Sleep is extremely important due to its impact on regeneration.
Lack of adequate sleep leads to disturbances in the functioning of the body and, consequently, to health problems. As a result of its deficiency, not only the body but also the psyche may suffer.
Without a doubt, healthy sleep is essential, but sometimes, even though we theoretically sleep long enough, we are still sleep-deprived. And there may be an important habit behind it. It’s about the position we most often adopt while sleeping.
Many people have a favourite position that allows them to fall asleep quickly and comfortably. However, not all of them are good for health. Which of them is particularly harmful?
The worst sleeping position – it’s the reason you don’t get enough sleep
1. Fetal position
The least health-promoting position is the fetal position (sideways, with legs bent), which leads to severe curvature and pain of the spine. In this position, both the neck and back are greatly stretched, which is not good for them.
In addition, if you lie on your right side in this position, there may be problems with the functioning of various organs. Lying on this side of the body increases the workload on the heart because the aorta branches off to the left, so the flowing blood must move from bottom to top, against the principle of gravity.
In addition, due to its shape, the stomach may “return the favour” by regurgitating its contents into the esophagus, which leads to the appearance of heartburn. Moreover, in this position it presses on the pancreas and makes its work difficult.
2. Sleeping on your stomach
People who habitually sleep on their stomachs are also at risk of back pain due to the unnatural position of the spine. If you like to sleep this way, you also put pressure on your diaphragm, which causes your breathing to become shallow.
Another negative result of sleeping on your stomach is that the pillow comes into contact with sebum, cosmetics and bacteria from the skin or hair, which end up on your face again upon subsequent contact. As a result, facial skin irritations and imperfections may occur.
And what positions are most beneficial to health?
3. Sleeping on your back
Doctors’ findings show that it is healthy to sleep on your back, with your arms along your body and your legs slightly apart. This position guarantees relaxation of the muscles and spine. At the same time, circulation improves, there is no pressure on internal organs, and in the case of gastric reflux, digestive juices do not flow back.
However, lying on the back is not recommended for snoring or sleep apnea. If you experience back pain, it is worth placing a small pillow under your knees to support the natural position of the spine.
4. Sleeping on the left side
It is also worth lying down in an upright side position, on the left side of the body. People who adopt this sleeping position experience better digestion because the stomach contents stay in place and gravity helps food move from the small intestine to the large intestine.
Placing the body on the left side, with a straight back, facilitates the work of many organs and is also helpful in the case of snoring or sleep apnea. This position can also relieve neck and back pain.
Ultimately, choosing the best sleeping position depends on your weight, health and age. It is also important that it is comfortable and allows you to rest and get out of bed in the morning without pain. If you’re not getting the best sleep and want to try a new sleeping position, be patient. Changing a habit takes time.
