This sleeping position could be damaging your body – find out what experts have to say!
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Most of us know by now that getting a good night's sleep is vital for our overall health, mood, and cognitive function. But did you know that the position you sleep in could also play a significant role in maintaining or harming your body's overall health? According to posture expert James Leinhardt from the UK, there's one particular sleeping position that could be doing more harm than good to your body. And if it's the one you find yourself in most nights, you might want to reconsider your bedtime routine.
Leinhardt warns against sleeping on your stomach, saying that this common sleeping position can cause muscle strain to the back and spine. Over time, this strain can lead to chronic pain and lasting damage. In a widely viewed TikTok video, Leinhardt refers to this sleep position as a 'car crash of a sleeping position'. It involves lying on your stomach with one leg bent up and the neck turned to one side.
'This is literally the worst ever sleeping position,' Leinhardt says in his informative yet entertaining video. 'You’re rotating your neck. You’re twisting it. You’re putting your head up. You’re fighting all the natural curves of your spine. You’re compressing your vertebrae. You’re getting pins and needles, neck and back pain. And you still do it every night. Why? It’s not comfy. It’s just what you’re familiar with. It’s just what your body’s used to. Does this look comfy to you?'
For those of us that find ourselves in this sleep position more often than not, you might be wondering what you can do to switch things up and take better care of your body. Thankfully, Leinhardt provides some suggestions to transition from the 'awful front sleeping' to the 'beautiful side sleeping'.
'First of all, you want a pillow between the tip of your ear and the tip of your shoulder,' he explained. This helps to provide essential support and comfort for your head and neck while lying down.
'The second thing you’re going to do is put a pillow between your knees and ankles that’s going to support and stabilise this hip and keep you feeling safer, and you’re less likely to bring that leg over.' This extra cushioning not only promotes proper spinal alignment but also encourages a more comfortable and restful sleep.
Finally, Leinhardt suggests hugging a second pillow. 'You’re going to de-weight that top shoulder, hug it, and again you’re more stable and less likely to roll over,' Leinhardt said. Plus, who doesn't love a good pillow to snuggle with at night?
Developing good sleeping habits is crucial for our overall health and well-being. Quality sleep not only allows us to recharge and rejuvenate after a day's activities but also helps us stay energised and alert. It plays a vital role in our physical and mental health, alleviating stress and enhancing cognitive function.
The recommended duration of sleep per night is typically 7-8 hours, although the ideal amount varies for each individual. Insufficient sleep can lead to fatigue, impaired concentration, poor decision-making, and mood swings. In the long run, it can also contribute to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other serious health issues.
In addition to the proper amount of sleep, maintaining a good sleep posture is crucial for overall health. This means avoiding potential issues associated with stomach sleeping and embracing a comfortable side-sleeping position. Using a pillow between the neck and shoulder, as well as between the legs, and hugging a pillow can help alleviate strain on the back and spine while sleeping on the side.
Making sleep a priority in our lives is essential. It is through adequate and proper sleep that our bodies can heal and maintain good health. By adjusting the way you sleep, you'll be taking a proactive step towards maintaining your overall health and well-being, and that's something we at the Seniors Discount Club can definitely get behind!
As always, we're here to provide you with the latest tips and tricks to keep you feeling fabulous in every area of life, including sleep! Sweet dreams, everyone!
James Leinhardt warns that sleeping on your stomach can have negative consequences outweighing any potential benefits. Source: James Leinhardt
Leinhardt warns against sleeping on your stomach, saying that this common sleeping position can cause muscle strain to the back and spine. Over time, this strain can lead to chronic pain and lasting damage. In a widely viewed TikTok video, Leinhardt refers to this sleep position as a 'car crash of a sleeping position'. It involves lying on your stomach with one leg bent up and the neck turned to one side.
'This is literally the worst ever sleeping position,' Leinhardt says in his informative yet entertaining video. 'You’re rotating your neck. You’re twisting it. You’re putting your head up. You’re fighting all the natural curves of your spine. You’re compressing your vertebrae. You’re getting pins and needles, neck and back pain. And you still do it every night. Why? It’s not comfy. It’s just what you’re familiar with. It’s just what your body’s used to. Does this look comfy to you?'
For those of us that find ourselves in this sleep position more often than not, you might be wondering what you can do to switch things up and take better care of your body. Thankfully, Leinhardt provides some suggestions to transition from the 'awful front sleeping' to the 'beautiful side sleeping'.
According to James Leinhardt, transitioning from front sleeping to side sleeping can be achieved through a straightforward method. Source: James Leinhardt
'First of all, you want a pillow between the tip of your ear and the tip of your shoulder,' he explained. This helps to provide essential support and comfort for your head and neck while lying down.
'The second thing you’re going to do is put a pillow between your knees and ankles that’s going to support and stabilise this hip and keep you feeling safer, and you’re less likely to bring that leg over.' This extra cushioning not only promotes proper spinal alignment but also encourages a more comfortable and restful sleep.
Finally, Leinhardt suggests hugging a second pillow. 'You’re going to de-weight that top shoulder, hug it, and again you’re more stable and less likely to roll over,' Leinhardt said. Plus, who doesn't love a good pillow to snuggle with at night?
Importance of Proper Sleep for Overall Health
James Leinhardt encourages everyone to give side-sleeping a try for at least 30 minutes each night, recognising that change can be challenging but stressing the long-term benefits it brings. If the position doesn't work out initially, one can easily revert to their old sleeping habits the following night and repeat the process until finding a position that suits them best.Developing good sleeping habits is crucial for our overall health and well-being. Quality sleep not only allows us to recharge and rejuvenate after a day's activities but also helps us stay energised and alert. It plays a vital role in our physical and mental health, alleviating stress and enhancing cognitive function.
The recommended duration of sleep per night is typically 7-8 hours, although the ideal amount varies for each individual. Insufficient sleep can lead to fatigue, impaired concentration, poor decision-making, and mood swings. In the long run, it can also contribute to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other serious health issues.
In addition to the proper amount of sleep, maintaining a good sleep posture is crucial for overall health. This means avoiding potential issues associated with stomach sleeping and embracing a comfortable side-sleeping position. Using a pillow between the neck and shoulder, as well as between the legs, and hugging a pillow can help alleviate strain on the back and spine while sleeping on the side.
As always, we're here to provide you with the latest tips and tricks to keep you feeling fabulous in every area of life, including sleep! Sweet dreams, everyone!
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