Official reports state that one in three people suffer from sleep loss in the UK. The reasons are varied. The hectic schedule that comes along with every busy day, taking unfinished work home, stress, computers, and many more. All of these contribute to dozens of sleepless nights.

Some have solved the problem by making a few adjustments in their lifestyle, while others found help with supplements or medications. Recent studies, however, have proved that sleeping position can impact your ability to sleep.

Sleep Position and Sleep Quality

The London Sleep Center’s medical director, Dr. Ebrahim, said that sleeping position could affect the quality and length of sleep. It also has an impact on how you feel after waking up.

best sleep position for a good night's sleep
best sleep position for a good night's sleep wokandapix - Pixabay

The National Sleep Foundation said that the most conducive in getting a good night’s rest is by sleeping on your back. According to the organization, this allows the neck, spine, and head to be in a neutral position. Having this posture means zero pressure in the spine to head areas, reducing the risk of experiencing pain.

NSF also noted that facing the ceiling when sleeping can help ward off acid reflux. You just have to make sure that you use a good pillow that can elevate and provide your head with good support. The level of your stomach should be below the esophagus to avoid acid or food from going up the digestive tract.

If you habitually snore, however, this position may be hazardous as it can cause your tongue to obstruct the breathing tube. This is particularly true for persons who have sleep apnea.

Sleep on Your Side

To minimize the risk, you may want to sleep on your side to open up your airways and stop snoring. This position is also the best for pregnant women. Bear in mind though that it can put a lot of pressure on your shoulders and lower back.

Making some changes in the diet before bedtime can also impact the ability of a person to sleep soundly. Recent studies show chamomile tea can help a lot in getting a good night’s rest because of its sleep-inducing properties. Researchers say that chamomile tea is rich in the antioxidant called apigenin. This natural product has been observed to bind to some brain receptors that promote drowsiness.