Is sleeping on your side going to give relief from back pain? How about apnea? If you sleep on your side, does your risk of apnea decrease?
Sleeping on your side is considered a good way of getting a good night’s rest. Side sleepers enjoy back alignment and open airways to reduce the risks of apnea and snoring. Your shoulder, pelvis, and knees carry most of your body weight, so a good mattress is needed.
Is it better to sleep on your side or front?
It can be hard to find the most comfortable position for sleeping, and so much depends on your mattress and pillows.
How to sleep on your side without hurting your shoulder requires a good mattress. Memory foam mattresses offer the correct amount of support while allowing your joints to find an equilibrium.
Sleeping on your stomach can relieve the symptoms of apnea. However, you are forced to put your neck in an awkward position, leading to neck discomfort when you wake.
Finding a way to sleep properly on your side is easier than you think but may take a little time to perfect your comfort.
Sleep with a pillow between your knees for comfort and spine support, it’s a comfortable position to be in, and the results will speak for themselves.
Learning how to sleep on your side takes persistence if you have slept on your back or stomach for years, but it’s a great way to sleep, and you can rest well.
Sleeping on your stomach will inevitably lead to middle and lower back pain. The position allows the spine to sag towards the abdomen, and when gravity takes effect, you will feel the unnatural curve of your spine for days to come.
If you sleep on your stomach, you are in the minority of people choosing this sleeping position. Just 10% of the population sleep this way.
If you are pregnant, this is a big no for obvious reasons.
Some ailments such as kyphosis require a different approach to sleeping. How to sleep with kyphosis is the opposite of everything you would do under normal circumstances.
It’s recommended to sleep on your stomach and let gravity act on the spine; you may find additional comfort from placing a flat pillow under your hips.
You can sleep on your side, a pillow between your legs, the correct size pillow for your neck, and a towel roll to support your spine.
How to make side sleeping more comfortable
Side sleepers benefit from a semi-soft mattress. If the mattress is hard and does not move with the body’s contours, sleeping on your side can be painful.
Let’s assume that you have a pillow that fits your neck perfectly when sleeping on your side, but you have pressure points on your shoulders, hips, and knees.
You can use another pillow at your back to lean slightly backward, often removing the pressure from the shoulder. Moving an arm under the pillow does the trick but can lead to pins and needles if the position is prolonged.
Finding how to sleep on a pillow is a helpful trick for protecting your shoulder and will also teach you how to sleep elevated on your side, which has major benefits when suffering from acid reflux or congestion.
The key is a great mattress that can absorb your protrusions while offering support.
If your mattress is soft and absorbing, then your hips will be just fine. If you have a hard mattress, you will be accustomed to the feeling and soon get used to sleeping.
In all cases sleeping with a pillow between your legs not only gives a great deal of comfort and support but also takes the pressure off boney knee joints and prevents waking with sore inner knees.
How to train yourself to sleep in the right position?
Is there such a thing as the correct position? There are many sleeping positions, but they all boil down to the main three, their preferences like the fetal position and all other variants.
If you need to change your sleeping position for any reason, like being on holiday in a camper where you may even need to learn how to sleep sideways if you can’t stretch out in bed.
The main requirements to train yourself are determination and perseverance. In some cases, you may have a medical reason to change your sleeping position.
It’s best to start in the position you wish to adopt, and then if you find yourself reverting to your old sleeping position, correct immediately.
Your brain will soon learn the new method, and as long as it’s comfortable, you will adapt to the new sleeping style.
A well-made mattress is essential for a good night’s sleep and to give the support needed to your joints.
Going to bed relaxed and ready for sleep without distractions is fundamental to training your mind to sleep in your new position.
How to get the best sleep?
So many individuals are house proud from top to bottom, and that’s a great thing. However, what might look great and trendy does not always translate into a good night’s sleep when it comes to the bedroom.
Choose a mattress and pillows designed for sleeping and consider your body type. Are you lean with protruding bones or carrying a little extra weight?
When it comes to mattresses, you should try them out before buying them. If you buy them online, make sure they can be returned if not suitable.
The same with pillows. Pillows are so important, and don’t just select one type. Consider an orthopedic pillow to place between your knees for extra support and comfort.
If you’re sleeping on your side, be aware of the pressure points from your ear down to your ankles. Your sleeping position could be a painful experience without the correct pillows and mattress.
