If we want to lead a healthy life, one of the ‘must haves’ is a good sleep. It is vital to recharge the batteries, so to speak, to keep us fit and energetic. The best period for sleep is nighttime, because it comes naturally to us, but some have to sleep during the day because work demands it.
When we want to rest, we need a good mattress. The good ones don’t come cheap, but you have to consider the costs against the importance of feeling well when you wake up. The lifetime of a mattress is about ten years. Sleep clinics advise to change mattresses every ten year, to avoid problems.
When you wake up feeling sore or broken, and your mattress is new, then you may think of changing your sleeping position. It’s good to know here that our spine isn’t meant to be straight. The spine has three natural curves: one in the lower back, one in the middle of your back, and one near your neck. Paying attention to these curves is vital.
The most common sleeping position is sleeping on your side. Some experts claim that sleeping on your left side can better be avoided, because it will cause damage to your liver and lungs. Well, I’ve been doing it for as long as I live (although I shift positions while sleeping) and am still in perfect health. Having a good mattress can help here!
Sleeping on your right side will make you more comfortable and can help to overcome problems with your hips and spine.
Sleeping on your back is not everyone’s favorite position. Experts – again – differ in their opinion. Some claim that sleeping flat on your back forces your spine into a unnatural position, that can put strain to your muscles, joints and nerves. Others claim that sleeping on your back works wonders for your body. It will give the internal organs more space to breathe. But all of them recommend using a fluffy pillow to prop up under your knees to reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve in your lower back. This position is ideal for people who suffer from pain in the lower back;
A less favored position is sleeping on the tummy. Some experts say that this position is bad for you, since it places pressure on the internal organs. When you sleep like this, your liver, spleen, kidneys, etc. won’t be able to breathe a lot or expand because your ribcage is enduring a lot of pressure. On the other hand, some people have a condition that urges them to sleep this way, especially those who suffer from disc diseases.
As you can see, there are different sleeping positions. They all have pros and cons and it will depend on your good sense to decide which one you’ll use. If you follow this advice and still have problems when waking up, it’s better to go and see a doctor, who can refer you to a sleeping clinic if necessary.
