Change Your Sleeping Position for Better Health
A good night’s sleep is important, but how we sleep also plays a vital role in staying healthy. William Barrett, DC, chief clinical officer at ChiroCare of Minnesota Inc. says, “The position in which you sleep can determine how well you sleep, as well as how you feel in the morning.” A lot can be revealed by your sleeping position, and some issues can be treated by correcting your sleeping position. Check it out to know how:
1. Heartburn/ Acid Reflux
Some people suffer from fragmented sleep, something arouses you while you are sleeping. This may be from heartburn, also known as acid reflux, the acids splash up and out of the stomach. To treat it, try these tips:
a) Sleep on your left – Per David A. Johnson, MD, internal medicine division chief at Eastern Virginia School of Medicine, Norfolk, VA, sleeping on your left side will help reduce heartburn sleep-time symptoms. To remember the right side remember right is wrong.
b) Elevate your upper body – If you sleep flat on your back it makes it easier for the acid to enter your upper body which causes heartburn. Experts say pillows are not enough, it’s better to use wedge pillow or elevate the head of your bed 4-6 inches height using blocks.
2. Allergies
Summer brings allergens, allergies adversely affect sleep. If you have allergies chances are you are not sleeping in the right position.This can be treated by raising the level of your head using several pillows under your head and upper back ( I do this myself whenever I suffer from congestion ). Make sure you do this only for breathing issues, long term it may cause neck strain and pain. See your doctor to treat your allergies and try this position only when you need it.
3. Neck Pain
Dr. Sugar suggests using a rolled towel under your shoulder blades, perpendicular to your body and avoid sleeping on your stomach. Your neck, head, and back should be in a comfortable position. Try sleeping on your side with a pillow under your neck filling the gap between your shoulder and neck. There are special pillows available for neck support. If you are sleeping on your back make sure your head is not too high, this will strain your neck and cause pain and stiffness in the morning.
4. Snoring
Embarrassed about your snoring waking your partner? Try sleeping on your stomach to relieve the cause, snoring is caused from obstruction of the breathing process and tongue position. Sleeping on your stomach will help your tongue and jaw fall forward which will help unblock air flow. Don’t use pillows if you sleep on your stomach, this may put strain on your neck and back.