For the most part, it is not just the music or lighting that affects the quality of your sleep. It is also how you rest your body down the mattress. Did you know that there’s the best side to lay your body down?
In most cases, side sleepers sleep better compared to those who sleep in a different position. However, take note that the benefits of sleeping on your side highly rely on which side you lay your body down.
Sleeping on the correct side comes along with multiple benefits. An example of that is it enables the spine to lie in a natural and straight position. Also, this sleeping position can eliminate or reduce snoring, which is extremely helpful for people who share a bed. For a little help, here are the best tips for side sleepers in order for them to get the ultimate sleep they need. So, take a read!
Advantages and Disadvantages of Sleeping on Your Side
A lot of people prefer to sleep on their side. In fact, according to one study, about 74 percent of people prefer to sleep on their side. Even if sleeping on one’s back is excellent and great for spinal support, sleeping on one’s side is perhaps the next ideal position.
Sleeping on your side can aid in alleviating symptoms of sleep apnea and snoring. Medical professionals suggest that sleeping on one’s side is much better than sleeping on the back for women with a hair-bun style when resting.
Although the lateral sleeping position has plenty of rewards, it is not ideal for everyone. The worst part of this position is paresthesia, also known as “pins and needles.” All side sleepers have, more often than not, wakened to the numbness of the arm, either from too much pressure or lack of blood flow.
Paresthesia is typically very disruptive; it causes you to wake up from your sleep. Well, it is a scientific fact that you and your arm cannot be in a deep sleep at the same time. Moreover, sleepers with ill-fitting mattresses and pillows suffer from recurring back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain. The lateral position can also cause sagging breasts and facial wrinkles.
Ideal Mattress for Side Sleeping
If you prefer sleeping on your side, then you need a bed or mattress that holds onto your curved areas, which is your waist and your neck. The ligaments and muscles of your back restore to health when you sleep.
Spine alignment and excellent sleep posture promote the regenerative and healing process. The best mattress for side sleepers helps keep the spine aligned during the healing and restorative process. And remember, a supportive mattress has the most significant impact on your sleep quality.
The ideal mattress for people sleeping on their side is light and soft on the hips and shoulders. Keep in mind that the shoulders and hips get the strain and stress of the pressure when sleeping on your side.
Thus, look for a mattress that is supportive enough yet gentle under your sore body parts, those points that press down into your bed while sleeping. If you feel pain in your hips and shoulders or numbness in your arms or legs, you might need to look for a different mattress.
Best Pillows
For the most part, pillows are not just for your neck and head, and they also aid in keeping your spine in the correct posture while sleeping. The rule of thumb is that your hips, shoulder, and ear must be aligned. Try different pillows until you get the best fit. Actually, for maximum comfort and good alignment, side sleepers need two pillows — one for their knees and one for their head.
How to Lay on Your Side
It is straining and upsetting if your spine is bending when you sleep. When your spine is secured in an odd and peculiar position for hours, then you can suffer from recurring pain. To fight against spine misalignment and curvature while sleeping, begin with two important things for supporting your spine, your pillow, and your mattress.
Which Side Is the Best?
Yes, it matters which side you lay your body down to. As a matter of fact, the side you choose can influence your health. Sleeping on your left side lowers the risk of acid reflux and heartburn, even doctors recommend pregnant women to sleep on this side for excellent blood flow.
However, all is not lost if you are a right-side sleeper. Train your body to sleep on your left side for a couple of nights to adjust to that position. Also, you can opt to put a full body pillow on your back to aid you in sticking to the left side.
Takeaway
Sleeping on one’s side is a popular sleeping position that benefits a lot of people, particularly those with partners, neck pain, or obstructive sleep apnea. You can feel the benefits of this lateral position if your ensure your spine gets the best care and support it deserves.
Author’s Bio: Analisse Weathers is a blogger and writer. She mainly writes about home improvement, home renovation, home repairs, and just about anything related to home-related subjects. Analisse loves to write these topics as she aspires to become an interior designer someday.