Yes, sleeping on your stomach is usually a good sleep position for sleep apnea.
Although, not the best, sleeping on your stomach can help with sleep apnea symptoms.
What other positions can help with sleep apnea? And, which position should you stay away from?
We will cover what positions are best and what type of pillows you should use.
Does sleeping on your stomach help with sleep apnea?
When sleeping on your stomach, the airway is less likely to be blocked by the tongue or other soft tissues in the throat.
This can help reduce snoring and improve breathing during sleep.
Additionally, sleeping on your stomach can help keep your head and neck in a more neutral position, which can also help reduce sleep apnea symptoms.
However, it’s important to note that sleeping on your stomach is not the best sleeping position for everyone.
Some people may find that it causes neck and back pain, or that it’s uncomfortable to sleep in this position.
Additionally, if you have severe sleep apnea, sleeping on your stomach may not be enough to reduce your symptoms.
In these cases, other treatments such as CPAP therapy or lifestyle changes may be necessary.
What other sleeping positions help with sleep apnea?
The best sleeping positions that help with sleep apnea symptoms are on your left or right side.
Your stomach is okay, but your back is the worst.
Left side
Sleeping on your left side can be beneficial for those suffering from sleep apnea.
It has been found that sleeping on the left side can help reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea, such as snoring and pauses in breathing.
This is because when you sleep on your left side, gravity helps keep the airways open and prevents them from collapsing.
Additionally, sleeping on your left side can also help alleviate conditions such as acid reflux which can stimulate apneas.
When you lie on your left side, it helps to keep stomach acids down and away from the esophagus which reduces the risk of experiencing acid reflux during sleep.
In addition to helping with sleep apnea, sleeping on your left side may also provide other health benefits.
For example, it may reduce back pain by allowing for better alignment of the spine while sleeping.
It may also improve digestion by allowing food to move through the digestive tract more easily due to gravity.
Lastly, it may even improve circulation by allowing blood to flow more freely throughout the body while lying in this position.
Overall, sleeping on your left side is the best for those suffering from sleep apnea as well as providing other potential health benefits.
Therefore, if you are looking for a way to reduce your sleep apnea symptoms, it may be worth trying this position.
Right side
Sleeping on your right side is a great way to help reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea.
This position helps to keep the airways open, allowing for better breathing and less snoring.
It also encourages better blood flow throughout the body, helping to reduce any discomfort or pain that may be caused by sleeping in other positions.
Sleeping on your right side is practically the same as the left. It can help reduce snoring and improve breathing during sleep.
However, it may not be as effective as sleeping on your left side due to GERD.
The way our stomach is shaped, sleeping on your right side is more likely to cause acid reflux compared to the left.
Keep In Mind When Sleeping On Either Side
When sleeping on your side, it is important to stretch out your body as much as possible.
This will help maximize your lung capacity and reduce the chances of developing apneas.
To do this, you should make sure that your arms and legs are not curled up in a fetal position.
Instead, keep them straight and slightly apart from each other.
Curling up in a fetal position can also increase symptoms of acid reflux.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that your head is supported by a pillow so that it does not angle down towards the mattress or bed frame.
Back
Sleeping on your back is the worst sleeping position for sleep apnea.
Gravity works against you and causes your airway to be blocked by your tongue or other soft tissues in the throat, leading to snoring and difficulty breathing during sleep.
If you must sleep on your back, then at least prop your upper body up in a slight angle (picture the reclining position) so that gravity will not affect you as bad.
What types of pillows should be used?
When it comes to finding the right pillow for a good night’s sleep, there are many factors to consider.
The type of pillow you choose should be based on your sleeping position and personal preference.
Side sleepers should look for a thicker pillow that will provide support to the neck and shoulders, while back sleepers should opt for a thinner pillow.
Stomach sleepers should look for an even thinner option that will keep their spine in its natural alignment.
There are pillows made for CPAP masks as well. These pillows help ensure your mask does not come off during the night while sleeping on your side.
There are indentions on both edges of the pillow so that your mask does not touch the pillow.
Investing in the right pillow is essential for getting quality rest. Pillows come in all shapes, styles, pressures, lofts and firmness levels so it’s important to find one that works best for you.
It may take some trial and error but once you find the perfect fit, you’ll be able to enjoy a more comfortable night’s sleep.
Conclusion
Sleeping on your stomach can help reduce sleep apnea symptoms, but it may not be the best option for everyone.
Other sleeping positions such as sleeping on your left or right side may be more effective, though avoid sleeping on your back.
Additionally, finding the right type of pillow for your sleeping position can also be beneficial.
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