Your favorite sleeping position is not necessarily a good sleeping position for health. Often a sleeping position that is considered comfortable actually causes aches to sleep disturbances. Therefore, it is important to know the right sleeping position and according to your health condition.
Getting good quality sleep is important for maintaining physical and mental health. In children and adolescents, sleep also plays a role in supporting their growth and development. One of the factors that can improve sleep quality is sleeping position.
A good sleeping position is generally different for each person, depending on the health conditions experienced. Some medical conditions that require special sleeping positions are those who have spinal problems, are pregnant, suffer from acid reflux (GERD), and have allergies.
Although it is difficult to apply it in one night, it never hurts to try to adjust a good sleeping position according to your health condition.
Choice of Good Sleeping Positions for Health
The following are some sleeping positions that are good for health and you can try to apply:
1. Supine
The supine position is a good sleeping position for most people. Sleeping on your back allows your head, neck, and spine to be in alignment. Thus, there is no extra pressure on the body and does not cause pain in certain parts of the body.
Sleeping on your back can prevent acid reflux, but make sure the pillow you use supports your head well. Sleeping on your back is not recommended for people who have a habit of snoring during sleep and suffererssleep apnea.
2. Sideways
The side position is also the sleeping position of choice for many people. This position is thought to optimize waste disposal from the brain and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
Patients with gastric acid and sleep apnea, and mothers who have just given birth are also advised to choose a side sleeping position. However, this sleeping position also has drawbacks, namely making the breasts sag in women, triggering wrinkles on the face, and limiting breathing through the diaphragm.
3. Stomach
The prone position is a sleeping position that only a small number of people are interested in, because this position can add pressure to the joints, neck muscles, and nerves. Positioning the neck only to one side for hours can cause pain, numbness, or tingling.
However, proneness can be a good sleeping position if you have a habit of snoring during sleep and are not suffering from neck or back pain. This position is also not good for maintaining the shape of the breast.
However, if you want to try sleeping on your stomach, it is advisable to put a pillow to support your forehead and position your face or head facing down, not facing left or right. This will allow you to breathe better.
Good Sleeping Positions for Babies and Pregnant Women
A good and safe sleeping position for babies is the supine position. Sleeping on the stomach or side is considered less safe for babies because it can make it difficult to breathe.
In addition, babies who sleep on their side are feared to change their position to prone and are at risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Meanwhile, a good sleeping position for pregnant women is sideways to the left side. This position is good for pregnant women because it can increase blood flow to the placenta and the baby in the womb and prevent the uterus from pressing on the liver.
If pregnant women feel uncomfortable with the left side sleeping position during pregnancy, occasionally change the side to the right position to reduce pressure on the left hip. Pregnant women can also put a pillow under the back to reduce soreness.
You can try to apply a good sleeping position above and adjust it to your health condition. If you have trouble sleeping or have trouble sleeping, don't hesitate to consult a doctor so that the cause can be identified and appropriate treatment taken.