Side Sleepers....are you suffering with neck pain??

Research tells us that side sleeping is the most popular sleeping position.  Being a side sleeper might not offer the same spinal health benefits as back sleeping, however, there are still numerous reasons to embrace this position. Let’s take a look at the benefits of side sleeping, who should avoid this position, and modifications and tips to optimize your sleep quality while sleeping on your side.
Benefits of Side Sleeping

• Side sleeping is the safest sleep position for pregnant people. As noted in my pervious post, the professionals tell us that if you're pregnant it is best to sleep on your side. This position promotes circulation to you as well as to your baby and reduces strain on the organs.
• Side sleeping can reduce acid reflux. Sleeping on the left side can ease symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn. That’s because it’s harder for stomach acids to rise up into the esophagus when your body is in this position. Note that sleeping on the right side can actually exacerbate symptoms.
• Side sleeping could reduce lower back pain. Studies have shown that side sleeping could ease back aches and pains and lessen stiffness upon waking.
• Side sleeping can minimize snoring and sleep apnea symptoms. Side sleeping can help your airways stay open, which can minimize snoring and ease sleep apnea. 

Who Should Avoid Sleeping on Their Side?

• People with shoulder pain. People who regularly experience shoulder pain and/or are prone to shoulder injuries might want to avoid side sleeping. This position creates pressure on the shoulder, so it can worsen aches and pains. It can also provoke a “pins and needles” sensation; not only is this uncomfortable, but it’s a sign that circulation is diminished.
• People with heart conditions. There’s some evidence that sleeping on the right side can increase pressure on the heart so this position isn’t advised for anyone with a heart condition.
• People who are concerned about wrinkles. Side sleeping puts half your face in contact with a pillow or mattress, which can create friction between your skin and bedding and exposes your skin to the sweat and oils that we shed into our bedding. This could cause breakouts as well as those dreaded wrinkles. 

In these links I have tagged my most highly recommended mattress, pillow, pillow case as well as which blanket I would recommend for the side sleeper.

• Opt for a slightly softer mattress. Sleeping on your side can place more tension on the neck, shoulders, and hips, so the mattress needs to offset that pressure. For that reason, side sleepers generally require a mattress that has some “give” around their hip and shoulder. This reduces pain in those areas and also helps ensure the spine stays aligned.
• Choose a taller pillow. The pillow under your head should be high enough that your neck stays aligned with the rest of your spine. If it’s too flat, it can cause hyper-flexion in the neck, which could lead to neck pain and/or tension headaches.

I hope this informative blog will help all my side sleeper friends, I also am a side sleeper so in doing my research for this blog I have learned as much as you have.
Let's talk soon,
​Annie G.