Over the years, many of us, either by habit, or the way we were raised, have fallen into a pattern of being able to sleep in only one particular position.
These positions are, but not limited to:
1) the supine position – which is basically sleeping on your back. This may seem ideal for some, but it is actually not the most ideal position especially if you suffer from COPD, or ill with a URTI (Upper Respiratory Tract Infection) not to mention anyone with back problems;
2) the Fowlers position – which is basically sleeping upright, or something akin to sleeping on a “sitting” position. This position is ideal for some, especially for people suffering from COPD or URTI, as gravity forces matter down from your airway passages (such as mucus), enabling you to breathe better with no airway impairments;
3) the prone position – which is basically sleeping on your stomach. This is probably one of the worse positions to sleep in as it forces pressure on your airways when there is weight pressing against it, inhibiting breathing and aggravating any sleep order one may have; and
4)Sleeping on your side at a low Fowler’s position – the most ideal position to sleep as it exerts the least amount of pressure on your airways, allowing good airflow passage, and may actually be good for those with back problems. This is the most ideal position to get a good night’s sleep or if you suffer from sleep apnea.
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