Looking At Sleeping Positions
We spend over one third of our lives asleep but how often do you stop to think about what is the best sleeping position? We all have our favourites and rarely change them across the years. Each sleeping position has it’s own benefits and there are those who also believe that you can infer what a person is like by studying how they lie in bed.
Lying On Your Side
The most popular position used by over half of us. There are two main variations, the recovery and fetal positions.
The Recovery Position
On your side with legs outstretched this is similar to the recovery position used in medical emergencies.
What it is good for? There are a number of medical conditions associated with stomach acid splashing up the oesophagus ( the tube between the mouth and the stomach).This is also known as acid reflux or gastro-oesophageal disease).This sleeping position helps prevent these problems and in addition sleeping on your left side does this better than on your right side.
What is it bad for? Nothing really. If you have continuing acid reflux problems then try propping up your head on more pillows.
Fetal Position
Curled up like a baby it is the most common sleeping position with just over 40% adopting this. Women are twice as likely to use the fetal position.
Good for people with lower back pain. The curled position takes the pressure off the spinal discs. But take care to ensure that your neck is kept in alignment with your spine.One final point is that when you lie on your side it can be beneficial to use a pillow to support your upper leg. Other variations include the yearner position which is common to 1 in twelve sleepers. This is on your side with both arms outfront and is associated with open natured people who, however, can be stubborn. Another variation is the log sleeper, which is on your side but with arms down by your sides.Associated with social people who can be gullible.
Lying On Your Back
The Sunbather,Soldier Or Corpse Position
The sunbather position is on your back with your arms by your side. One in twelve people sleep this way.
What is it good for? Often suggested for those with lower back pain in a similar approach to that used by the Alexander technique. But note that the foetal position is more often recommended for back problems.
What is it bad for? Snoring and breath problems.The muscles in your tongue and jaw are relaxed. The jaw and throat then sag under the influence of gravity.This means that the throat becomes narrower which then causes snoring. If you are overweight then the extra fat in the front of the neck will exagerate the effect.Also lieing flat on your back means that the stomach contents can work their way back up your gullet.
What does it say about you? Used by quiet and reserved people who do not like fuss at all.
A variation is the starfish where you lie on your back with your arms up and around the pillow. Seen in one in twenty people it is associated with people who make good friends and are good listeners.
What is it bad for? Basically snoring.
What does it say about you? Tough on the outside and sensitive inside.Typically shy people but will relax over time.
Lying On Your Front
Freefall Position
Freefall position is on your front with your hands around the pillow.
What is it good for? Digestion.Approximately one in fifteen people will sleep like this and it is associated with gregarious and brash people who do not like either extreme situations or criticism.
Sleeping with your partner.
Spooning
The most popular arrangement where one person ( usually the lady) cuddles into the back of the other person.
What is it good for?Stress reduction and comforting.
What is it bad for?Because the position can end up being dictated by someone else you can end up with more aches and pains in your joints. Potentially you might also have a lighter night’s sleep.
What Else Do We Know About Sleeping Positions?
Most people have at least one arm or leg sticking out of the duvet and only 10% will cover themselves entirely.A survey by Travelodge found that half of all couples prefer ro sleep back to back with just over half of these not touching. Spooning was the next most popular position for couples and it is much more common for the woman to cuddle into the man. The archetypal Hollywood position which has the woman’s head and arm on the man’s chest was used by only 4% of couples.
Conclusion
Everyone must choose the sleeping position which is best for them but beware that there are benefits associated with each way you choose to lie in bed.
This article was written by Mike Holly who has been researching private education in England.
I am a chiropractor. I have problems when i sleep myself. I often like to sleep on the floor if I am at a family members house or a friends house or at a hotel. Sometimes, its just better to get some support for the back from a hard surface.
Do you lie on your back when you sleep on the floor? I normally can’t sleep on hard surfaces but will take one over an over soft bed.
Here’s my secret: Memory foam! When I first used memory-foam on my bed, I didn’t like it. It was TOOOO soft. But then, when I put it down on the floor, I realized that it was actually quite cushioning, but not too much. I can sleep on my side and on my back. It really is nice and supportive.
So you just place a memory foam mattress on the floor? Or just a memory foam pad? I think that was the main reason I haven’t gone to one yet-it would be too mushy. Even my chiropractor says that’s why he hasn’t tried it.
Chronic sleep issues are indicative of neurological dysfunction. The pain, discomfort, apnea and insomnia can be resolved naturally. Then you can choose whatever mattress or pad you like best. Try a chiropractic neurologist.
I have never heard of a chiropractic neurologist before. Would you be interested in guest posting an article about what distinguishes your field from chiropractic and traditional physicians? I would really like to hear more about your specialty.