What your sleeping position says about your mental health?
Recent findings suggest that sleeping in the wrong position can have a negative impact on your mental health and wellbeing. Research has shown that certain sleeping positions can lead to more relaxed nights, less stress and improved mental health. In this article, we will discuss how different sleep positions impact mental health and offer some advice on how you can find the right sleep position to maximize your mental wellbeing.
How Different Sleep Positions Impact Mental Health
There are four common sleep positions, each with its own benefits and risks. Research suggests that sleeping on your side can be beneficial, as it helps to keep the spine aligned and reduce the amount of pressure applied to your neck and back. This can help to reduce tension and lower stress levels, leading to improved mental health. However, sleeping on your stomach can put undue pressure on your neck and spine which can be detrimental to your mental wellbeing. It is recommended to avoid sleeping in this position.
Benefits of Sleeping on Your Side
Sleeping on your side can help keep your spine in alignment, reducing back and neck tension which in turn can reduce stress levels. Additionally, sleeping on your side can also help to reduce acid reflux, improve circulation and help with digestion, which can all play a role in improving mental health. Studies further suggest that sleeping on your left side may be particularly beneficial in promoting better mental health.
Risks of Sleeping on Your Stomach
Sleeping on your stomach can put too much pressure on parts of your body, such as your neck and spine. This extra pressure can lead to discomfort and tension which can affect your sleep quality and lead to increased stress levels. Additionally, some evidence suggests that sleeping on your stomach may be linked to poor posture, which can create further tension in the body.
Benefits of Sleeping on Your Back
Sleeping on your back can help reduce tension in the body since it removes the pressure from your neck and spine. Furthermore, sleeping on your back can minimize the chances of snoring and sleep apnea, helping to improve overall sleep quality.
Risks of Sleeping on Your Back
Sleeping on your back does have some risks associated with it such as lack of support for your head and neck. Additionally, some people find that they snore more when they sleep in this position. Furthermore, those who struggle with back and neck pain may find that this position exacerbates the pain.
Benefits of Sleeping on Your Left Side
Sleeping on your left side has been found to be particularly beneficial for mental health. A study published in The Journal of Neuroscience revealed that sleeping on the left side of the body produces more active beta brain waves which are associated with positive moods. Additionally, sleeping in this position helps keep your heart elevated which helps with circulation and digestion aiding in improved mental wellbeing.
Risks of Sleeping on Your Right Side
Sleeping on your right side can be detrimental to mental health, as it presses down onto the lungs and heart, squashing them and impeding circulation. Additionally, sleeping on one’s right side puts an added pressure onto the stomach and intestines, which may worsen digestive issues and cause discomfort.
The Link Between Sleep Position and Mental Health
Recent research indicates that sleeping posture or position can have a direct impact on mental health. Studies have shown that sleeping on one’s side or back provides greater support to the spine, neck, and other areas of the body which may allow for greater relaxed nights leading to lower stress levels. Furthermore, certain positions may be more beneficial than others. For example, research suggests that sleeping on one’s left-side may be particularly beneficial in promoting positive mental health.
How to Improve Your Mental Health Through Better Sleep Posture
The best way to improve your mental health through better sleep posture is to find a position that is comfortable for you but also provides support for the spine, neck, and other areas of the body. Additionally, you should try to avoid sleeping on your stomach if possible as this position may put extra strain on these areas. Finally, be sure to change positions often throughout the night if necessary so that different areas of the body get equal time for rest and relaxation.
Tips for Finding the Right Sleep Position for Optimal Mental Health
For optimal mental health while you sleep, it is best to find a position that is comfortable but also one that provides adequate support for the spine, neck, and head. You should also consider adjusting your pillow or mattress if necessary to ensure that you are getting sufficient support throughout the night. Additionally, it is important to switch positions during the night if needed in order to lend different parts of the body equal time for rest and relaxation.
Steps to Take if You’re Struggling with Poor Mental Health Despite Good Sleep Posture
It’s possible for one to have good sleep posture but yet still struggle with poor mental health due to a variety of other factors. If you find yourself in such a situation, it is important to identify what may be causing the issue. Common causes of mental health issues are stress, lack of exercise, poor nutrition and insufficient rest. If you think any of these factors may be contributing to your mental state then it’s important to take steps to address them. This could mean making changes to your diet, exercising more regularly or taking more time to rest and relax during the day. If you are still struggling then it is important to seek help from a qualified professional.
