The Hidden Health Issues Caused By Your Sleeping Position
Snoozing isn’t just about counting sheep. It’s also about counting the risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. There is more to your sleeping position than what meets the eye. Your bedtime habits have much greater implications than you might think.
There are numerous hidden health risks associated with your sleep position that you need to know about. Your sleeping style can increase the risk of back pain, neck strain, and posture issues. Even more surprising — it could even lead to negative effects on your blood pressure or heart rate. Before you turn in tonight, take note of your current sleeping positions.
Back problems and discomfort
When you’re sleeping on your back, you are putting a lot of strain on your muscles and joints. This can cause discomfort, as well as potential back problems. If you have weak muscles in your back, this position will push your spine and ligaments to their limit. If they aren’t strong enough to support you, you’re likely to feel back pain.
While there are plenty of ways to combat back issues and discomfort, try hemp-derived Delta 9 to relax a bit before going to bed.
Stomach problems and discomfort
Sleeping on your stomach has plenty of hidden health issues as well. Again, these are caused by putting pressure on your body unnaturally. First, sleeping on your stomach compresses the muscles and nerves that run from your spine and down the arms. This can lead to discomfort, especially in the shoulders and the arms.
Fortunately, you can combat this by propping up your upper body with folded-up pillows. Doing so will lift the weight off of these nerves and muscles and allow them to rest more comfortably. Sleeping on your stomach also increases pressure on your abdominal organs. This can lead to discomfort and difficulty with digesting food. If you suffer from chronic indigestion or stomach pain, you may want to try sleeping on your side instead.
Respiratory problems
Did you know that it’s possible to develop respiratory issues by sleeping in the wrong position? If you sleep on your back and leave your mouth open, you are putting yourself at risk of developing issues with:
• snoring,
• sleep apnea,
• and a build-up of phlegm and mucus in your throat and airways.
If you sleep on your stomach and leave your mouth open, you can also put yourself at risk of developing an obstructed airway. All of these issues can be extremely hard to deal with and very disruptive to your sleep. Fortunately, you can combat these issues by propping your upper body with pillows. Doing so will keep your mouth closed when you sleep and allow air and mucus to flow freely through your throat and lungs.
Mental health issues
Sleeping on your side is one of the best positions for your mental health. This position allows your body to rest naturally, which has a positive impact on your mental health.
If you sleep on your side, you will likely find that your sleep is far more restful and consistent. This will help you to feel refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead, rather than groggy and tired. If you sleep on your side, you will help to prevent all sorts of mental health issues, including insomnia and nightmares.
What’s the best sleeping position?
When all is said and done, the best sleeping position is the one that feels most relaxing to you, minimizes the pressure on your body, muscles, and joints, and allows you to rest the most comfortably.
