Proper sleep is the best medication. Waking up fresh in the morning after a deep night’s sleep prepares your body for the next day’s challenges. Comparing this kind of sleep with people who suffer from sleep apnea, it’s completely different. Improper sleep for them makes the routine task difficult, and they feel dull and sleepy in the day. Sleeping positions improve the way we sleep, like few have a habit of sleeping on one side while others feel comfortable on their back. Over time, studies have shown that these positions affect an individual’s health. Let’s discuss ahead of the few best sleeping positions for sleep apnea and their effects on the people.
Four best sleeping positions for sleep apnea
Sleeping on the left-hand side
This is one of the best positions to sleep not only if you have sleep apnea, but for everyone. When you sleep on this side, blood flow is smooth throughout the body, which results in smooth breathing and no constrictions. For people suffering from sleep apnea, they have better sleep in this position. To start, you can practice by keeping a pillow that supports your neck and back on this side. Within a few days, you will develop the habit, just with a bit of will power. Sleeping on the left side is graded as the number one method for sleeping.
Sleeping on the right-hand side
If sleeping on the left side doesn’t seem comfortable, try bending on the right side. Not similar to the left side; however, it is also a comfortable position. Sleeping on the sides is recommended by most medical practitioners for people with sleep apnea. The position is suitable for people who have a habit of snoring at night; it reduces snoring and boosts blood and oxygen flow in the body, resulting in a good night’s sleep. However, it is better to discuss your sleeping disorder with trained experts and take their guidance.
Furthermore, remember to sleep straight in this position and not bend. Few people tend to make a fetal position that is not good for the posture and may create neck and back problems at an old age. Use pillows if the need arises; however, maintain your posture while sleeping.
Sleeping on your stomach
If you have sleep apnea and cannot sleep on the sides, try it on your stomach. This position reduces snoring and lets you breathe smoothly while sleeping. However, this method is preferably not encouraged in the long run as it puts stress on your neck, affecting the health. Hence, if you opt for stomach sleeping, be careful with your posture and your pillow’s position.
Back sleeping
Finally, the back or supine position ranked at number four causes snoring. People with sleep apnea might find it difficult to sleep in this position as it blocks their airways and creates resistance to worsening their situation. Hence it is better to choose the other positions and sleep comfortably.
To know more about the best sleeping positions for sleep apnea, talk to us. Contact Sleep & Headache solutions at 832-688-8886 to schedule your appointment.