Waking up feeling exhausted in the morning is a familiar experience for many people.

The reason why you feel so drained could be due to a variety of factors such as the amount of sleep you get at night, the quality of sleep, or an underlying health condition. However, an overlooked factor that most people don’t consider is their sleeping position. Your sleeping position could be the culprit behind your morning tiredness.

The importance of sleep position

Choosing the right sleeping position is vital for obtaining a good night’s sleep. The position you sleep in affects how well you rest by affecting your breathing, circulation, and chronic pain symptoms.

A poor sleep position can lead to snoring, back pain, tinnitus, shoulder pain, and neck pain, which could make you feel exhausted in the morning.

Best sleeping positions

The best sleep position is one that supports the spine’s natural alignment and minimizes pressure points. Although everyone’s sleeping habits are different, some sleeping positions are better than others.

Here are some positions that can be beneficial:.

1. Sleeping on your back

Back sleeping is ideal as it allows your spine to be in a neutral position and distributes your weight evenly. It is also beneficial for individuals with acid reflux disease as it prevents stomach acids from seeping into the esophagus.

Additionally, it reduces your risk of wrinkles, as it prevents your face from being smushed against a pillow.

2. Sleeping on your side

Sleeping on your side is excellent for people with obstructive sleep apnea, as it opens the airway and reduces snoring. If you sleep on your left side, it eases acid reflux, and if you sleep on your right side, it assists with digestion.

3. Fetal position

The fetal position is a popular sleeping position, and it is beneficial for pregnant individuals as it improves circulation and helps with digestion. It can also benefit those who snore or have sleep apnea.

However, some experts suggest that for individuals with joint soreness, ‘fetal position’ might increase hip, knee, or neck pain.

4. Sleeping on your stomach

Sleeping on your stomach can alleviate sleep apnea and snoring, but it is not the best sleep posture for everyone.

It can strain your neck and back as it forces your spine to remain in an awkward position throughout the night, which leads to aching and pain in the morning.

Worst sleeping positions

Choosing the wrong sleep position can cause a restless night, waking up dizzy, tired, or sore. Here are some of the worst sleeping positions:.

1. Sleeping on your stomach with your head turned to one side

Sleeping on your stomach is terrible for your neck and spine because it places strain on your lower back muscles, and turning your head to one side increases your risk of neck pain.

2. Sleeping with your arm overhead

Sleeping with your arm overhead can place pressure on your rotator cuff, leading to shoulder pain. It can also lead to numbness and tingling in the arm, leading to sleep disturbances.

3. Sleeping in a fetal position with legs tightly together

Sleeping in a fetal position with legs tightly together can cause stiffness in the hips and knee pain. People who suffer from lower back pain should avoid fetal position as the curled-up posture can aggravate the symptoms.

Conclusion

Feeling exhausted in the morning is never a good start to the day. While there are many factors that can affect your sleep quality, sleep position is one of the underrated factors that many people overlook.

Finding the right position that works for you will help you wake up refreshed and revitalized.