The Health Benefits of Side Sleeping
We spend about one-third of our lives sleeping.
Experts agree that sleep is an important aspect of living, and most people are not getting enough sleep.
So getting the best sleep each night should be one of your main goals.
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Could your sleep position be affecting your health?
Is there a better (or best) way to be sleeping?
If so, which position is best for you, and which side should you be sleeping on?
From a cognitive standpoint, not getting enough sleep may affect how your brain functions.
Lack of a good night’s sleep may also have an effect on your heart health.
It may cause changes to your heart rate, leading totachycardia(elevated heart rate).
It may also lead tohigh blood pressure.
Heartburn may also result from poor sleeping positions.
What Is Side Sleeping?
Sometimes people choose to sleep on the right side, and other times choose the left side.
Some people spend some of each night on one side and then switch to the other.
There are some people whochooseto sleep on one side.
There are some health benefits to side sleeping regardless of which side you choose.
But, there may be a good reason to choose to sleep on your left or right side only.
Benefits
There are several potential health benefits to sleeping on your left side.
This may keep your baby happy and make your time during pregnancy more comfortable.
Sleeping on your left side may also provide relief from heartburn symptoms.
(Some people with GERD are able to sleep on their right side with no problems.)
The stuff you ate last night can rest comfortably in your stomach juices and digest properly while you sleep.
One of the benefits of right-side sleeping is that it may decrease nervous system activity.
It is not clear why this happens, but it may lead to decreasedanxietyanddepression.
Decreased nervous system activity during right-side sleeping may lead to lowered blood pressure and heart rate as well.
This can be especially helpful for people withcardiovascular disease.
Surprisingly, some research has indicated that people tend to gravitate to right-side sleeping naturally as they age.
If you have neck pain, then sleeping on your stomach is not recommended.
If you snore or havesleep apnea, you may want to avoid sleeping on your back.
This leads to sleep that is not as restful as it should be for optimum health.
If you haveglaucoma, recent research has found that sleeping on your side may elevate eye pressure.
If you have one sided glaucoma, you should sleep with the affected eye up.
It often takes a few tries to find the best pillows and positioners for you.
Summary
As you sleep, you may move around a bit or remain in one position.
If you are able to, sleeping on your side may be the best option for you.
There is varied research into which side is best for any condition.
Work with your healthcare provider to ensure that you choose the best side for your specific situation.
You may also slightly rotate your pelvis forward by placing your top leg on top of a pillow.
Keeping your shoulders in a neutral position can help maintain comfort while sleeping.
Your PT can show you stretches that can relieve shoulder pain that may occur from side sleeping.
Your top arm can rest comfortably on a pillow that is draped over the side of your body.
This takes the weight of your body off your shoulder joint.
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