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Women are more likely to sleep like this 54% of all women in America sleep on their side, usually curled up, while 39% of men prefer to sleep like this. Turns out that 47% of all Americans sleep on their side, usually in the fetal position. Note: side sleeping is one of the most natural sleeping position for the majority of people. These findings are especially prominent in sleep apnea patients with congestive heart failure. Even if these difficulties do occur, when sleeping on the side, they last significantly shorter than in other sleeping positions. Studies have shown that side sleeping, especially on the right side is associated with reduced occurrences of breathing difficulties and complete cessation of breathing in OSA patients. Sleeping on the right side is also more stable for breathing because it prevents the tongue and the throat muscles to collapse and restrict air, which is a huge deal for OSA patients. For example, this position promotes proper airflow, opens the airways more than in other sleeping positions, and reduces snoring, which is a common issue with sleep apnea. OSA patients should sleep on the right side for numerous reasons. Sleeping on the right side is reserved for people who cannot sleep on the left side due to certain health conditions (like cardiac issues, jaw pain, shoulder pain, etc). Not to mention that during the CPAP therapy, sleeping on the side won’t disrupt the mask fit. While sleeping on the left side, you’re more likely to reduce snoring, as your throat won’t be blocked. This is rather useful for sleep apnea patients, who experience regular breathing difficulties due to closed airways and breathing resistance. Lef-side sleeping allows the best blood-flow throughout the body and ensures there is no breathing resistance. When sleeping on the left side, chances are you won’t experience stomach or digestion issues, issues with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or insomnia. Left-side sleeping is especially helpful when it comes to the quality of sleep. So, let’s take a look at the benefits of each position Left-Side SleepingĪs mentioned before, side sleeping is excellent against insomnia and sleep deprivation. There are two types of side sleeping left-side sleeping and right-side sleeping.
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This sleeping position is so good that it’s even recommended for pregnant women. Moreover, the side sleeping position decreases the chances of insomnia, chronic sleep deprivation, back issues, hip pain, etc. This is especially important for sleep apnea patients who are known to have an incredibly low quality of sleep due to regular interruptions. For example, side sleeping ensures you rest more comfortably and have uninterrupted sleep. Sleeping on the side is a recommended sleeping position for numerous reasons. Recommended For Sleep Apnea: Sleeping On The Side Image Source: Terry Cralle, MS, RN, CPHQ We’ll also take a look at the worst sleeping positions for OSA patients, so you know whether or not the way you sleep is affecting and worsening your sleep apnea. The way sleep apnea patients sleep can significantly affect their OSA symptoms and effectiveness of the therapy.īecause the number and duration of breathing difficulties with OSA patients largely depends on body position during sleep, we’ll look at the best sleeping positions for OSA patients. However, research has shown that it isn’t only enough to use CPAP for OSA improvement and all it a day. Luckily, there is a treatment option for sleep apnea patients, known as CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), and so far the treatment has shown effective. OSA is causing sleeping problems to millions of people and is one of the leading issues of the modern world. Obstructive sleep apnea or OSA is a sleep disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of breathing difficulties or complete breathing cessation.
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