News About Sleep

Good News about Sleep:

Science continues to uncover the fascinating role that sleep plays in our lives. From memory-boosting REM cycles to clearing brain toxins while we sleep, researchers are learning more and more about its advantages than ever before.

Though getting enough rest is critical for our wellbeing, many Americans still struggle to get enough. According to a recent survey, one-third of American adults regularly get less than seven hours of sleep per night.

Sleeping on your back

Sleep is essential for your overall health and wellbeing. Not only does it leave you feeling energized during the day, but quality sleep also helps prevent chronic illness. But in order to get enough shut-eye, it's essential that you understand which sleeping position works best for your body type.

According to a new study from the Journal of Sleep Medicine & Research, one of the best sleeping positions is on your back. This position relieves pressure on the spine and neck, helping reduce back pain. Furthermore, keeping your head in a neutral position reduces snoring and increases chances for restful sleep.

You can also use a pillow to elevate your head and maintain its proper position while sleeping. For this, look for either a wedge pillow or memory foam pillow that provides firm enough support but soft enough for you to sink into it comfortably.

If you're not used to sleeping on your back, it may take some practice to feel comfortable. But with persistence, it can help alleviate neck and back pain.

It may be beneficial to try different pillows out to see which ones work best for you. For instance, if you tend to sleep on your back, invest in a high-quality pillow with memory foam and ventilation channels so you can stay cool while sleeping.

Another tip is to place a small towel roll on your lower back, which will fill in any space between your ribs and mattress, relieving pressure from building up. This works especially well for stomach sleepers who often experience discomfort in their lower back due to how they roll their torso.

Before going to bed, try stretching for 20 minutes to improve blood flow to your legs and back. Yoga poses are also great for strengthening the back, shoulders, and neck.

Sleep is essential for overall good health, but the right position can make a difference. If you're suffering from back or neck pain or want to reduce the likelihood of developing wrinkles, try switching up your sleeping position.

Sleeping on your side

Sleeping on your side is a common practice that offers numerous health advantages. It's particularly helpful for people with chronic back pain or sleep apnea, as it helps relieve symptoms. However, changing up your sleeping position can be challenging so start slowly and gradually increase the time spent lying flat.

First and foremost, make sure your mattress provides adequate support for your body. A medium-firm bed will help alleviate pain in your shoulders, hips and spine. Furthermore, make sure the pillow supports your head correctly; placing the head too far back may lead to neck pain in the morning.

One important tip when sleeping is that your spine should always remain neutral, no matter which position you select. This will minimize back pain and guarantee you get a restful night's rest.

One of the primary reasons side sleepers experience back pain is that they haven't adjusted to their proper position. Overextending their spine to compensate for weight can lead to chronic back pain in the long run.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests it may be possible to prevent back pain by sleeping on your side. According to research, people who slept on their side for at least three months experienced less lower back pain compared to those who slept on their back.

Lying on your side can put additional strain on the shoulders and hips as gravity pulls them in towards your mattress. This may lead to pain in these areas.

If you prefer to sleep on your side, placing a pillow between your knees can help straighten your hips and keep them aligned with healthy spine alignment. You could even straddle a pillow for additional support in the lower back area if needed.

Aside from these physical advantages, many scientific studies have linked sleeping on your side with improved brain health. This position can enhance memory, concentration and other cognitive functions; plus it may reduce the risk of neurological diseases like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's.

Sleeping on your stomach

Most people find their most comfortable sleeping position to be on either their side, back, or stomach. No matter the position, chances are you prefer it most of the time.

However, some experts contend that this sleep position may not be optimal for you and could potentially cause serious issues. For instance, it puts undue strain on your neck and back - something which many people worry about.

Additionally, sleeping on your stomach can lead to acid reflux and heartburn as it's harder to maintain an open airway when asleep. As such, this increases the likelihood of acid reflux and heartburn symptoms.

On the contrary, sleeping on your back can protect you from spinal damage and decrease the likelihood of joint pain. Furthermore, it relieves stress in your hips and knees.

Some studies suggest that sleeping on your back may reduce the likelihood of developing early wrinkles. This is because sleeping on your back helps keep oils from your pillow from transferring onto your face, where they could potentially contribute to premature lines and wrinkles.

According to dermatologists and estheticians, sleeping on your back is the best way to get a good night's rest. Additionally, it may reduce your chances of snoring and sleep apnea - two common sleeping disorders that require medical intervention.

If you're thinking about switching up your sleeping position, it would be wise to research the benefits and potential drawbacks before making a final decision. Additionally, there are body pillows designed specifically to keep you in a better sleeping posture such as Cuddler which can help ensure a restful night's sleep.

Another reason why sleeping on your stomach is not recommended is that it places undue strain on your spine and neck. Your back, which bears most of your weight, makes it difficult to maintain a neutral position during sleep. Over time, this stress could result in a herniated disc or pain throughout muscles, joints and nerves.

Sleeping on your stomach can also lead to numbness or tingling in your arms and legs. To minimize pressure points on your head and neck, use a thin pillow when sleeping this way. Additionally, stretching before and after bed helps improve alignment and reduce pain.

Floating in midair

Sleepers' dream has long been to float in midair. Not only does it provide the ideal vantage point for eyes to adjust to sunlight, but it also allows you to take in the scenery while sleeping - you could even catch some of your partner's sleep if they're still present! According to researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, floating has also been linked to improved mental performance and better moods. Furthermore, floating reduces eye strain which may cause headaches or dry eyes. The only downside? You need to pay for it - making it unavailable to everyone.