4 Ways Side Sleepers Can Get Healthier Rest at Night
Side sleeping can definitely have some positive health benefits on your brain and body. However, you have to do it right to get the best results. Here are four ways you can maximize your comfort and well-being when you sleep on your side at night.
Don’t Let Your Beauty Sleep Mess With Your Skin
You know you need seven to eight hours of sleep each night to keep that youthful glow, but what you may not know is that your sleep position can impact your skin as well. When you sleep on your side, you are constantly applying pressure to the skin on your face. This repeated strain can actually give you more wrinkles and fine lines over time, especially around the fragile eye area. It’s a beauty-sleep truth that you should know about if you want to protect your skin.
You could definitely try switching it up and sleeping on your back, which prevents all that tugging on your skin, but sometimes breaking old sleep habits can be hard. If you still find yourself waking up on your side in the morning, or side sleeping is the only way you can fall asleep, you could also pick up a beauty sleep-boosting pillowcase. Using a pillowcase woven from silk alleviates some of that pressure on your face, and you may even wake up with fewer tangles in your hair as well. Look for a pillowcase that also wicks moisture during the night so you can sleep more soundly. But if you find yourself dealing with constant sweats while sleeping, you may also need to rule out underlying health issues.
Avoid Digestive and Stomach Issues From Your Sleep
The way you sleep can have a major effect on digestion, and side sleeping has the potential to reduce acid reflux and enhance digestive processes. However, these benefits can only be had by sleeping on your left side, so if you prefer the right, try to change your sleeping position to maximize perks for your stomach, heart and brain health.
If you do find yourself being kept up by indigestion and digestive discomfort, your evening food choices may be to blame as well. Eating potentially problematic foods, such as dairy products, fatty desserts, and spicy foods, can increase the amount of acid in your stomach and lead to unpleasant reflux when you settle into bed. Avoid nighttime stomach problems by avoiding these foods well ahead of your bedtime. Supplementing your diet with the proper probiotics could lessen your digestive health pains as well, in addition to providing other health boosts that can improve your sleep and other processes in your body.
Take Proper Care of Your Teeth
Taking good care of your teeth not only helps your overall well-being but doing so can also play a significant role in the amount of quality sleep you’re getting every night. Brushing and flossing before bed are important, so make this a part of your nightly self-care routine.
Of course, taking care of your teeth can be problematic when you have crooked/misaligned teeth. In addition to making it difficult to properly care for your teeth, this problem can also cause you discomfort while you’re sleeping. Consider talking to your dentist about the need for braces or clear aligners to help straighten your teeth.
Stop Sleeping on the Wrong Mattress and Pillows
Most adults sleep on their side, so if you are one of them, you should ensure your bed is supporting your sleep habits. Getting the right mattress is the first step in supporting your body and health, and there are models that are much better suited for side sleepers. When you’re a side sleeper, you want a mattress that relieves pressure. If there’s too much pressure on your hips and shoulders or space under your stomach, it can lead to pain and is a sure sign you’re not getting enough support.
To complement your comfy new mattress, you will also want to invest in a proper side sleeper pillow. Your head, neck, and spine should all stay aligned while you get your beauty sleep, so check out pillows that keep your head nice and even with the rest of your body. Firmer pillows tend to do the trick best, but it may take a bit to find the perfect pillow for you.
Along with your mattress and pillow, there are other ways to make your bedroom more conducive to sleep no matter what position you prefer. Think of your bedroom as your own sleep cave, and try to keep it dark, quiet, and cool for your best night of sleep. Invest in blackout curtains, and use a small speaker or white noise machine for sounds that can help you drift off.
If you sleep on your side, you’re already doing your health some favors. Be sure to use these tips to keep your body supported and keep your sleep refreshing for your body, spirit, and mind.
