Sleep is one of the most important and healthiest things we can do for our bodies. During rest, our bodies are repairing and regenerating cells that maintain our health. It is imperative that we use good posture when we are sleeping to prevent aches and pains in the morning.
Sleeping on your back or side are the best positions to use. When lying on your back, your body is supported evenly. This equal support allows even blood flow to all areas of your body and maintains equal muscle lengths. Try to maintain a neutral spinal posture by using pillows that are not too thick or too thin. If the pillows are too high, it can create muscle imbalance and joint immobility in your neck or upper back area. When in a side lying posture, use a pillow between your knees to keep the upper leg at the same level in your hip joint. Otherwise, your leg will fall toward the floor, causing a lengthening of the outer leg muscles and shortening of the inner leg muscles. Over time, this can add strain to your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.
If you absolutely cannot fall asleep unless you lay on your stomach, then sleep on your stomach. It is more important that you sleep than how you sleep. Make attempts to sleep in better positions; it may work with some effort. One of the many reasons to avoid sleeping in a prone position is that your head is turned to one side for an extended period of time. Think of the effects of this as walking around with your head turned to the left for two, four, six, or eight hours everyday! Imagine what this is doing to your body. You are creating imbalances in the body. Making small changes in your health everyday will create big changes for a healthier future.
