The benefits of side sleeping are well documented. Side sleepers reduce their risk of developing gastroesophageal reflux disease and have fewer problems with back and shoulder pain. This article will highlight on few important points like – What is a side sleeper? But what is the most important benefit of side sleeping? Read on to discover more!
Side Sleeper
So, what is a side sleeper? A side sleeper is someone who sleeps either on their left or right side, not facing the ceiling or the bed. If you like keeping pillows at your side and hugging them cross leg while asleep then you are a side sleeper.
While sleeping on your back has for quite some time been believed to be the ideal sleeping position, research shows that side sleeping can have similarly many benefits. Listed below are some benefits for side sleepers.
Benefits of side sleeping
- Avoid Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease
Many experts agree that side sleeping is the best way to prevent gastroesophageal reflux. The esophagus is positioned higher on the left side than on the right, and gravity allows the acid to return to the stomach faster. Because the acid is lower on the left side, gaseous and liquid reflux from the stomach is less likely to be bothersome and more manageable.
It is also important to know that the right side is less prone to acid reflux than the left. However, some people report that sleeping on their left side makes the condition worse. Left-side sleepers may also experience bile or gallbladder reflux, which is different from acid reflux. Although it is not a definitive answer, it is a good option for many people. The right sleeping position may be the best option for you.
A special pillow can be useful for preventing acid reflux. It elevates the head of the bed, relaxing the esophagus and preventing acid reflux. Side sleepers should try to switch to a side-facing position. If this does not work, you may have to find another sleeping position to avoid acid reflux.
- They Reduce The Risk of Back Pain
As side sleepers, you need a soft or medium-firm best mattress type, but you can also use a firmer one. A soft mattress will help you feel comfortable in bed and won’t make your hips sink into your bed. Medium-firm mattresses help you avoid spinal misalignment. They can also help you sleep more soundly and reduce back pain. However, there is some debate over whether a medium-firm mattress is better for your back.
Research suggests that side sleepers have lower risks of back pain than back sleepers. However, you should still visit a doctor to determine whether you have any other orthopedic issues. If you suffer from back pain, your daytime posture is also a factor. Poor posture during the day can lead to muscle tension, weakness, and pain during the night. It’s best to sleep on your side when you can avoid bending your back.
- They Reduce The Risk Of Shoulder Pain
Proper alignment of the spine supports the structures of the shoulder joint. Side sleeping puts added strain on the rotator cuff and can cause pain. Aside from having a proper sleep position, side sleeping also involves the use of three pillows: one under the head and neck, one in between your knees, and one in front of the stomach. These pillows can reduce the risk of shoulder pain. And because they are placed in the right positions, they’re highly beneficial in reducing pain in the shoulder area.
Another benefit of side sleeping is that it helps reduce pressure on the lower back. While side sleeping reduces the likelihood of developing shoulder pain, it may also lead to wrinkles and back pain. It’s also difficult to reverse the effects of side sleeping on your body’s posture – the same is true for shoulder pain. Fortunately, there are several types of side sleeping positions that can reduce your risk of shoulder pain and discomfort.
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain caused by sleeping on your side, you should consult your primary care physician. They can perform a thorough examination of your shoulder to determine whether a specific cause is at work. In most cases, the pain is caused by a torn rotator cuff. If it’s a rotator cuff tear, the treatment will likely involve surgery. In this case, your physician will recommend a different approach.
- They Avoid Shoulder Pain
Sleeping on your side helps ease acid reflux and snoring, as well as align your spine and shoulders. But there are also drawbacks, and side sleepers are prone to shoulder pain. One of these is the pressure on the shoulder from the mattress. A firm or too soft mattress can cause pain. If you are one of these people, here are some tips to prevent shoulder pain.
Side sleepers who suffer from shoulder pain may want to consider sleeping on their backs instead of on their sides. This position can be difficult to sleep in due to the underlying shoulder pain. However, a good mattress can support the neck, armpit, and leg without creating extra pressure. Also, a pillow underneath the head can help reduce stiffness. If you are a side sleeper, a softer mattress is the best way to avoid shoulder pain.
- They Reduce Sleep Apnea
If you had been wondering how to treat sleep disorders, then you got the answer here. According to research, sleeping sideways, especially on the left side lessens sleep apnea, and considerably more than sleeping on the right. It provides easy flow blood flow and limits the possibilities of air passage obstacles which can lessen the number of apneas that you experience every night.
Wrap up
While many benefits have been cited above on side sleeping, the most interesting fact about side sleeping is that it helps prevent snoring while you are asleep. So, if you are a loud snorer try sleeping sidewise for peaceful all-night sleep for you and obvious reasons for others either sleeping next to you or in your neighborhood.