Somedays, we wake up cocooned in a soft fuzzy blanket, and other days, it feels like the devil took over us while sleeping! With hands and feet spread wide apart, one can only hope that you’re sharing the bed with no one other than a bunch of pillows to accompany you. But on days when you can the position you sleep in provide deeper insight into your body’s cortisol level? Are there particular poses that you sleep in when your body is stressed beyond relief? Indianexpress.com spoke to a health expert and found out.

Dr Satish Reddy Consultant Pulmonologist CARE Hospitals Hitech City said that when the body is “stuck” in sleep mode, it often means the muscles are not properly relaxed or aligned, potentially leading to discomfort or disturbed sleep.

According to him, the most common sleep positions that may indicate the body is stuck in this mode include:

Fetal Position: Sleeping curled up on one side with knees drawn toward the chest can restrict breathing and cause tension in the neck and back.

Stomach Sleeping (Prone Position): Lying face down can cause strain on the neck and lower back, as it forces the head to turn to one side for breathing.

Starfish Position: Lying on the back with arms stretched overhead may cause discomfort in the shoulders and can lead to snoring or sleep apnea in some individuals.

Yearner Position: Lying on the side with both arms stretched out in front can cause tension in the shoulders and neck, especially if the mattress does not provide adequate support.

What could be the potential causes behind this?

Dr Reddy shared that prolonged stress or lack of physical activity can lead to muscle tension, making it difficult for the body to relax during sleep.

“A mattress that is too firm or too soft, inadequate pillows, or an uncomfortable room temperature can contribute to poor sleep posture. Conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or chronic pain can cause discomfort in certain sleep positions, preventing relaxation,” he shared.

Anxiety, stress, or depression can cause muscle tension and restlessness, making it difficult to find a comfortable sleep position. Many people are unaware of their natural sleep positions and may not recognize how certain positions could be contributing to discomfort or poor sleep quality.

How can you relax your body for better sleep?

Dr Reddy shared a couple of techniques to relax the body and improve one’s sleeping experience:

• This involves tensing and then slowly releasing different muscle groups in the body, starting from the toes and working upwards, to promote overall relaxation.
• Practicing mindfulness or deep breathing exercises before bed can help calm the mind and relax the body, reducing muscle tension and preparing for sleep.
• Gentle stretching or yoga poses, especially those that focus on the back, neck, and shoulders, can help release muscle tension and improve flexibility.
• Ensure that the mattress and pillows provide proper support and maintain a comfortable room temperature to promote relaxation.
• Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol close to bedtime, as these can disrupt sleep patterns and make it harder for the body to relax.

Reference Link

https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/sleep-positionsstuck-in-stress-mode-9541023/