The Best And The Worst Sleep Position To Health Condition

1
The Best And The Worst Sleep Position To Health
Condition Have you ever wondered what the best
sleeping position is? The position you sleep
every night is important as it can worsen or
reduce many health conditions. Read below the
most common sleep positions and what is best for
the health conditions you are suffering Sleeping
on the Left Side

• This sleep position is called the lateral
  position where the head and the torso is on the
  left side. The left arm is usually under the
  body and there is considerable pressure on the
  left shoulder. The legs may be staggered or
  stacked with the left leg underneath or slightly
  forward. The sleeper can also be in a fetal
  position with the knees bent and placed towards
  the upper body.
• Advantages
• This position is considered as the best position
  for pregnant ladies and there is less pressure
  on the back and bladder.
• When a sleeper lies in this position the
  breathing is optimal and hence can be a remedy
  for people who snore or have sleep apnea.
• It is also good if you like spooning with your
  partner

2

• Disadvantages
• This position does not suit everyone as it puts
  pressure on the internal organs
• The lungs apply pressure on the heart when in
  this position and can potentially increase
  strain on the heart
• Increases the chances of urination at night as
  there is pressure on the kidneys
• Can cause pain in lower back, shoulder, and hip
  as it impacts the natural spine alignment
• Right side
• It is a lateral position where the torso and head
  are on the right side. Like sleeping on the left
  side, the arm can be under the body or slightly
  away. There is some amount of pressure on the
  right shoulder with the legs stacked or slightly
  forward. In the fetal position, the knees and
  legs are bent and are closer to the upper body.
• Advantages
• It is a position that can be used to ease the
  pain in the shoulder or hip on the left side.
• If your partner is sleeping to the right, it
  gives the opportunity to spoon.
• Is useful to prevent the side-effects of sleeping
  in the supine position
• Disadvantages
• The internal organs are shifted to the right due
  to gravity

3

• This is one of the best positions to sleep if you
  have no breathing issues.
• Sleeping on comfort mattress the body is fully
  supported and hence reduces pressure on the
  musculoskeletal.
• It is good for people who are suffering from
  sciatica pain and chronic neck, shoulder, and
  back pain.
• If you sleep with the feet placed a little above
  the heart, it reduces the swelling of
• ankles and feet and also decreases the risk of
  congestive heart failure.
• Infants sleeping in supine reduces the risk of
  SIDS.
• Disadvantages
• Sleeping on the back increases breathing problems
  and also increases snoring
• Increases the symptoms of sleep apnea
• It can also cause fatigue, dry mouth, mood
  disorders, teeth grinding and glaucoma
• Stomach
• It is one of the least common positions. In this
  position, the sleeper sleeps on the stomach and
  the face is on the side so that it helps in
  breathing. The arms may be on the side or placed
  underneath and the legs are extended.
• Advantages

4

• This position avoids the consequences of sleeping
  on the back.
• It is a good position to sleep in cold weather as
  it conserves sleep.
• It helps to reduce chronic pain
• If the mattress you are sleeping on is not
  comfortable, then lying on the stomach will give
  comfort and some quality sleep.
• Disadvantages
• It can strain the neck, shoulder, and upper back.
• The lung volume is reduced due to body weight and
  hence breathing is compromised.
• Upright
• It is a sleeping position where the head is
  slightly raised and is achieved by sleeping on a
  recliner. The head elevation may vary and is
  dependent on the surface.
• Advantages
• It is recommended for people who have sleep apnea
  or other breathing issues.
• Disadvantages

5
When considering the best sleep position,
personal preference is important. Irrespective of
the position you sleep, consider the head and
neck position as it can impact the breathing and
also result in pain. Sleep experts like Wakefit
recommend that irrespective of the position you
sleep in, ensure that the mattress and pillow
that you sleep on offer the comfort and support
needed for quality sleep.