Getting the Quality Sleep You Deserve

Your Favorite Sleep Position Causing Pain?

Could your preferred p.m. pose be giving you back and neck pain, stomach problems, and even premature wrinkles?  Do you long for a good night’s rest that has you feeling rested, full of energy and happy when you wake up?  If you answered yes to either of these questions, you’ll want to read further about the steps you can take to remedy your back and neck pain, stomach problems and prevent premature wrinkles so you can start getting the quality sleep that has you feeling rested, full of energy and happy when you wake up.  It all boils down to sleep position and the condition of your mattress.

Like many Americans who aren’t experiencing a good night’s sleep, you may have wondered if it’s best to sleep on your side, stomach or back.  The answer depends on the person, their sleeping position preferences and their health.  People gravitate toward the position they feel the best sleeping in, often choosing one based on how well they’re able to breathe.
Though it can ease snoring, doctors and sleep experts agree that the worst sleeping position is on your stomach because it’s difficult to maintain a neutral position with your spine.  Not only that, but sleeping on your stomach also puts pressure on your joints and muscles which can lead to pain, numbness, and tingling.

A better sleeping position is on your side.

According to Health.com, 63% of Americans sleep on their side, 14% sleep on their back and 16% sleep on their stomach.  While sleeping on your side prevents neck and back pain, reduces acid reflux, eases snoring and is better for pregnant women and the baby in terms of blood flow, it’s not as good for your skin or your breasts.  Sleeping on your side smashes your face into the pillow and contributes to breast sag, stretching the ligaments.  If you are a side sleeper, you’ll need a thick pillow to fill the space above your shoulder so your head and neck are supported in a neutral position.  Sleeping on your side becomes more difficult if you are sleeping on an old, worn-out mattress that sags in the middle.  This is why a quality mattress is especially essential for side sleepers.

The most ideal sleep position is…

The most ideal sleep position for many people is their back as it prevents neck and back pain, reduces acid reflux, minimizes wrinkles and maintains perky breasts.  When your head is elevated your stomach is positioned below your esophagus and as a result, acid or food can’t come back up.  By sleeping on your back nothing is pushing against your face which helps to prevent wrinkles and your breasts are fully supported as well which reduces sagginess.  A puffy pillow usually works best when sleeping on your back.  Your goal should be to keep your neck and head supported without over-propping your head.

No matter what sleeping position you prefer — on your back, side or stomach — none of us stay in the same position all night long.  And this is good as changing sleeping positions helps promote good blood circulation.  But for good blood circulation and support, regardless of your preferred sleeping position, there’s no substitute for a quality mattress.