Here at Endurance Beds, we believe that quality sleep is vital when it comes to looking after your health. Not only does it promote optimal brain activity, but also whole-body wellness. Not getting enough can prove disastrous. It can deny your body the much-needed chance to recover from daily life and leave you more vulnerable to illness and disease.
Studies have shown a further implication – the impact of poor sleep on the gut. The figures suggest that disturbed sleeping patterns increase the risk of digestive diseases. The effects of this go full circle. An influx of heartburn and indigestion is likely to disrupt your restful hours further, making it near impossible to heal these issues yourself.
There is some hope. Many small changes are perfectly achievable even from home. This might be as simple as shifting sleeping position, or as easy as an addition to your bedroom furniture. Whatever the case, we're here to help. Read on for an in-depth look at the solutions currently available.
1) Side sleeping
Sleeping on your side has been a topic of much discussion within the health space. Studies suggest that possible benefits could range from brain disease, heart health, or even stopping your partner’s snore.
However, side sleeping is not for everyone. For those who have muscle, joint, or shoulder pain, this position can be uncomfortable. Favouring one arm can also lead to cramps and numbness throughout the day.
It’s important to judge personally whether this position would work for you. If the benefits do appeal, then you may wish to invest in a firm pillow or two for support. Side sleeping does not negate the need for alignment across your body and spine.
2) Left-side sleeping
Like side sleeping in general, left-side sleepers are widely believed to enjoy a whole host of benefits. It is even more significant when thinking about the effect of rest on digestion. While research is divided on the definitive best side, if there is one, basic biology provides some insight into the topic.
Stomachs sit on the left side of the body. Here, it can digest the body’s intake and process it accordingly. By favouring this side, you are actively encouraging Gravity to help things along.
Similarly, heartburn could also see some benefits. Sleeping on your left side can contract the muscles around your stomach. This aids in containing the products of acid reflux, which are typically free to rise when on your right side.
3) Back sleeping
While not specific to digestion, many health organisations would argue that back sleeping is among the healthiest positions for sleep. Your spine and body benefit from natural alignment in this position. This means that the risk of waking with a sore neck or limbs is greatly reduced. If you’re already facing pain, be it from chronic illness, injury, or poor digestion, this could benefit you too.
Sleeping on your back fosters improved pain management and even weight distribution. You can therefore rest your tired muscles without putting additional strain on yourself from your position.
Ultimately, sleeping on your back looks to be a great solution for those with existing digestive complaints. Those considering it should note that this isn’t true across the board. If your primary concern is acid reflux, then back sleeping could exacerbate this. Sinus conditions and snoring complaints are also common in this position.
4) Stomach sleeping
There’s a lot of information out there about what you should do in your situation. Unfortunately, there’s far less circulating when it comes to what you shouldn’t. Around 7% of people sleep on their stomachs. Unfortunately, this is not advised for the majority of adults. Pregnancy and existing neck or back pain put the sleeper at even greater risk.
This position employs minimal back support when compared to the others on this list. It increases the pressure put upon all key areas of your body, including your gut and spine. Stomach sleepers are often subject to waking pains and ongoing complaints as a result of ill alignment. There are no current benefits to favouring this position. In fact, doing so already could offer some insight into the cause of any existing sleep or digestive trouble. Please reach out to your qualified medical provider with any related concerns.
5) The right furniture
Trying out some of these positions is a great first step. Tailor your approach to your own requirements and needs and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works for you. From there, you’re free to explore your options further.
The Sleep Foundation advocates for the importance of total sleep hygiene. This means a whole system of practices or behaviours that can influence the quality of the sleep you get, as well as the benefits you take from it. The organisation believes in prioritising meaningful sleep. Consistent restful hours are a huge part of this. As are naps, which they teach are best limited to morning hours, and kept to a minimum. One major aspect of their system is a relaxing bedroom environment. Everything from the temperature, noise, and furniture can impact the impact of this sanctuary. Those dedicated to sleeping better should first look at their space.
Here at Endurance Beds, we are passionate about helping you make your bed its best. You can browse our entire collection of bedroom furniture from the comfort of your couch. We have many of our standard solutions readily available. If you’re looking for something bespoke to suit your needs, we’ve got you covered too. Our dedicated team are on hand to discuss your individual requirements. We’d love to design a unique sleep system tailored to you.
For more on how bespoke mattresses can improve sleep quality, please check out the following blog post: https://www.endurancebeds.co.uk/blogs/news/how-bespoke-mattresses-can-improve-sleep-quality
