Are you currently a back or a side sleeper? Read on since all side sleepers and back sleepers need to read this article.
Side sleepers.
Most individuals are side sleepers with around 63% of people saying that they sleep on their side, although it is tricky to assess precisely how accurate those numbers are.
Side sleeping has a lot of advantages. It is suggested that pregnant women sleep on their left side while carrying a child since it improves their circulation. Good blood circulation is healthy for mother and baby.
Side sleeping is also beneficial to those experiencing acid reflux or heartburn. Because of the location of the stomach and the results of gravity, it's again recommended that they sleep on his or her left side. Doing so stops the acid making its way back up the oesophagus during the night thereby making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Nonetheless, there's also downsides. Side sleeping can cause a condition known as Chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis, or CNH. This is when an individual's ear rubs against the pillow too frequently which results in a very sensitive lesion that is very painful to the touch and makes sleeping difficult. This 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. For additional info on What causes cnh ear pain?
Also, side sleeping can result in shoulder and neck problems and 'dead arm'. The the flow of blood is restricted and can result in pins and needles.
Yet another problem with side sleeping is the inability to wear earplugs while sleeping. Buying a pillow for earplugs can help this. To learn more about sleeping with earplugs visit this web site.
Back Sleepers
Of folks surveyed, only 13% are back sleepers. Doctors do recommend this manner of sleeping, so it is a shame that so few people adopt it. It is great for the spine and neck because your back is kept straight.
There are other benefits to sleeping on one’s back too. If you face isn’t mushed up against your pillow then you are less likely to develop wrinkles! An advantage for all image conscious women out there.
Back sleeping does have its own problems, however.
First, people are far more susceptible to snoring and sleep apnea when they sleep on their backs. In fact; there is such a connection between snoring and lying on your back that doctors actually recommend side sleeping as a treatment for sleep apnea. Sleeping on your back, snoring and sleep apnea are all difficulties particularly associated with the overweight.
Additionally a point has to be made concerning 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 important determinants of health and back sleepers do report lower sleep quality than side sleepers.
Which is better? I’m a side sleeper and I can’t see myself changing any time soon!