducing snoring, aligning your spine and keeping acid reflux at bay.  The downsides are wrinkles and for your lady friends, breasts can become saggy.
  
  Best pillow: Thick and one that supports your shoulders and neck in a neutral position.
  
  Best mattress:  With added pressure placed on your hips and shoulders, you need a mattress that provides support and supports the contours of your body without giving in when pressure is applied.
  
• Sleeping fetal position (Not recommended)
  Not the best position for supporting your neck, back, wrinkles or breasts.  While asleep in this position, you tend to pull your knees up and tuck you chin in pushing your body out of alignment and encouraging neck and back pain, incorrect breathing and premature wrinkles.
  
  Best Pillow: A plump one that supports your head and neck.
  
  Best mattress:  With added pressure placed on your hips and shoulders, you need a mattress that provides support and follows the contours of your body without caving in when pressure is applied.
• Sleeping on your stomach (Not recommended)
  This is the worst position for maintaining a neutral spine position.  Lying on your stomach puts pressure on your joints, muscles and neck, although it might ease snoring by keeping the upper airways open!  But that would probably be the only benefit.
  
  Best pillow: A thin one or nothing at all.
  
  Best mattress: Although not recommended due to the added strain placed on your neck and back, if you find yourself in this position, pick a mattress that’s soft enough on the surface to substitute for the lack of pillow and one that offers neck and shoulder support.

Experiment with the recommended sleeping positions and see what works best for you. 

Rule out any possibilities of illness, sleep disorders and identify areas of your diet and lifestyle that may be robbing your peaceful slumber. If you find you’re still not getting enough quality sleep, consider changing your mattress or consult your doctor.

Improve your posture and snoring with Bed King’s supporting range of mattresses, bedding and bedroom furniture available at www.bedking.co.za