According to a national sleep survey, as much as 74% of people in the U.S. prefer to sleep on their side. This sleep position isn’t just one of the most common — it’s also one of the healthiest. According to The Sleep Foundation, sleeping on your side offers relief for back pain, benefits your brain health, and boosts gut health, too. Most importantly, though, it’s said to reduce symptoms of sleep apnea. If you sleep on your side, but symptoms of sleep apnea persist, you might benefit from using a CPAP machine. CPAP masks work by providing pressurized air that prevents your upper airway from collapsing.
What Kind of Sleeper Are You?
Though side sleeping is the most common, there are several other types of sleepers, too, including the following.
Back Sleeper
Back sleepers spend most of the night sleeping on their back, but this type of sleeper is more likely to switch positions throughout the night. This type of sleep position isn’t the most common, but it is reportedly the healthiest. This is because your body enjoys full support from your mattress when you sleep on your back. Back sleeping is also said to help prevent aches and pains, but if you suffer from sleep apnea, it may not be the best choice. Gravity may work against you and increase the likelihood of collapsed airways.
Stomach Sleeper
Stomach sleepers are the least common type of sleeper, and that might be a good thing. Stomach sleeping tends to flatten your spine’s natural curvature, which increases the likelihood of experiencing lower back pain. In addition to back pain, you might also find yourself with a nasty case of acid reflux due to the compression of your stomach that can happen in this position. Interestingly, though, stomach sleeping can alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea and reduce instances of snoring.
Getting a Good Nights Rest in Any Position
Regardless of what kind of sleeper you are, you need to get a good night’s sleep. If you regularly feel tired and unrested, consider these tips.
Make Time for Sleep
According to the Mayo Clinic, adults need at least seven hours of sleep in order to be well-rested — unsurprisingly, though, 40% of people in the U.S. don’t get enough sleep. This can be attributed to many factors, but regardless of the reason, it’s imperative that you set aside enough time for sleep. The best way to do this is to establish a specific sleep routine that includes going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time in the morning.
Invest in CPAP Machine
If you’re part of the 26% of people in the U.S. who suffer from sleep apnea, a CPAP machine may be a good investment. There are many CPAP accessories that allow you to customize your experience and ensure you find a mask that’s the right fit. Models such as the Resmed Airfit P10 are particularly attractive because it offers a comfortable seal as well as nasal pillows that come in small, medium, and large sizes.
