The Best Sleeping Positions for Optimal Fitness
Hey Angels and Alphas,
You might not think about it much, but what you do while you sleep has huge impacts on your health and fitness levels.
Not only can the right sleeping position improve your quality of life, but it can also help you maintain or even achieve the results you want out of your training—even if you have to skip workouts sometimes! To make sure you’re getting the best fitness results possible, check out these tips on how to sleep for optimal fitness.
Understanding The Different Sleeping Positions
Most people spend the majority of their time sleeping on their backs, side, or stomach. Each position has its own benefits and drawbacks when it comes to overall fitness.
For example, sleeping on your back allows your head, neck, and spine to rest in a neutral position. This decreases the chances of experiencing pain in those areas. Sleeping on your stomach, on the other hand, can put strain on your back and neck.
What You Should Know Before Switching Your Sleeping Position
Most people don’t think about their sleep position, but it can make a big difference in your quality of sleep and overall fitness. If you’re not comfortable, you’re more likely to toss and turn, which can lead to less restful sleep. You’ll also have to expend extra energy making the change.
For example, if you’re on your back and want to switch positions, you’ll need to push yourself up into a sitting position before switching sides or flipping over. Plus, sleeping on one side can cause some serious issues with your neck because it puts pressure on the nerve bundle running from the top of the spine (C1) down through the shoulder blade and rib cage into the arm.
There are many small notions you need to be aware of before you attempt to switch your natural sleeping positions. Today, we’re here to talk about a few of those notions.
Side Sleepers Are the Most Popular Sleepers
It’s no surprise that side sleepers are the most popular type of sleeper; after all, sleeping on your side is incredibly comfortable. But did you know that it’s also the best way to sleep for optimal fitness?
Here’s why – when you sleep on your side, gravity provides a natural counter-pressure against your spinal discs. Sleeping on your back or stomach increases pressure and can cause disc degeneration over time. Side sleeping also promotes blood flow and circulation in the torso which can help with digestion and overall well-being!
Back Sleepers Also Have Benefits
Sleeping on your back allows your head, neck, and spine to rest in a neutral position. This decreases the chances of experiencing pain in those areas. Sleeping on your back also minimizes wrinkles and allows your face to recover from the day’s activities. Back sleepers snore less and are less likely to suffer from sleep apnea.
Stomach Sleeping is Dangerous
Stomach sleeping is the most common sleep position, but it’s also the most dangerous. Sleeping on your stomach puts a lot of pressure on your spine and can cause neck and back pain. It can also lead to wrinkles, since you’re constantly pressing your face into the pillow. If you want to achieve optimal fitness results, you should avoid stomach sleeping at all costs.
Your Body Weight Could Alter Your Sleeping Position
Most people don’t realize that the way they sleep can impact their fitness results. If you’re carrying around extra weight, it’s best to sleep on your side or stomach. This will help prevent pain in your back and hips. If you’re trying to lose weight, sleeping on your back allows your body to better burn calories.
Changing Your Sleeping Position Requires Time
Though it may not seem like it, the way you sleep can have a big impact on your fitness results. If you’re looking to switch things up and improve your results, start by finding the best sleeping position for you. This may take some trial and error, but eventually you’ll find a position that works best for you. Once you’ve found it, stick with it and enjoy the benefits of a good night’s sleep!
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