Have you ever wondered what position you sleep in? If not, now is the time to do so. The conclusions of foreign experts show that the sleeping position directly affects the quality of our life.
Sleep on the left side
Pros: People who sleep on their left side are less likely to suffer from heartburn. In this position, a smaller amount of acid enters the esophagus from the stomach, and it is precisely this that causes discomfort in the epigastric region and above.
Minuses: according to Turkish scientists from Yuzuncu Yil University, those who like to snore on their left side are more likely to have nightmares in their dreams. These studies were recently published in the international professional journal Journal of Sleep and Hypnosis.
Sleep on your back
pros: Ideal position for those who experience back discomfort from long periods of sitting in the office or driving. At the same time, you need to put a pillow not only under your head, but also under your knees. Then the spine will take the most physiological position.
And sleeping on your back is good for those who care about the skin of the face. In this position, we do not rest our face on the pillow, which means that it does not sweat, and the pores remain open.
Minuses: A number of studies have shown that people who sleep on their backs are more likely to snore and experience sleep apnea (temporary stops in breathing). The reason is that the root of the tongue can partially block the airways. In the long term, this causes bad consequences — pressure may increase, mood worsens, and drowsiness overcomes at the height of the day.
Sleep on right side
pros: sleeping like this is recommended for those who suffer from high blood pressure. Sleeping on the right side slows down the heart rate somewhat. And scientists from Stony Brook University in the USA have found a relationship between sleeping posture and Alzheimer’s disease: in their opinion, degenerative changes in the brain are less likely to affect “adepts” of sleep on the right side.
Minuses: the “right” position is highly discouraged for pregnant women, especially in the later stages. The position restricts blood flow to the fetus, which can lead to its death, experts from the University of Auckland in New Zealand say.
Sleep on your stomach
pros: People who sleep on their stomachs have more vivid and exciting dreams. And the internal organs take a very good position, contributing to efficient digestion.
Minuses: so that the pillow does not interfere with breathing, you have to turn your head in one direction or another for a long time — after all, a sleeping person cannot control its position. Sooner or later, the neck will make itself felt with headaches and stiff neck. The back can also suffer: the natural lumbar deflection becomes larger when lying on the stomach for a long time, and over time this will lead to discomfort.