Feeling well-rested is a different phenomenon from actually sleeping well. Apart from our dietary and lifestyle habits, there is another major detail that dominates the quality of our sleep and how it affects our health- our sleeping position.
Oblivious to common belief, the position we sleep in plays a very important role as it decides how it affects our well-being and induces other health conditions. Insomnia, anxiety and sleep apnea disorder along with incorrect position, performance productivity and digestive functioning, all of these are dependent on quality of our sleep which is passively dictated by the position we sleep in.
Sleeping on abdomen should be your last choice of sleep. Our spine loses its natural alignment in this position. Sleeping on abdomen can lead to severe <!--td {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br#cccccc;}br#cccccc;}br#cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}-->https://theyogainstitute.org/yoga-for-back-pain-10-best-yoga-poses-for-back-pain-relief/ back pain and neck pain. In this position, your chest is not free to expand hence your lungs have to spend more energy, and this can cause exhaustion even after sleep. This might also affect your digestive capacity; hence, one must refrain from its practice.
Sleeping on back has its own advantage and disadvantages. Pregnant women, heavier adul ts and old people should avoid sleeping on back, as it can sometimes aggravate your back pain. People with acid reflux and flatulence should totally avoid sleeping in this position. However, this position can help your neck pain and provided a good support is given by right pillow. Moreover, as far as possible, one must avoid sleeping on back as it can do more harm than good.
Sleeping on sides Among all the position, sleeping on the side is the right position to sleep. It greatly helps your body in sleep. According to Ayurveda, sleeping on left is the best position as it aids digestion. The food flows easily through your system during digestion, hence preventing heart burns and other digestive issues. This position can also prevent and stop snoring. If you feel your right nostril is blocked, then sleeping in this position can open your nostril.
It is also said to be an ideal position for pregnant women with knees be nt. It enables healthy blood flow to fetus, uterus, liver, kidney and heart. This position relieves the pressure from growing belly and greatly helps to reduce the bending in spine. Hence, it is good for people having problems of the lower back. Keeping a pillow between the thighs or knees can give great relief from backaches while we chase our slumber. Sleeping on the left also helps in balancing your body temperature when sleeping in an air-conditioned room.
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Right side too is a good position and gives you almost the same benefit shown for left side; except that it should not be taken after meal, as it would put more pressure in your organs. When your stomach is empty, sleeping in right position can give you a good relaxation. It would help to release blockages from your left nostril. When you sleep on right, left nostril (Chandra-nadi) opens. This position helps in cooling down your body, making it more beneficial.
Sleep makes one third of your life. It plays a very important role in your overall well being and in controlling your energies. Wrong ways of sleeping can lead to varieties of health disorders. Therefore, among all ways of sleeping, be mindful about sleeping on your sides to derive optimal benefits from your good night’s sleep. Namaste!
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