Is your sleeping position affecting your health?
The position in which you sleep is directly correlated to how you feel the next day. When you immediately wake up you know that you've slept in a strange position, as your body has new aches and pains that can last all day. If you suffer from sinus pain, shoulder pain or even acid reflux your sleeping position could be making the symptoms even worse.
“The wrong sleep position can cause muscle cramping, impair circulation and leave you hurt,” explains Professor Chris Idzikowski Director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service.
Along with a new adopted sleeping position ensure a restful night’s sleep with The Bed Store, we have a wide variety of comfy beds and mattresses that can give you a great night’s sleep every night! Visit our stores in Fareham, Poole, Ferndown, Eastleigh and Bournemouth.
Acid reflux
If you suffer from acid reflux then your sleeping position is actually the key to ease digestion and improve your symptoms. Try lying on your right side while bending your knees and curling your legs towards your upper body, scientifically this should decrease any acid reflux you’re experiencing. “Eating a heavy meal two to three hours before going to bed can cause heartburn. The gullet joins the stomach on the left side so by lying on the right, food can move more effectively through the digestive tract,” Dr John de Caestecker explains who is a consultant gastroenterologist from University Hospitals of Leicester.
Sinus pain
If you suffer from sinus pain or allergies from hayfever or a cold, then lying on your side with an extra pillow under your head is the ideal sleeping position for you. This position actually lets gravity help with drainage from your sinuses, which not only helps you breathe better while sleeping it will hopefully speed up recovery.
Shoulder pain
Shoulder pain can be tricky to alleviate, but there is one sleeping position that is the saviour to your sleepless nights. Although sleeping on your side can both decrease and increase your shoulder pain, it’s how you position your arms which is the key. Lie on your pain-free side then extend your bottom arm in front, while bringing your other arm to hug a pillow to your chest. Make sure your legs are slightly bent also, this position ensures there’s no strain on the network of nerves that controls the arm, hand and shoulder.
PMS
The time of the month is uncomfortable enough without a night of interrupted sleep to put a dampener on your mood. Sleeping on your back is the best position to aid any PMS symptoms causing havoc on your night routine, also put a pillow under your knees so your spine doesn't arch too much and gives your lower body some support. Avoid at all costs sleeping on your front as this puts pressure on your uterus, this will cause more cramping and irritation, not ideal to get a restful sleep.
Contact our team or pop into one of our stores to check out our range of quality beds and mattresses, designed to give you the support you need for a good night’s sleep.
