Most of us don’t pay much attention to how we sleep: we simply choose a comfortable position and drift off. But you might be surprised to learn that not all sleep positions are created equal, that there are some positions that are simply better for your health. As you sleep, your body is awake. While you rest, the body’s processes can be disturbed or impeded by positions that stress the body in one way or another. This is why Dr. Greenman advises you to work with your patients to explore their own sleep positions and find those most beneficial to their health.
The Fetal Sleeper
The fetal position is the most common sleep position: 40 percent of us sleep on our sides. This position can be beneficial to people who snore. However, sleeping in a fetal position compromises the nerves in your arms and legs because of the lack of support. You can still sleep in this position without compromising your spine and back health if you use pillows to support your back and neck.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers will be happy to know that this position is the healthiest of all three. When you sleep on your back, your spine is properly aligned and supported which means that there is no unnecessary pressure on your body. It’s also a position that can be beneficial for people who suffer from acid reflux if the stomach is in a position lower than the esophagus, as it prevents stomach acid from coming up.
Unfortunately, back sleeping is no good for those who suffer from sleep apnea or snore. These conditions will only be worsened.
Sleeping on Your Stomach
Stomach sleepers unfortunately don’t reap any benefits from this position. This position places a strain on your back and neck, lacks spinal support, and often results in restless sleep. Once you’ve determined your sleep position, make changes if needed.
The DSM Solutions team is here to help you help your sleep apnea patients get the best night’s sleep they can, and improper sleep habits can impede internal bodily functions and place unnecessary stress on the head, neck, back, arms, and legs, impeding their improvement. Encourage your patients’ to begin practicing healthier sleep positions. Your Westlake Village, CA DSM team understands the importance of sleep positions and knows the impact that improper sleep habits have on sleep apnea and overall health. To learn more, contact us today!