When we feel comfortable and have a good sleeping position, we automatically have a good, restful night. After all, prioritizing good sleep is a form of self-love. Whether you prefer napping on your back or curling up on your side, what position you choose can actually impact your sleep quality and health. People who suffer from sleep disorders especially need to be mindful of their go-to position, as it affects their breathing. In this article, we’ll go over the best sleep position for sleep apnea.
What is the Best Sleep Position for Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea results in paused breathing. It can disturb your sleep and have other side effects. Hence, you should know the correct sleep position to improve your breathing while you rest. If you’re looking for the best sleep position for sleep apnea, here are some helpful insights:
1. Side Sleeping
Keeping a mostly straight back while sleeping on your side helps reduce sleep apnea symptoms, especially if you turn to your left side. It might be more helpful than sleeping on your right. This is because side sleeping can create optimal blood flow, minimizing the chances of obstructions in the airway.
Besides, side sleeping also has other benefits since it is good for insomnia, gastroesophageal reflux, and keeping your spine aligned.
2. Stomach Sleeping
Stomach sleeping pulls the tissue of the throat and mouth forwards, ensuring they don’t block your airway. This is why many say it is the best sleep position for sleep apnea.
However, stomach sleeping might partially block the nose and mouth. Therefore, using a thin pillow or one that is designed for stomach sleepers might provide relief from neck pain.
3. Back Sleeping
Back sleeping is good for aligning your spin. But it is unfavorable for those who suffer from sleep apnea. It can increase the likelihood of blocked airways since gravity pulls down the throat’s soft tissues.
Getting a pillow that provides support for side sleeping can help break the habit of back sleeping. Moreover, attaching something like a tennis ball can keep you from turning to your back during sleep.
How to Sleep Better with Sleep Apnea?
Sleeping disorders can give you a restless night and keep you tired during the day. After choosing the best sleep position for sleep apnea, try these tips to sleep better:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Give a try to yoga for improving your respiratory strength
- Use a humidifier to open your airways, reduce congestion, and breathe clearly.
- Refrain from consuming alcohol or smoking
- Talk to your doctor straightway for sleep apnea treatment
- Use oral appliances to keep your airway open with a doctor’s consultation.
What Should I Do?
Sleep apnea can ruin the quality of your sleep and affect you in other ways as well. This sleeping disorder obstructs breathing, which can have many consequences. But you can look at the best sleep position for sleep apnea to improve your breathing. In addition, talk to your sleep doctor for suitable treatment options. Contact our Nirvana Elite Sleep & Wellness experts at (832) 952-1199 to schedule an appointment today.