| IS YOUR SLEEP POSITION HELPING OR HURTING YOU?
Nobody disputes the importance of sound sleep; it’s essential for mind, body, and soul. Most people have a favorite sleep pose-a choice shaped by their age, size, weight, mattress, pillows, and whether they share a bed-but few give any thought to how it might matter to their health, a Harvard expert says.
Side-Sleeping Benefits and Drawbacks.
1. It helps you breathe easier. It helps to keep the airway open, cutting down on snoring and mitigating sleep apnea.
2. It can temper heartburn. Sleeping on the left side discourages acid reflux from your stomach back into your esophagus.
3. It’s a good option during pregnancy. It promotes blood flow to the uterus and thwarts optimal swelling in the legs.
4. However, it may aggravate joint pain. It concentrates pressure on the neck, back, hips, and shoulders. If sleeping with one arm beneath you, it may awaken you when it falls asleep.
(Did You Know? More than 60% of adults sleep on their side. Back sleeping is second in popularity.)
Back-Sleeping Benefits and Drawbacks.
1. It keeps the spine straighter. This reduces pain from the neck, back, and joints. These benefits can be enhanced by putting a small pillow under your lower back or knees.
2. Unfortunately, it can intensify breathing problems. The soft tissue in the back of your throat relaxes, partially obstructing your breathing tube. Those with heart failure or lung problems have a harder time expanding their lungs, also.
3. It can worsen heartburn. Elevating your upper body can help with this.
4. Lying flat on your back is not advised during pregnancy. The weight of the fetus can put pressure on the spine and major blood vessels.
The bottom line is that, in general, your body tells you what’s best.
-Harvard’s Women’s Health Watch |
