Certain sleeping positions can make our bodies rest. Meaning that when you are asleep your body shuts down most of its operations to allow the organs and the mind to relax and recuperate after being awake for so long.
Your sleeping positions and their meaning really matter a lot at how you relax and regain your energy. You may have a sleeping position that you prefer most or you may have several of them. Better still you may be pregnant or have certain health challenges that have made you change your sleeping position to suit your current condition
Sleeping in the wrong posture can cause many discomforts such as back and neck pains. Also, a wrong sleeping position can affect your breathing by obstruction of the lung airways. These discomforts may not be evident to you and it might take you a while to realize that your back pains of breathing problems are being caused by your sleeping style.
It is therefore important to note that sleeping well improves your mental and physical health. Sleeping well is not enough on its own, sleeping in a good position is.
Below is a list of common sleeping positions and their meaning:
The Fetal Position
This position is when the knees are curled toward the chest to form a shape of an oval. It is a common position that is mostly practiced by more women than men.
Some pregnant women prefer sleeping in this position. If you feel uncomfortable and this is your favorite style, you can tuck a pillow between your legs for more comfort.
The Log Position
This is the position where one sleeps on their sides with the arms tucked next to the body and is used by about 15% of people. The posture looks like that of a log hence the name. This is a good position for people who snore at night because it helps relieve the pressure and air that causes snoring. However, it is not recommended for people suffering from arthritis as it may cause pain for them in the morning.
The Yearner Position
This is the sleeping position where one sleeps on their sides and the outstretched toward the front of the body. It is a relatively common position and used by about 15% of people. It is a good position for those who have problems with breathing at night because it allows your face to be free and the nose cannot be blocked in any way.
The Spooning Position
This is the most common sleeping position for couples. It is where a person sleeps at the back of the other and holds the other while they are both facing the same direction. It is a good position that is preferred by lovers as it increases intimacy and happiness for each pair. However, it may not be possible to sleep in this position the whole night. Most people who fall asleep in this position may not wake up in the same one.
The Soldier Position
As the name suggests this is a position used by soldiers who sleep on their backs with the hands on the side. Soldiers sleep in this position because they have to be alert always. It is not a commonly used method and only about 8% of the people claim to sleep by this style.
The Free fall Position
This is the style where one lies with arms wrapped around the pillow and the head facing sideways. Most people find this position uncomfortable because it puts pressure on the stomach too much and therefore not a common method.
The Starfish Position
This position is where someone lies on the bed carefree with their arms and legs scattered in no particular method. It is common when one is very tired and has no time to get tucked in bed properly and is more common with men. It is also a position that people may use when taking a nap or siesta.
In conclusion, there are several other sleeping positions and their meaning. While people have a favorite position, they may change it at some point in their lives or when events happen such as pregnancy. Also, a person may use different sleeping styles at different stages of sleep. Indeed, most people say that they do not wake up in the same positions they slept in.
