Sleeping position, let’s talk about it! Did you know that resting well is essential to recover from the efforts of your training? It’s not just a question of laziness to love rest, on the contrary! Sleeping well allows you not only to eliminate the efforts of your workout but also to face the next one to the best of your strength.
If you train when you are too tired you are certainly not giving your best and the results will take a long time to arrive. It goes without saying that it is not just a question of quantity, but also of quality of sleep. Sleep and sport are closely linked: sport helps sleep and sleep helps athletes.
In America, is sleep linked to sporting activity given such importance that some NBA and NHL teams have decided to support their athletes with a ” sleep coach “? A true sleep expert!
How to know if you slept enough and well? There are many trackers on the market that, in addition to monitoring your workouts, also track your sleep. They manage to provide a lot of precise information: not only the amount of hours slept, but also the division into REM, light and deep sleep phases. If you’re thinking about buying one, the Fitbit Charge 2 is really great!
Why can’t you sleep in the starfish position?
What is the best position for sleeping?
Good posture is essential not only when we are awake, but also when we sleep. Unfortunately, there are many people who assume the wrong positions during sleep, therefore they sleep and rest poorly. All of this, obviously, has repercussions on health and quality of life. in reality there is no sleeping position that is universally valid for everyone. If you think about it, it’s natural: we are not all the same and everyone must follow their own inclinations. Let’s discover together the advantages and disadvantages of each sleeping position:
Sleeping position: fetal
It is one of the most common positions. It reminds us of the position taken in the mother’s womb and becomes a sort of reassuring cuddle that helps us fall asleep. In practice, you lie down on your side, bringing your knees to your chest and, very often, hugging the pillow. It is recommended for those who snore or, in any case, have respiratory problems, and for pregnant women. Avoid it if you have back or neck problems. In this last case it would be better to sleep on your stomach.
Sleeping position: semi-fetal
Did you know that it is the most used? Even 60% of the population falls asleep in this position. If you also sleep on your side with your arms and legs slightly bent, know that you are doing well: it is in fact considered among the best for sleeping. To improve this position, place a small pillow between your knees.
Additional advice : if you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux you should sleep turned on your left side. Sleeping on your left side helps both your stomach and your heart.
Sleeping position: stomach down
Do you love sleeping on your stomach? Maybe with your arms above your head and your neck to the side. You should know that this position can help digestion but, be careful, it does not support the spine and, in the long run, can cause back pain. To improve the situation of your neck, you could try placing a small pillow under your belly and groin, so as to re-establish correct alignment. If you experience pain in your upper back after doing this, try eliminating the pillow under your head.
Sleeping position: belly up
Not many people like to sleep on their stomachs. If you are among the few who fall asleep with your gaze turned upwards and your arms hanging at your sides, you should know that this position has some undoubted advantages but also some disadvantages. If on the one hand it is perfect for supporting the back and neck, on the other it leads to worsening the situation of those who snore. Always remember not to use too many pillows. Perfect, if you have neck problems, the ergonomic pillow designed specifically to ensure correct support.
Sleep position and personality
We have seen that everyone has their favorite position. What you perhaps don’t know is that the position you assume in sleep can also reveal something about your character. Do not you believe it? Try reading the sleep position/personality pairings and then let us know what you think.
- Belly down : This position reveals that you are a very tidy person, even a perfectionist, but also that you are tenacious and never give up.
- Belly up : If you love falling asleep on your stomach you are probably a calm, reserved, somewhat rigorous person. You definitely don’t appreciate confusion! You are confident in your abilities and have good self-esteem.
- Sideways, in a fetal position : You are definitely a sensitive person who seeks protection.
- On the side, in a semi-fetal position: We have seen that it is the best for sleeping. It is no coincidence, therefore, that it is taken on by those who are balanced and open to discussion.
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