Are You A Side Sleeper? Often when side sleeping, we shift positions throughout the night to find our most comfortable position – such as log or yearner position.
Sleeping solely on one’s side may help those suffering from acid reflux, sleep apnea and snoring issues find relief from their symptoms; however, this position can put additional pressure on shoulders and hips.
Neck Pain
Sleeping on one’s side can be beneficial to those experiencing neck or shoulder discomfort or stiffness; however, there may be drawbacks associated with exclusively using this position for sleeping. One serious risk associated with sleeping exclusively on one’s side is it can put undue strain on shoulders and head as well as exacerbating any existing neck or shoulder conditions. Furthermore, sleeping arms stretched overhead or bent at elbows (known as prayer position) can pinch lower shoulder nerves leading to pain in that region of your body.
Other risks can include insufficient blood flow to your upper arm, leading to paresthesia – numbness in hands and fingers due to sleeping position or habits. This condition is known as neuroparesthesia.
One effective strategy to avoid neck and shoulder pain while sleeping is using a pillow that supports your spine’s natural curve and placing a small pillow between your knees to ease pressure off your back. Alternating sides also plays a crucial role; imbalances may arise if sleeping exclusively on one side – particularly if that side is dominant for you. Neck exercises and massage may help relieve or alleviate neck stiffness or pain; alternative therapies like acupuncture or yoga could also prove useful; otherwise consult your physician. If none of these measures work, discuss it with them immediately or speak with him/her immediately about it!
Shoulder Pain
If you’re an avid side sleeper and experiencing shoulder pain, switching up your sleeping position could be all it takes to relieve symptoms and achieve restful night. Unfortunately, side sleepers often rest their arms improperly which strains rotator cuff tendons; when you tuck one under the pillow or bend it towards your head this puts pressure on the shoulder capsule restricting blood flow resulting in that pins-and-needles feeling.
Sleeping with pillows that prevent you from rolling onto your shoulder while sleeping can help relieve some of the pressure on the joint. Another method would be laying one across your chest in place of where the shoulder would normally rest – creating an area between two pillows where your affected arm can slip in to help alleviate some of this pressure.
If you experience shoulder pain while sleeping on your side, seek medical advice immediately. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, an MRI might be required or pain relievers prescribed; physical therapy or surgery might even be needed in severe cases to correct its source; but often simple at-home solutions like OTC medication and exercise can reduce its intensity significantly while sleeping.
Back Pain
Many people enjoy sleeping on their side because it allows them to unwind in an inviting, relaxing position. Sleeping this way also provides effective relief from back pain and sleep apnea by maintaining neutral spinal positioning while encouraging good airflow through lungs and diaphragms, making this ideal for overall health. Although most find sleeping this way preferable for overall wellbeing, those suffering with hip conditions or shoulder bursitis may struggle finding restful rest due to how this position tends to flex spine and neck muscles more than they would like.
For those experiencing these problems, placing a pillow between their knees may help maintain an ideal spinal alignment while making sleep more comfortable. Furthermore, placing one beneath their heads may relieve shoulder and lower back tension associated with sleeping on their side – an issue common among side sleepers.
Switch up the sides regularly. Constantly sleeping on one side can become habituating to your body’s natural position and may eventually create imbalances elsewhere in your life. Furthermore, switching can prevent shoulder pain. Ensuring you use quality pillows and mattress, and ensure your neck doesn’t tuck in too far can all play key parts in getting a peaceful night’s restful slumber.
Paresthesia
Most people experience paresthesia – the sensation of pins and needles in their arms, hands, feet, legs or stomach – at some point in their lives for relatively harmless reasons. It typically results from sustained pressure being placed on nerves; once that pressure has been released it usually subsides. But paresthesia may also be a symptom of more serious health conditions that require medical advice to address so it’s wise to speak to medical personnel if your tingling persists or returns too frequently.
Most side sleepers find the semi-fetal position comfortable and advantageous; its benefits can include reduced heartburn risk and alleviated neck and shoulder pain; it may even assist with acid reflux or sleep apnea treatment. Furthermore, sleeping on your left side could encourage blood flow to the fetus during gestation!
As with anything, it is wise to switch up your sleeping positions from time to time – particularly if you find difficulty sleeping on either your back or stomach. For side sleepers, make sure that their mattress supports and comforts their spine and shoulders properly, and choose a pillow which doesn’t cut off circulation in arms or create too much facial pressure.
