Here's How The Position You Sleep In Is Affecting Your Health

May 04, 2018

We all have our go-to position when we crawl into bed and get cozy. According to research, if we live to 75 years old, we spend 25 of those years unconscious. 25 years is a long time to influence your health.

As it turns out, the position we sleep in can tell a lot about our health.
 

You likely roll all over trying to find a comfortable position. Sleeping on your belly can put misalign your spine, which places a huge strain on your neck and lower back.
 

Sleeping on your back often causes snoring because your airways become narrowed. This position can also create a lot of back pain. To avoid these inconveniences, try wedging a pillow under your knees to preserve your spine's natural curve.
 

WebMD cites that only 8% of people prefer this sleeping position. If you're one of the rare people who sleep like this, you may have deeper psychological issues that cause you to be closed off to others, since you're guarded even when you're not awake.

This is a very sweet but impractical way to sleep, since you're bound to wake up countless times throughout the night whenever your partner shifts. On the other hand, the touching releases oxytocin, the love hormone, throughout your body, which has positive impacts on your stress and wellbeing.
 

Sleeping on your side is one of the best positions, since it reduces snoring. If you snore loudly, you may have sleep apnea, which should get checked out since it can lead to high blood pressure and other complications.
 

Your partner probably hates sharing a bed, but you reap several health benefits. On top of stretching your neck and back, you could also be preventing acid reflux. By keeping your head propped higher than the rest of your body, substances can't travel through your stomach up your throat. 
 

If you're pregnant or have back pain, you should consider sleeping on our side. To help with back pain, stick a pillow between your knees to alleviate some pressure put on your joints. If you're pregnant, consider sleeping on your left! This is the best position to facilitate the transferring of nutrients from your body to your baby.

Compare your sleep position with the rest of your friends to learn who deserves the best sleeper award and be sure to show them this article! 

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!