Good Morning Sleepers!
Now that you are awake, do you feel good? Rested? Are you stiff? Do you ache? Has your partner told you that you were snoring or kicking last night?
If you (or your partner because of you) had trouble sleeping last night, or any other night for that matter, it may be due to your sleep position. Yes, that’s right, depending which way your body remains asleep the most during the night, it can predict the quality of your overall sleep as well as the person’s next to you.
According to “the research”, Sixty-three percent of Americans sleep on their side; fourteen percent sleep on their back and sixteen percent on their stomach reports Steven Park, MD, author of Sleep, Interrupted and clinical assistant professor of otolaryngology at New York Medical College in Valhalla, N.Y.
He, and others, also state that Back Sleeping is not advisable for those that snore because the tongue can fall to the rear of the mouth minimizing the airway. More critically, if it “travels” far enough, the tongue may actually block the breathing tube completely causing sleep apnea – a chronic, potentially dangerous occurrence when breathing slows down dramatically or actually stops.
Side Sleeping is preferable and safer because it ensures the airways will remain open. And while the sleeper may still snore, it won’t be as disruptive to others, whether in the bed or, in some cases, even the house.
However, Side Sleeping isn’t fool proof either. Studies have shown that sleeping on one’s LEFT side can relieve heartburn symptoms, while RIGHT-side sleeping makes them worse.
Sleeping on the left side improves circulation to the heart. Doctors recommend that if pregnant, the woman and child will benefit.
I am not sure if one of the negative effects of Stomach Sleeping are true or urban legend, however it has been stated that sleeping face-down causes premature wrinkles. Park does say however, “The smaller the airway in your throat becomes at night, the more likely it is you’re going to sleep on your stomach.”
It’s true, we are all creatures of habit. We will tend to keep doing what we’ve been doing. It’s what is comfortable. However, if you find that you or your bed partner is not rested in the morning, it may be time for a change. It may be difficult at first, but if you find a better sleep position at night, you’ll have a better disposition in the morning.
And, I don’t have to tell you, if there is one thing that Pico Blvd. isn’t short on, it’s mattress stores!
Finally, on this day in history (June 16) – 1960 – “Psycho,” opens in NY. How many people slept well after seeing that movie for the first time?
