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How To Find The Best Positions For Sleeping

Max. D Gray
By Max. D Gray. Updated: January 20, 2017
How To Find The Best Positions For Sleeping

Many back problems are caused by sleeping in a position that's not suitable for our bodies. In addition to suffering from cramps or spasms during the night, back pain isn't easy to cure. Not sleeping well during the night means facing the day in a bad mood, with little energy and, possibly, in pain as well. Many of these problems would improve if we adopted the most appropriate position for our bodies, which can vary person to person. This OneHowTo.com article will explain some of the best positions to sleep, according to several studies. We recommend that you analyse your sleeping habits and that you try different positions to find the one that gives you the best night's sleep to avoid sleep deprivation.

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Steps to follow:
1

Many experts say that the best position for sleeping is on your back, with your arms by your side. Apparently, this position is relaxing and doesn't put any pressure on our organs; therefore, it's the most restful position. However, this position increases the intensity of snoring for those who are prone to it. As snoring may lead to sleep apnea, it is best to avoid it. Studies have shown that if we remain in this position and for many hours, then we're likely to wake up with a sore back.

How To Find The Best Positions For Sleeping - Step 1
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The fetal position has always been widely recommended by the experts. It seems to be another position more suitable for a good night's sleep and the most appropriate for those who suffer sleeping problems, such as sleep apnea (a condition where you have trouble breathing while you sleep), as air can circulate better through the body in this position, which helps you to sleep better. In addition, it's the best position for the backbone to rest and remain in a good position.

How To Find The Best Positions For Sleeping - Step 2
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3

One of the positions least recommended for sleeping is on your stomach, despite the number of people who prefer this position. The reason why sleeping on your stomach isn't recommended is that it forces the neck to rotate, which can cause pain in the neck, back or shoulders. Sleeping on your stomach also puts pressure on the pelvis, knees and, obviously, on the stomach. If this is the case with you and you like to sleep in that position, we recommend that you try sleeping on your side or on your back. You'll see that your sleep becomes much more restorative.

How To Find The Best Positions For Sleeping - Step 3
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If you sleep on your side, which is thought to be one of the best positions for sleeping, it's recommended to sleep on your right side. According to various studies, sleeping on your right side helps prevent the risk of a heart attack and makes you less likely to suffer from nightmares.

How To Find The Best Positions For Sleeping - Step 4
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However, it's best for pregnant women to sleep on the left side because this prevents the inferior vena cava from being obstructed, allowing blood and oxygen to flow more easily to the baby. Also, during the third trimester of pregnancy, pregnant mums will likely have to place a pillow between their legs to sleep better.

How To Find The Best Positions For Sleeping - Step 5
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In addition to the appropriate sleeping positions, other important elements when it comes to sleeping well are the pillow and the mattress. Contrary to popular belief, there are specialists that recommend not using a pillow when sleeping, but many people probably wouldn't feel comfortable sleeping without one. In any case, you should opt for a good pillow, one that's not too hard, to avoid damaging the neck, and not too soft, to prevent neck and shoulder pain.

And as for the mattress, it's important to choose a firm one to protect the spinal column and allow for a restorative night's sleep.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to How To Find The Best Positions For Sleeping, we recommend you visit our Mental health category.

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How To Find The Best Positions For Sleeping