What’s your ideal position – for SLEEPING? Pre-back surgery I was a stomach sleeper, and while pregnant, a side-sleeper. Now – definitely a back sleeper. I guess I’ve tried it all. What have I learned? Sleeping on your back is a position that one can adapt to – even if you’ve never been a back sleeper before. So why would someone want to adapt?
Pediatricians recommend that babies sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. That may be due to the health issues for stomach sleepers, which include nasal bacterial load, respiratory breathing difficulties, and upper airway secretions.
It turns out that sleeping on your back can be a solution for a host of health issues like this and more. Back sleeping:
- can keep your back aligned & results in less spinal pain
- may reduce headaches brought on by stress & decreased stress in general
- reduces chest pressure
- can relieve sinus buildup
- can help with acid reflux
- may help with circadian rhythm because you recognize light better.
- may prevent facial irritation and/or non-age-related wrinkles, by reduced friction with a pillowcase or fabric.
- Less eye/face puffiness as fluid doesn’t pool at the face as much
- easier breathing due to less compressed diaphragm
To transition to back sleeping, use pillows that maintain the natural curve of the spine.
