Sleep is an absolutely vital part of staying healthy and having the energy to live a full and productive life. I've heard that getting between seven and nine hours is necessary to make that happen. But with all of the focus on how much sleep we are getting, it never dawned on me that our sleep positions might play an equally important role for our health.
Experts reveal that specific sleep positions can be extremely helpful for improving specific areas of our health — from alleviating back and neck pain to getting rid of a sinus infection.
Scroll through below to see exactly how each sleep position can have a positive impact on a precise part of our health and bodies. I had no idea the key to lowering my blood pressure might actually be to sleep with my face down instead of up!
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Which of these health-improving sleep positions has worked for you? Do you have any other recommendations on great positions to help alleviate pain and illness?
1. For Back Pain
When it comes to back pain, you may sometimes need to simply sleep in the position that works best for you.
WebMD recommends that you try this simple on-your-back method to alleviate or reduce back pain.
They write, "When sleeping on your back, place a pillow under your knees. You also can put a small, rolled-up towel under the curve of your back."
2. For Shoulder Pain
First and foremost for shoulder pain, make sure you sleep on your good side, not putting weight on your bad shoulder.
Women's Health Magazine recommends lying on your "pain-free side, with your legs slightly bent" while you hug a pillow to your chest. Then, also place a second pillow between your knees.
For those who are unfortunate enough to have pain in both shoulders, simply sleep on your back with your arms at your sides.
3. For Sinus Trouble
For those battling against sinus issues, your sleep position can either alleviate or aggravate your condition.
According to Harvard Medical School, "Sleep with your head elevated. Mucus pools in your sinuses at night when your head is down, so have your head propped up during sleep."
4. For Headaches
Not only can the right sleep position help your headaches, but a bad sleep position could be making them worse.
According to Hub's health expert, "I used to suffer from daily headaches until I realized that I was twisting my neck when I slept."
The answer? They suggest sleeping on your back with pillows surrounding the head to prevent it from turning during the night.
5. For PMS Pain
The painful and uncomfortable symptoms associated with PMS can actually be somewhat alleviated at night, helping you to get a solid night of sleep.
According to Women's Health Magazine, "Get your best PMS shut-eye on your back. Place a pillow under your knees to keep your spine from arching too much."
6. For High Blood Pressure
Those with high blood pressure should definitely discuss a course of action with their doctor, but sleep position may be one easy way to get started.
WebMD reports a study by Ehime University School of Medicine in which men's blood pressure was measured while they rested face up and face down.
They write, "The men's overall blood pressure went down slightly — but significantly — when the men rested face down."
7. For Digestion Trouble
Tummy problems are never any fun, especially if they are preventing you from getting a good night's sleep.
The experts at Skin Sheen write, "Sleeping on the left side helps in better digestion."
They go on to say that even better "is to add a pillow between the knees while sleeping."
8. For Neck Pain
To alleviate your neck pain at night, a towel might hold the key!
According to PainPhysicians.com, "For neck pain, it is helpful to use a small rolled-up hand towel right under the neck for added support.
"The towel can be placed inside the pillowcase to help it stay in place."
9. For Heartburn
Of course, heartburn sufferers know that this uncomfortable burning sensation can make life difficult and sleep nearly impossible.
Dr. David A. Johnson tells WebMD that it's best for you to sleep on the left side of your body.
As an easy way to remember, he suggests this memory trick: "Right is wrong."
These nine simple sleep positions can have a hugely positive impact on our health!
Which of these positions do you swear by? What other health-positive sleep positions did we miss?
*Disclaimer: The advice on LittleThings is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
