Friday, October 9, 2009

Healthy Sleep Positions

Do you wake up in the morning feeling tired, achy, or unrested? There are a lot of things that can prevent you from sleeping well, from ill health to bad positioning. If you feel like you have tried everything and you still can't seem to get a good rest, consider the fact that your sleep position might be to blame. Some sleep positions are healthier than others, and changing up the way that you lie down in your bed will help you to wake up rested and refreshed.


Sleep On Your Side


The fetal position is one of the healthier sleep positions. This is simple enough. Lie on your side and bend your knees. Hug a pillow or lay your head on a pillow and sleep that way. When you find that you have changed position during the night, reposition yourself this way. This can keep the strain off of your back and may lead to a more comfortable morning.


Sleep On Your Back


When sleeping on your back, it is important to have some type of cushioning to position yourself properly. Get a good pillow and put it under your legs or under your head to prevent your spine from curving unnaturally on the mattress. While it may not feel uncomfortable when sleeping, improper positioning like this can lead to some very sore mornings.


Sleep On Your Belly


As a rule, sleeping on your belly is not recommended. This position creates an arch in the back that can cause pain and be hard on the lower back. Some people can't sleep any other way---and if this sounds like you, there is a way around it: put a pillow under your pelvis. This can push your back up in the opposite direction and reduce the strain on it.


Why Sleep Positions Matter


There are a lot of different things that can affect the way we sleep. From the position of our bodies to the location of our beds to the temperature in the room, just about everything in our sleeping environment can have an effect on your sleep. Good sleep is important to the productivity of our day, and when you wake up feeling rested and comfortable, the chances of a happy and productive day are increased.


Maybe It's Not Your Position


In the end, if you have experimented with numerous positions and you still can't seem to get the kind of sleep you think you need, consider the fact that it may not be your sleeping position. Consider changing your mattress or moving the position of your bed. If that still doesn't work, consult your doctor about your sleeping problems and see if they have a more sound remedy for you.

Tags: Sleep Your, under your, consider fact, consider fact that, fact that, fact that your