What side is best to sleep on for stomach?
When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, having the right sleeping position is vital for comfort and healthy wellbeing. If you sleep on your stomach, you may have been wondering which side is most beneficial for you. In this article, we will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of sleeping on your stomach, as well as which side is best for a stomach sleeper.
Benefits of Sleeping on the Right Side
Sleeping on your right side can be beneficial for those who suffer from acid reflux or heartburn. When a person sleeps on the right side of their body, stomach acid can naturally move out of the stomach and back into the esophagus. Thus, sleeping on the right side can help to reduce the symptoms of these conditions.
In addition to helping with acid reflux and heartburn, sleeping on the right side can also help to improve digestion. This is because the right side of the body is the location of the ascending colon, which is responsible for moving food through the digestive system. By sleeping on the right side, the ascending colon is able to move food more efficiently, which can help to improve digestion.
Benefits of Sleeping on the Left Side
For stomach sleepers, the left side of the body may offer some additional benefits. Studies suggest that sleeping on the left side during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy can help improve blood flow to the baby while reducing the risk of stillbirth. Additionally, sleeping on the left side helps to reduce the pressure on the heart and lungs, which can help increase overall circulation.
Sleeping on the left side can also help to reduce acid reflux and heartburn, as it keeps the stomach below the esophagus. This can help to reduce the amount of stomach acid that is able to travel up the esophagus, which can help to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. Additionally, sleeping on the left side can help to reduce snoring, as it helps to keep the airways open.
Pros and Cons of Sleeping on the Stomach
Sleeping on the stomach can provide some health benefits such as reducing lower back pain and helping to reduce snoring or other forms of disturbed sleep. However, sleeping on the stomach can also contribute to back and neck pain due to the unnatural strain put on these areas, or cause stiffness in the hips and upper body. Therefore it’s important to consider all of the pros and cons when deciding which side to sleep on.
Recommended Sleeping Positions for Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers should try to sleep with their head turned slightly to one side. This helps to reduce strain in the neck, shoulders and back while also allowing for more even breathing. Additionally, placing a pillow beneath your pelvis can help to reduce the strain in your lower back and maintain proper spine alignment.
Tips to Achieve Maximum Comfort When Sleeping on Your Stomach
To achieve maximum comfort when sleeping on your stomach, you may want to consider investing in a firmer mattress. This will help reduce strain in your back and neck and help ensure that your spine remains in its natural position throughout the night. Additionally, limit yourself to two pillows – one beneath your head and one beneath your pelvis – for optimum support and comfort.
How to Improve Your Sleep Quality When Sleeping on Your Stomach
In order to maintain your sleep quality when sleeping on your stomach, it’s important to practice good sleep hygiene. Make sure that you are getting adequate amounts of restful sleep each night, limit exposure to bright screens and other electronic devices before bedtime and exercise regularly to improve your overall wellbeing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sleeping on Your Stomach
It’s important to remember that when sleeping on your stomach, you should avoid tucking your chin toward your chest or scrunching up your neck. This can increase stress in your neck muscles and cause headaches. Additionally, it is best to avoid sleeping with extra pillows or other items beneath your head if possible; excessive pillows can disrupt proper spine alignment.
Health Conditions That May Be Affected by Sleeping on Your Stomach
If you suffer from any pre-existing medical conditions such as arthritis or chronic pain, you should consider discussing with your doctor or healthcare provider whether sleeping on your stomach may make a difference. Many of these conditions may be affected by changes in sleeping positions, and so it’s important to consider all of the risks associated with long-term changes to your sleeping patterns.
Further Research & Resources
If you’re looking for additional information about what side is best to sleep on for stomach sleepers, be sure to check out our recommended books, articles and websites. We also suggest speaking with a trusted healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns regarding sleeping positions and their effects.
