What Side Should You Sleep On – Some Basic Tips!
While resting on your back has long been regarded to be the best sleeping posture, sleeping position studies suggest that sleeping on your side has just as many advantages for spinal alignment.
Sleeping on your side, when done correctly with proper body alignment, can help with joint and low back discomfort, as well as chronic pain from long-term diseases like fibromyalgia.
Reduced snoring, a frequent indication of obstructive sleep apnea, is another advantage of sleeping on your side. Breathing problems are caused by this dangerous ailment, which can lead to long-term issues such as:
- diabetes
- heart attack
- cognitive issues
Does side sleeping cause shoulder pain?
Sleeping on your side has the disadvantage of increasing your risk of shoulder discomfort.
While sleeping on your left or right side, you may find that your shoulders collide with the mattress, resulting in misalignment and soreness in the morning.
As well as a mattress that allows for spinal alignment, having a pillow that keeps your head upright and in line with your shoulders can help reduce this danger.
Drawbacks of sleeping on your side
Sleeping on your side has numerous advantages, particularly if you suffer from chronic back discomfort or sleep apnea. Still, to avoid pain in other parts of your body, your body may want a little variety during the night. Starting on one side and then switching to the other could be an option.
It’s also crucial to maintain your head elevated on the pillow and be aware of your chin location. Neck pain can be caused by tucking your chin into your chest.
Which side is the best to sleep on: Left or right?
Sleeping on your left side is regarded to have the greatest health benefits. Your organs are freer to eliminate poisons as you sleep in this position. Nonetheless, both sides can help with sleep apnea and persistent lower back pain treatment.
You don’t have to commit to one side for the entire evening. Start with your left side and notice how your body responds.
It’s also usual to move from side to side or even onto your back when sleeping. Sleeping on your stomach is the most damaging to your spine and organs, so avoid it if at all possible.
Side sleeping best practices
It’s crucial to know the ideal techniques, whether you’re a seasoned side sleeper or new to the position. You can get the most out of this sleeping position without waking up in agony and discomfort the next morning if you do it this way:
- Ensure the mattress and pillow fit you, i.e. keep your spine straight.
- Shift over to your left side first. Your ears should be in line with your shoulders, while your chin is neutral. Avoid tucking your chin into your chest or keeping your head down.
- Keep your arms and hands below your face and neck, preferably parallel to the sides.
- Put a leg pillow or firm pillow between your knees (especially if you have low back pain). This helps prevent the collapse of hip and knee joints, thereby creating better alignment in your spine.
- Slightly lift your knees up toward your chest to reduce pressure on your back.
Takeaway
Sleeping on your side, with proper posture, can be beneficial to both your body and mind.
If you experience persistent pain, again you may want to consider if your mattress and pillow are doing their job properly and supporting you enough to keep your spine straight.
If you still have chronic pain after making these modifications, see a doctor or chiropractor.