Are you a die-hard stomach or side sleeper who can’t imagine sleeping on your back? Lots of us are, but it turns out, snoozing on your back might be an easy, low-cost fix for everything from sleep issues to health concerns.
Here are a few benefits to back sleeping that may convince you to give it a try:
- It may reduce back and neck pain- Sleeping on your back helps reduce pressure on your spine as it mimics standing up straight. According to onestudy, sleeping on the back with both hands at the sides or on the chest is the best way to prevent pain.
- It may improve breathing- Laying on your belly or side could crowd your breathing space by compressing your diaphragm, which makes breathing more shallow.Researchshows slow, deep breathing boosts production of melatonin, a hormone that promotes relaxation and brings on sleep.
- It may reduce breakouts- Pillowcases absorb oil from the skin and hair, as well as residue from products we use and all of that can be easily transferred to the face while sleeping, which can lead to breakouts. But if you’re snoozing on your back? Your face is away from the pillowcase and the stuff that can irritate skin.
- It may prevent wrinkles and lines- Sleeping on your face can pinch and pull the skin, and that friction can result in wrinkles. And by back sleeping, you avoid that face-to-pillow contact and the lines it could cause.
- It may prevent tension headaches- Sleeping on your back takes pressure off your head and by keeping your head, neck and spine in a neutral position, you reduce pressure and avoid pain.
- It may help you wake up more easily- When you’re on your back, your face is up and you notice changes in light more. As the sunlight beams into your bedroom, it signals that it’s time to wake up, which may help you rise and shine.
Source:Healthline