Best Sleeping Positions

BEST SLEEPING POSITIONS WHAT ARE THE BEST SLEEPING POSITIONS? THE FOETUS Sleeping on side, knees bent, arms out This is the most common position and also the best all-round to keep circulation strong and not put undue strain on core body parts. THE STARFISH Sleeping on the back, legs out, arms out A slightly better position, if you can try to take up as much space as pos- sible, your body will be more relaxed. However there is still a risk of snoring. THE YEARNER Sleeping on side, legs straight, arms out A good position for the back discs, muscles and ligaments. Try not to bend forward too much, as this can lead to a slouch. THE SOLDIER Sleeping on the back, legs straight, arms by side Not advised. This posi- tion has a high risk of snoring, and the tongue can fall to the back of the throat. THE LOG Sleeping on side, legs straight, arms down A good all around posi- tion which keeps the spine in a neutral format. This position can prove hard to maintain, and also cause pins and needles for the arm under the body, so is not as good as The Foetus. THE FREEFALLER Sleeping on the front, head turned, arms up on the pillow Seen as the worst posi- tion due to a 90 degree neck angle with pins and needles in the upturned hands. OTHER TYPES PREGNANCY The best sleeping posi- tion for pregnancy is to sleep on your side to help blood flow and reduce swelling in ankles, hands and feet. SITTING The best position to improve oxygenation, however not ideal as generally uncomfort- able, and a position that feels unnatural. STANDING UP For the majority of us it is impossible to fall asleep standing up due to a large strain on the knees. Mainly due to sleep deprivation rather than good physical sleep. WHICH SLEEPING POSITIONS ARE MOST POPULAR? Lying on the back with arms by the side 15% Lying on the stomach Lying on the side with arms on the sides 39% 8% 5% Lying on the back with arms by the head 5% 28% Lying on the side with legs bent Unknown Source: Better Sleep Council of Canada 2007 PILLOW PLACEMENT Back sleeping Place a pillow under the head and one beneath the knees. This relieves Sleeping on your stomach Sleeping on your side Place a pillow under the head and neck with one between the knees. This opens the hips and pre- vents knees from knock- ing together. Place a pillow under the hips to take stress off the lower back and neck. pressure on the lower back. Resources: http://www.rd.com/health/best-sleeping-positions-for-your-back/ http://www.normalbreathing.com/l-6-best-sleep-positions.php http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/3415952/ls-your-sleep-position-a-nightmare.html http://www.wisegeek.com/is-it-possible-to-sleep-standing-up.htm http://arc4life.blogspot.com/2008/06/what-your-sleeping-postion-reveals.html http://maddieruud.hubpages.com/hub/Pillow_Placement http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2010/12/O 2/f-sleep-tips.html http://www.babycenter.com/404_whats-the-best-sleep-position-during-pregnancy_7608.bc Paul Simon home fumishing stores Bringing Change Home