6 Sleeping Positions And Their Effects On Your Health

In case you did not know, we spend 25 years of life, on an average, sleeping. Getting enough sleep is vital to our overall well-being, and it offers plenty of benefits. Apparently, your sleeping position affects your health in one way or another.

Elite Readers has compiled a list of sleeping positions that help you understand which one is healthy and which one is not. Below is an in-depth analysis that you might want to keep in mind.

#1. The Soldier Position

Sleeping on your back with your hands at your sides is believed to be best sleeping posture. It is a position that allows your necks, arms, and spine to rest. Above all, it helps you achieve proper posture. Interestingly, the soldier position can be likened to yoga’s Savana pose. It is also perfect for people who suffer from insomnia, as it is proven to cure such condition.

#2. The Starfish Position

This one here is a variation of the so-called back-sleeper position. Here, you like on the back but with your arms up on both sides of your head. It helps rest both of your spine and neck, thus improves your overall posture. More importantly, it reduces the chances of getting headaches after sleeping.

#3. The Log Position

The log position is where you lie on your side while your arms are both positioned downwards (i.e. in a straight line). Experts advise lying on your left side, as it allows your vital organs to achieve the proper resting position. This position is capable of preventing the possibility of back and neck pain. It also greatly reduces sleep apnea and snoring.

#4. The Yearner Position

The yearner position finds you sleeping on your side while your legs are slightly bent. Your arms must also be stretched with your head slightly off-center.

Like the log position, this position is best when you sleep on your left side. Apart from preventing back and neck pains, the yearner position also reduces snoring and sleep apnea.

#5. The Fetal Position

As you can see in the image above, the fetal position involves lying on your side (go to the left) while your knees are kept towards your chest. Your chin must also be titled downwards to achieve greater accuracy. This position is considered the most popular among women, with over 41 percent of them claim to sleep much better with this position. This is perfect for those who snore while sleeping. Interestingly, doctors suggest that pregnant women sleep using the fetal position.

#6. The Freefall Position

It is as simple as sleeping flat on your stomach. Although this is not really the best position on this list, it still has its own pros. For instance, it is proven to help prevent snoring and back and neck pains. For greater results, it is best to lie a bit sideways to your left. Just put a pillow between your mattress and stomach.