1. 95% of adults sleep in the same position every night. You will usually move around while sleeping, but it is most likely that you will always fall asleep and wake up in your preferred position.
2. The most common sleeping position is on the side, and this is also the position best suited to falling asleep quickly.
3. Of the majority of people who sleep on their sides, over 40% will sleep in a foetal position. More than twice as many women sleep in the foetal position as men.
4. The least healthy position to sleep in is on the stomach. Sleeping on your stomach compresses your organs and puts excess pressure on the body. Generally medical experts only recommend sleeping on your stomach when you are suffering from a medical condition that hampers your ability to sleep on your side or your back.
5. Sleeping on your back is the healthiest position from the perspective of the body, although it is recommended that a pillow be placed under your knees to maintain the correct curvature of the spine while sleeping on your back.
6. Sleeping in a flat position on your back often leads to stomach contents making their way back up to the mouth. In many adults this can lead to painful acid reflux or heartburn during the night.
7. Adults are most likely to snore or suffer symptoms of sleep apnoea when lying on their backs. While this position may be the most comfortable for you, it is less likely to lead to a refreshing night’s sleep.
8. Less than 10% of adults sleep with their entire body under the covers. The most common trait is for people to stick either one leg or one arm out from under the duvet. Slightly less common is for people to allow both feet to stick out from under their duvet.
9. Pregnant women are more likely to sleep on their sides than on their backs. Sleeping on the left side of the body can help get blood and oxygen to the placenta and a growing baby. Sleeping on the back is not recommended for pregnant women as it can lead to backaches, haemorrhoids, low blood pressure and a decrease in blood supply to the placenta.
10. Sleeping on your side with your top leg bent over your bottom leg causes unnecessary pressure on the spine and lower back joints and is most likely to lead to the common feel of lower back pain in the morning.
This is how To Fall Asleep Faster
Just because you manage to fall asleep each night does not mean you know how to fall asleep effectively. There are a number of techniques you can use not only to help you fall asleep at night but also to help you become a healthier person.
Change your bed and your pillow
A worn-out bed or pillow will make you uncomfortable when you are trying to get to sleep at night. Consider replacing a bed that is more than 5 years old, and replace your pillows at least once every 2 years.
Exercise more to sleep better
Whether you don’t exercise because you’re too tired or you feel that you don’t have time, the chances are you have put yourself in this position precisely because you don’t get enough sleep.
Expert studies in US sports-science facilities have shown that people who vigorously exercise for 20 minutes per day 4-6 hours before going to bed are likely to be able to fall asleep more easily than people who either don’t exercise at all or who exercise earlier in the day.
Any type of cardiovascular exercise that gets your heart pumping fast for at least 20 minutes is suitable for better health and helping you to get a good night’s sleep.
Manage stress levels to fall asleep faster
We all lead more hectic lifestyles than people used to fifty years ago, so it is becoming almost impossible not to get stressed out. But we can learn to manage stress effectively to help us sleep better and feel healthier.
Reducing the amount of mental stress on the body means you won’t spend hours tossing and turning while you should be sleeping. And in turn more sleep helps reduce stress levels further.
Regulate your internal clock
The body’s biological clock reacts to sunlight and darkness much the same way as you use your watch to tell the time. Exposure to sunlight early in the morning can actually help you sleep better at night, as studies show that people deprived of sunlight have more trouble sleeping at night and are often more tired than their counterparts who get up and spend some time outdoors in the early morning.
Watch your diet
There are a number of ways you can change your diet to help you fall asleep faster. Changing the type of foods you eat – to more of an organic diet – helps you stay away from caffeine and sugar which prevent you falling asleep fast.
Changing the way you plan your meals is also thought to make a big difference to the way we fall asleep. Scientists now recommend eating your largest meal in the morning, followed by lighter afternoon and evening meals. This helps to fuel your body during the day when you most need your energy.
Having an overall daily routine that promotes healthy living is what will help you fall asleep faster.
