Sleeping Positions and Gut Health

We must be active and productive most of the time if we want to survive in this fast-paced, fiercely competitive world. Many people take care of their health by eating well, jogging in the park, or going to the gym to remain physically and mentally well. However, one of the crucial rituals is still getting enough sleep.

The most vital component for good health is sleep. It is as essential as water and as significant as oxygen. We toil tirelessly every day. We all need sound sleep when we get tired from a hectic schedule. For an entire rest, we also have to identify the correct sleeping positions, which apart from giving us mental peace, makes us feel relaxed and keeps us healthy.

Getting sufficient sleep and attempting to build a sleep routine are the two aspects of sleeping patterns that matter most. A change of position could be helpful for someone with sinus or snoring concerns.

If we don't know about proper sleep, then the following health-related problems happen-

• One of the harmful impacts of the wrong sleeping position has occurred on our digestion system. It causes gas problems, indigestion, and acidity.
• It gives us neck, back, and shoulder pain and affects our spine.
• Sleeping in the wrong positions causes you mild to severe headaches. Also, sometimes it becomes the reason for your mental disturbance.

Sleeping Positions for gut health

Leftie is the way!

Sleeping on the left side is the best position for your health. It is scientifically proven that one who sleeps in the left-side place has fewer health-related problems. The health advantages of sleeping on your left side are giving you mental peace and proper digestion. Our internal symmetry is imbalanced, even though our external balance is mostly symmetrical. Our system can direct and process waste.

Resting on your left side at night is prudent to lessen heartburn and allow gravity to move waste down your guts. To avoid shoulder pain, you may change sides per your needs. Placing one pillow between your legs and holding the other for support elevates your level of sleep.

Why should you sleep in the left position?

• It aids the digestive system. It helps our ileocecal valve, which is situated in our lower right abdomen, allows our small intestine to pass the waste to our large intestine.
• It reduces heartburn. Research suggests people who sleep on the left side have decreased cases of heartburn as compared to those sleeping on the right side.
• Sleeping on our sides may be beneficial because we also have filth in our heads. This brain detoxification may reduce your risk of getting Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and other neurological conditions.
• When you sleep on the left side, your tongue is less likely to slip down your throat and partially obstruct your airway.
• Side sleeping may improve your bed companion compatibility and improve sleep.

Sleep straight for pain relief

Sleeping on your back helps in numerous ways. First of all, maintaining proper spinal alignment is simpler. A spine position can also relieve stress from the jaw or shoulder, which lessens tension headaches related to those areas. By minimizing compression and pain from previous injuries or other chronic diseases, sleeping on your back may help relieve discomfort.

Lay flat with your arms in a goalpost shape and your legs hip-width apart. Use a pillow to raise your knees.

Benefits of sleeping at your back

• It helps to protect your spine, and it can also aid in easing hip and knee pain.
• It reduces tension and headache.
• It improves spinal alignment.
• Lowering pressure and compression aids in relieving nasal congestion and benefits chronic ailments.
• It prevents lines, wrinkles, and skin irritation on the face.

Sleeping on your stomach

The posture of sleeping on your stomach might be last on the list if we had to rank sleeping positions. Although it's a favorable position for sleep apnea or snoring, the advantages don't go very far.

Your neck and back may get harmed if you sleep on your stomach. It could be putting a lot of needless tension on your muscles and joints, making you feel uncomfortable and fatigued when you wake up. Think about placing a pillow beneath your lower tummy to relieve back pain.

Benefits of sleeping on the stomach

To make lying on your stomach more pleasant and less demanding on your neck, try doing it with a thin head cushion or even without one. You can also try placing a pillow beneath your pelvis to relieve lower back pain.

Sleeping on your stomach naturally maintains your airway open. Recognizing that doing so can lower your risk of snoring and sleep apnea is essential.

Reviewing all these positions, you will quickly get the point that sleeping on the stomach is not a wise decision. And if you face digestion problems, sleep on the left side. It depends on how you are feeling right now. There is no need to change your routine if you do not experience regular aches and pains or concerns with snoring, sleep apnea, acid reflux, or GERD. In this situation, you might already be getting the finest sleep possible and probably in a comfortable position.

On the other hand, if you frequently wake up with neck and back pain, your sleeping position is likely to be to blame. To have a better night's sleep and prevent any long-term problems for yourself, try to switch up your sleeping posture. Hugging a pillow might make the transition from the stomach to side sleeping simpler for some people since it simulates the feel of the mattress against your belly.

The second most crucial factor in excellent or insufficient sleep is your mattress and pillows, so if adjusting your posture doesn't work, you may need to get new ones.

People prefer to stay in one position for longer as they age since pains and physical issues affect how well they sleep. Therefore, choosing the appropriate position is crucial.