Sleep Positions and Their Health Benefits
There are three main types of sleeping positions with variables of each: side, back, and stomach. Sleep specialists recommend sleeping on your side in order to rest more comfortably and decrease likelihood of interrupted sleep. Below are the sleep positions and their health benefits:

1. Fetus Position
They are also called fetus sleeper. 41% of the human population sleeps in this curled manner.
Health benefit
• It’s a good sleeping style for pregnant women only as it helps to increase the amount of blood and nutrients that reach the placenta and the baby (especially when you sleep on your left side)
Demerits
• It is bad for the spine.
• It restricts the movement of the diaphragm. Hence, you don’t breathe well or deeply as you should.

2. Log Position
Study shows that 15% of people sleep in this manner. That means, they sleep with their side and arms down.
Health benefits
• Keeps the spine naturally aligned.
• Next best option to prevent acid reflux
Demerit
• The top leg is not supported which causes the knee to prop out of the mattress , which can in turn make the spine to rotate, leading to hip pain and back pain.

3. Yearner Position
Side-lying position with both arms out in front of the body, study shows that 13% of people sleep like this.
Health benefits
• Keeps the spine naturally aligned.
• Next best option to prevent acid reflux
Demerits
• It can lead to back or hip pain.
• Sores on shoulder and arms.

4. Soldier Position
These sleepers lie on their back with their arms down and kept close to the body. 13% of people sleep this way.
Health benefits
• Good for the spine
• Helps to avoid wrinkles
• Prevent acid reflux
• Prevent drooling
Demerits
• Snoring becomes a problem
• Complicate sleep apnoea

5. Free fall Position
These are people who lie on their bellies with arms under or wrapped around a pillow with head turned to the side, they make up 7% of the population studied.
Health benefits
• It minimizes snoring.
• It aid digestive issues.
Demerits
• Straining of the neck/neck pain.
• Sore and stiffness of the back.

6. Star Fish Position
These are sleepers who lie on their backs with arms up near their head or the pillow. They account for 5% of population studied.
Health benefit
• Good for the spine
Demerits
• It can make worse snoring and sleep apnoea.
• It causes shoulder pain.



This is an excerpt from All you need to know about sleep and your health on www.studentcosmos.com/sleep-health/

Photos Label:
Photo 1: Log Position
Photo 2: Fetus position
Photo 3: Yearner Position
Photo 4: Soldier Position

Free Fall Position
Star Fish Position