Best Sleeping Positions for Men

For many men, sleep is just one more thing at the bottom of the list of all that needs to be done in a day. It seems like wasted time that prevents them from getting any work done. These wrong ideas about sleep keep men from tapping into the power of a well-rested mind and body. Do you have any of these unsound practices sound familiar?

Common Sleep Disruptors

• Drinking alcohol, caffeine or smoking. The use of alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine can all affect your sleep. You should avoid these substances in the afternoon and at night. Consuming them too close to your bedtime can keep you from sleeping well.
• Driving while drowsy. Men may choose to shrug off fatigue and get behind the wheel. Ideally, you should nap before getting behind the wheel or ask someone else to share the driving. Other ways to stay alert: have a snack or stop to stretch your legs every hour or two.
• Eating too much at dinner. Research has shown that most people do best when they eat the bulk of their calories early in the day, but try telling a hungry man he’ll have to make do with a salad and a small piece of broiled chicken as his evening meal. Enjoying a hearty dinner may seem like every guy’s right – but beware. Second helpings of spaghetti and meatballs topped off with half a loaf of garlic bread right before bed may cause heartburn and prevent you from sleeping well. If you’re starving on the way home from work, take the edge off with a piece of fruit.
• Snoring. Not only is snoring disruptive to your partner’s sleep, but it also turns out that snoring may signal underlying sleep disorders. Sleep apnea, a condition in which your throat tissue actually collapses into your airway and obstructs your breathing, can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Losing a few pounds may help, but for some people, the best solution is a special mask that keeps your airways open.

Best Ways For Males to Sleep

Sleeping position can certainly have an impact on a man’s slumber—as well as his overall health. In addition to poor quality that leaves you feeling fatigued in waking hours, postures could also affect sleep apnea, heartburn, impaired circulation, and even lead to premature wrinkles. Here are some of the healthiest sleeping positions for men:

• Sleeping on your back. By far, this is the most popular sleeping position and for most men, it’s also the healthiest. A man sleeping his back is allowing his neck, head, and spine to rest in neutral positions. Ensure you have a quality pillow to keep your stomach below the esophagus. This prevents food and acid from coming back up into the digestive tract
• Sleeping on your side. Roughly 15% of adults find themselves sleeping on their side. While it can lead to wrinkles, it can help prevent back and neck pain because the spine is elongated. Your partner may prefer when you sleep in this position. Why? Because you’re less likely to snore as this position keeps your airways open.

Worst Ways For Men to Sleep

• Sleeping on your stomach. While it’s more rare for men to sleep on their stomachs, it’s for good reason. It can lead to back and neck pain as it’s difficult to keep your spine in a neutral position. Sleeping on your stomach also can lead to numbness or irritated nerves or aches.

Learn More About How to Sleep Better from Baptist Health

If you struggle with sleeplessness or inadequate restful sleep, the Baptist Health Sleep Center is designed to help you discover the cause of your sleeplessness, and determine the most effective treatment options. Contact your nearest Baptist Health location today.