Do you sleep on your back or maybe your side? If that's the case, what are the implications?
Side sleepers.
Most individuals are side sleepers with around 63% of people stating that they sleep on his or her side, although it is difficult to gauge just how exact that number is. There are certainly many reasons to be a side sleeper. It is recommended that pregnant women sleep on their left side because it improves their blood circulation. This is good for both the mom and the baby.
Suffers of acid reflux can benefit from side sleeping. Because of the location of the stomach as well as the effects of gravity, it's again recommended that people suffering from this condition sleep on their left side. The acid is thereby prevented from coming back up and giving you heartburn in the night.
On the other hand, there's also downsides. Side sleeping can result in what is known as Chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis, or CNH. This is when one’s ear rubs against the pillow excessively which results in a very sensitive lesion which can be very painful to the touch and makes sleeping impossible. That is why doctors recommend a special side sleeping pillow with a hole in the middle in order to free one’s ear from the pressure of a conventional pillow. Such pillows can be bought here: http://www.thepillowwithahole.co.uk/page/sidesleeperpillow
Also, side sleeping can lead to shoulder and neck problems and 'dead arm'. The the flow of blood is restricted and can result in pins and needles.
Sadly, not being able to wear earplugs while sleeping is yet another drawback to side sleeping. This again can be alleviated by getting a special earplug pillow. To learn more about sleeping with earplugs visit this blog.
Back Sleepers
Of people surveyed, only 13% are back sleepers. Doctors do recommend this way of sleeping, so it is a shame that so few people adopt it. It is great for the spine and neck since the back is kept straight.
There are other benefits to sleeping on your back too. If you face isn’t mushed up against your pillow then you're less likely to develop wrinkles! A boon for all image conscious women . Back sleeping does have its own problems, however.
Sleeping on your back can cause snoring. Actually; there is such a link between the two that doctors actually recommend side sleeping as a treatment for sleep apnea. The problem is particularly serious for people that are overweight.
Additionally an important caveat has to be made regarding back sleeping. Just because it is better for the spine doesn’t mean that it is better for your overall health. Sleep quality is one of the most significant determinants of health and back sleepers do experience lower sleep quality than side sleepers.
Which is better? I sleep on my side and won't be changing that stance very soon.
