The best and worst sleeping positions for a good nights sleep

One of the most important things in everyday life is how we sleep. If affects our health, body, mind,our mood and even how we work. Getting a good a good nights sleep is pivotal especially considering we spend a third of our lives in bed asleep. It’s recommended that every adult gets a least seven to eight hours sleep per night but this is much easier said than done.For many of us trouble sleeping can be caused by a number of things, ranging from eating or drinking the wrong things before getting in bed.

Its also well said that for people who suffer with neck and back pain, stomach troubles that this could be caused by your sleeping position. So here at Longbeds we’ve put together a list of the best and worst sleeping positions so that you can get the hours of sleep your need and keep your body healthy.

Best position: On your back

Sleeping on your back makes it much easier for our head, neck and spine to align and keep our body in a neutral position. By not curving your body or adding any extra pressure you are in the best position as your body stays in a natural alignment all through the night. However if you are known to snore then this may not be the best position for you.

On your side

Sleeping on your side is a great position for people who suffer from sleep apnoea, prone to snoring and neck and back pain. For women this is also a good position to sleep when pregnant.

The side in which you sleep can also play a role in health. Sleeping on the right side can worsen heartburn. However, sleeping on the left side can put a strain on integral organs like the lungs, liver and stomach but for those of you who suffer with acid reflux sleeping on your left will help.

Starfish position

This is another good position for your back. The starfish position can prevent skin breakouts and facial wrinkles. For people who suffer with acid reflux this is the best position for you. Lying on your back means that your head is elevated on your pillow, which allows your stomach to sit below your oesophagus, making it much less likely for digested substances to come back up. It’s important to remember in this position that raising your arms up can add pressure to the nerves on your shoulder which can lead to pain.

The worst: On your stomach

This position is never advised because it doesn’t support the natural curve of your spine, leading to overarching. This leads to pressure on your joints and muscles that can lead to pain, numbness and tingling. The only way this position could be beneficial is if you snore regularly as it helps open the upper airways. However its more likely that you will result in more back and neck pain from this so even if it does stop you snoring the disadvantages far out way the advantages in this particular position.

Foetal

The foetal position may be comforting but this can lead to neck and back pain. Sleeping in the foetal position is well known for causing strain on your back and joints especially when your knees and chin become tucked into your chest. Your shoulders and neck should be aligned when sleeping which is why you should avoid sleeping on your side in the foetal position.

Sleep positions and the type of mattress you have play a major role in providing support for your body as you lie in bed. Placing pressure to any given parts of the body can disrupt sleep. A good night’s sleep requires a good sleeping environment, a good mattress, and plenty of rest. So make sure you have the correct mattress you need.