Why you should sleep on your side – GOOD FORM

Looking for a sleeping position is not always easy, anyone who rolls around in bed all night knows what I’m talking about. However, there is a healthier way to sleep, which not only does not compromise, but also improves your quality of life and this position is of sleep on the left side.

During the day our whole body carries “the world” on its back. The upright and sitting position places an overload on the spine, hips and knees on a daily basis, so sleeping on your side allows the spine to be in a more pleasant position, not increasing discomfort and the possibility of future problems.

Also, adding a pillow between your legs can be even more beneficial. “It is interesting to have a pillow that is the correct height in relation to the shoulder and head with the distance from the cervical spine and also a correct softness in relation to the mattress for a better posture when sleeping”, advises the hip specialist orthopedist, David Gusmao.

ADVANTAGES OF SLEEPING ON THE LEFT SIDE

the physiologist Debora Garcia explains that sleeping on the left side is beneficial for the lymphatic drainage of the central nervous systemto the blood circulation and also facilitates digestion.

Vanessa Pradoa digestive tract surgeon, explains that our stomach is lateralized to the left, and sleeping on the left side it is not compressed, improving food flow, digestion and even the exit of food to the intestine.

Now the neurosurgeon Adriano Scaff and the orthopedist Moses Cohen explain that sleeping on your side is considered an anatomical position, which preserves the curvature of the spine, relaxing the musculature of the lumbar region, being a good position to sleep, since it is functional and relaxing.

How do you sleep? (Sabelskaya/Getty Images)

WHAT ABOUT OTHER POSITIONS?

Choosing other ways to sleep can end up causing some damage.

“When sleeping on your back, for example, despite the joints being able to relax satisfactorily, the spine does not have its curves respected. In addition, this position can also lead to greater risks of problems with snoring and sleep apnea”, says Débora.

The professional also reinforces that sleeping on your stomach is the worst position to sleep. “In addition to also leaving the body straight, there is an aggravating factor which is the need to rotate the neck to be able to breathe. This can cause severe cervical pain and the use of the pillow can further worsen the condition of those who sleep this way. Sleeping on your stomach can even influence your teeth, making them misaligned in the long run,” he concludes.

It is important to point out that it’s never too late to start adopting healthier habits. In the beginning it may be difficult to fall asleep in a position that your body is not used to, but it is worth insisting to avoid future problems, choosing the sleeping position based on your health is extremely important for maintaining well-being.