Can your sleeping position reduce anxiety? What the research says
From numerous studies conducted in the past, it has been identified that improper sleeping positions can lead to anxiety. This is because your breathing will get impacted by your sleeping posture, and respiratory issues can create anxiety throughout the day. In this article, we’ll examine the studies that led to these conclusions and discuss the implications for persons with anxiety disorders. Based on the facts we shared in this article, you will be able to adapt to a proper sleeping position, so that you can reduce anxiety.
Can your sleeping position trigger anxiety?
There is some evidence to support the idea that your sleeping posture may affect how anxious you feel. In particular, sleeping on your stomach or curled up in a fetal posture may make you feel more anxious than when you are on your back.
Poor spinal alignment brought on by stomach sleeping may cause pain and respiratory problems. These bodily sensations have the potential to induce uneasiness and heighten worry. In a similar vein, breathing restrictions and physical strain brought on by sleeping in the fetal position might heighten feelings of anxiousness.
But when you sleep on your back, your spine is correctly aligned, which might lessen physical pain and enhance breathing. Additionally, resting on your back helps lessen anxiety by preventing the tenseness of your facial and jaw muscles.
Of course, every person’s experience is unique, so not everyone will find the link between sleeping position and anxiety to be substantial. However, it could be worthwhile to try various sleeping positions if you are having anxiety to see whether there is a connection for you. To reduce anxiety and enhance the quality of your sleep, it’s also critical to practice excellent sleep hygiene generally, which includes keeping a regular sleep schedule and developing a calming bedtime ritual.
What is the best sleeping position available for anyone with anxiety?
No, is the response. However, if you do suffer tension or anxiety throughout the day and are interested in learning more about how your sleeping patterns might help lessen those sensations, continue reading.
The best sleeping position for you depends on a variety of variables, including your body type and any back pain or discomfort you may be experiencing. However, it’s crucial to avoid placing too much emphasis on this area of your health. In the end, obtaining a good night’s sleep is what counts most, and sometimes, switching around where you sleep at night might help you accomplish exactly that.
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Lying on your back is a good sleeping position
According to study, lying on your back as you sleep is the most soothing. You may relax, lower your anxiety, and get a better night’s sleep by sleeping on your back. Additionally, it promotes sleepiness more quickly than any other posture. Try sleeping on your back for a few nights if you’re having difficulties falling asleep or are stressed or worried before bed; it could just help.
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You may unwind and have less edema in your legs by sleeping on your side.
According to studies, side sleeping is the most effective posture for a restful night’s sleep and anxiety reduction. In fact, it may aid in relaxation and assist to lessen leg edema. If you’re unsure of which sleeping position is ideal for your body type, take into account the following:
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Try sleeping on your stomach
The good news is that if you sleep on your stomach, it may be the greatest posture for lowering anxiety, according to the study. This is due to the fact that resting on your back might result in blood pooling in your legs and feet, which can speed up your heartbeat and make it more difficult to relax. If you’re prone to anxiety, sleeping on your side is also recommended; however, some individuals find this unpleasant or challenging owing to chronic pain or other circumstances.
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Avoid sleeping face down if you have heart diseases
If you have a heart disease, it’s crucial to avoid sleeping face down since this may place too much pressure on the lungs and cause breathing problems when you’re trying to sleep. This is known as “opisthotonus”. Before attempting any new positions, consult with their doctor if this seems similar to you or if you have any questions about whether sleeping face down would be safe for someone with these illnesses.
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Find the best sleeping position as per your body type
Does your body type matter, you may be thinking. For instance, while sleeping face up, thin individuals often experience greater pressure on their chests than when sleeping on their side or stomach do overweight people. This is as a result of how the weight is divided among the various positions. Finding a position that seems natural to you is crucial, not simply because someone else told you it was “better” than another.
Your sleeping posture might affect how anxious you are throughout the day.
If you’ve ever had a headache upon waking, it could have been brought on by your sleeping habits. Many people find that sleeping on their backs is the most comfortable posture, but if done wrong, it may also cause snoring and neck discomfort.
If you have trouble with your digestion or have swollen legs, sleeping on your side may help. It also improves blood circulation. The hormone melatonin, which is connected to sleep, is released more when you sleep on your stomach, which speeds up the process of falling asleep. However, this position isn’t always advised because it increases neck strain and places pressure on internal organs like the heart or lungs.
Final words
We hope this post has given you further insight into the connection between your sleeping position and your anxiety levels. Start by making sure that your bed is comfy and that your room isn’t too hot or chilly if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the information and are still unsure of what to do. Then, for a few nights in a row, try sleeping on your back and see how it goes.
