Health Benefits For Back Sleeping

Did you know that #backsleeping has a lot of health benefits versus sleeping on your side or on your stomach?

Firstly, it promotes proper alignment of the spine, neck, and head, which can help reduce the risk of developing neck, back, or shoulder pain. Sleeping on your back allows the weight of your body to be evenly distributed, minimizing pressure points on joints and muscles.

Secondly, sleeping on your back can benefit your skin. When you sleep on your face, you can develop sleep lines, which are creases that can form on your skin from pressing against a pillow for long periods of time. Sleeping on your back can help prevent sleep lines, reducing the risk of premature wrinkles and skin aging.

Lastly, sleeping on your back can aid in reducing symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn. When you sleep on your back, your head and chest are elevated, which can help prevent stomach acid from flowing back into your esophagus, reducing discomfort and irritation caused by acid reflux.

Sleeping on your side can potentially cause teeth problems in some cases. When you sleep on your side, especially if you rest your face on your arm or hand, you may inadvertently apply pressure to your jaw or temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. This prolonged pressure can result in TMJ pain, jaw discomfort, or teeth grinding (bruxism), which can lead to dental problems over time.

It's important to note that the most comfortable sleep position may vary from person to person, and it's always best to find a sleep position that works best for your individual needs and preferences. If you can't sleep on your back, there are training pillows that can help you.

Light, love and great health,

Patty, ND, CNHP, CHS