Sleeping positions and their effect on your health

Have you ever woken up with a sore neck or back? Or how about waking up with a dry throat? If you have experienced any of these, chances are you didn’t have a good night’s sleep. And if one doesn’t have a good night’s sleep, one could feel tired and even cranky throughout the rest of the day. This is why knowing what sleeping position is right for you matters, says Dr. Lisa M. Cannon.

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As one grows up, there are massive changes in the body that affects sleep. Weight, for instance, matters a lot when it comes to finding the right sleeping position. Any woman who’s carried a child for nine months can tell you that sleeping on their backs was painful due to the added weight and the pressure it caused their spines.

The body often shifts to a more comfortable position when sleeping. However, some people sleep through the discomfort, which then translates to other problems. Besides stiff body parts, they could easily develop sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that is often associated with other illnesses like stroke or heart failure, diabetes, depression, and severe headaches.

If you feel like no sleeping position works in giving you a good night’s rest, consider changing mattresses. There are a lot of mattresses out there, several of which are made specifically for certain body types. It could be possible that what you need is a mattress that suits you in terms of stiffness or firmness. If all else fails, Dr. Lisa M. Cannon recommends visiting a sleep clinic as no person should suffer sleeping problems for an extended period.

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon is a New Jersey-based physician. She earned her degree in medicine from New York Medical College. She has board certifications in critical care medicine, internal medicine, and pulmonary disease. Her practice focusses on pulmonary and respiratory medicine and sleep medicine. For similar reading materials, visit this blog.

What constitutes a healthy sleep?

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Sleep is a cornerstone of good health that should never be neglected.  It is vital to both physical and mental wellness, and sleeping well means giving the body the time it needs to recharge and recover for another day.  But what can actually be considered healthy sleep – and how can it be achieved?

Adults, on average, are encouraged to get seven to nine hours of sleep every night.  It should be known, however, that those needs actually vary individually.  Some people, for instance, are at their best with eight hours, while others are well on six hours alongside daytime naps.

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Aside from quantity, quality is a vital factor in determining healthy sleep.  A restful sleep should be free of common disrupters such as noise and daytime light.  Alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco can also affect sleep quality and thus should be avoided. In addition, having a regular sleep routine will help one function properly, ideally waking up at the same time every morning and going to bed at night once sleepy.

Numerous benefits come with healthy sleep, including promoting peak performance and productivity, fighting off infection, and keeping a healthy weight.  It’s also crucial for sharp memory and focus, helping one excel in work or at school.  Healthy sleep balances one’s mood and emotions, and without it, one is more prone to struggle with anxiety and depression.

To achieve healthy sleep one should stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends or during vacations.  Establish a relaxing bedtime routine where the bed is only for sleep, the bedroom is quiet and at a cool temperature, and there’s little to no exposure to bright lights.  Turn off electronic gadgets at least half an hour before bedtime. 

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon graduated from New York Medical College in 1991. She received her pulmonary fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital and was affiliated with Pascack Valley Hospital in Westwood and the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood. She has since focused on developing her own private medical in New Jersey. For more articles like this, click here.