Sleep Posture – Which one is the best?

There are some people who don't seem to distinguish the difference in meaning between 'sleep with' and sleep along with'. You know, the word "along" in this context solely is responsible for the "position" you would sleep as you tuck yourself into bed.

And once they do, they understand what they just told you… ouch! It's just as bad as sleeping in an incorrect manner because this leads you wincing in the morning while you nurse a neck ache, back or any other body part ache.

Sleep Posture – Is it important?

Almost all of us have experienced this in our lives when we wake up one morning to find ourselves with a back pain or shoulder ache that refuses to go away.

(God, I know this because I'm dealing with one now, and has pretty shut my ability to workout for the past week or so. And no, I didn't have a floozy with me then – at least, it would have been worth the effort then.)

From a medicinal point of view, since the spinal cord is "normal" when straight, this suggests that sleeping keeping your spinal cord in a normal position is highly advisable.

Curved positions are definitely a no-no because it can lead to a variety of issues that are best avoided…

So, what are the best sleeping postures then, you might ask?

Types of Sleeping Postures

There are three ways that people are used to sleeping in, and they are:

#1: On your back

#2: On your sides

#3: On your stomach

Of the three, #3 is the worst posture to sleep in according to doctors because you not only do you not sleep with a straight back but you have to contend with the increased pressure on your back and neck, finally leading to pressure on your back and neck.

In extreme cases, this leads to the damage of the spine and your central nervous system due to the head being turned to such an extent that it stops the flow of blood and oxygen to your brain.

Bad bad idea! For those of you who are used to sleeping this way, at least place a pillow on your stomach so that it reduces the pressure on your back and neck. And just because you sleep in postures #2 and #3, that doesn't mean what you are doing is right.

So, here is how you can modify these postures 2 and 3 so that you get a good night's rest instead of waking up in the morning as if you've been abused in a night of unmitigated "passion".

How to Sleep Correctly

#2: On your back

The correct way to sleep on your back is to support your neck with a pillow while keeping your knees raised by means of an old pillow.

#3: On your sides

Ensure that you have enough pillow between the ear and the bed so that you don't twist your head in any direction. Also, keep a pillow between your knees so that any leg movement doesn't twist the spine either. Remember, keeping your spine is most important.

Here is an excellent video that explains the reasons why you should opt for these postures instead of sleeping on your stomach.

In Closing

And the distinction between "sleep with" and "sleep along with" still holds water for inanimate objects (um, pillows for instance) as well…