TikTok claims there’s a link between your sleep position and mental health.
Our experts break down the science and offer tips for better sleep.
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Err…lets back up.
But what abouthowyou sleep?
medical director for the Center for Sleep at Tufts Medical Center
But, is it really that simple?
Perhaps unsurprisingly, not really.
Most commonly, sleep is worse.
And to add insult to injury, your body gets evenmorestressed when it doesnt get the rest it needs.
But what does this all have to do with your sleeping position?
Should you be concerned?
This can influence poorer sleep quality and lead to shifts in mental health.
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medical director for the Center for Sleep at Tufts Medical Center
Heres What a Sleep Doctor Thinks
Does Your Sleeping Position Really Say Anything About Your Mental Health?
The idea that stress controls your sleep position isnt backed by science, echoes Dr. Harris.
Mental health plays a bigger role in whether you get good quality sleep rather than how you physically sleep.
Sleeping in thefetal positionhas been associated with people who have anxiety and need comfort, says Dr. Grover.
Our experts also note that pregnant people often sleep on their sides to accommodate their growing bellies.
For starters, verify youre not slugging caffeinated beverages before bedtime.
Avoid caffeine six to eight hours before bedtime, suggests Dr. Grover.
Caffeine is astimulant, which can keep the nervous system awake.
Regular mindfulness practicehas been shownto improve sleep over time, says Dr. Harris.
Taking slow, deep breaths helps calm your nervous system, she says.
It signals to your body that its safe to relax.
Breathing exercises can lower your heart rate and help you fall asleep faster.
Last, confirm your bedroom is a sleeping oasis.
Comfortable room temperature and bedding and pillows are essential, says Dr. Grover.
According to theSleep Foundation, the optimal sleeping temperature ranges between 65 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
Life happens fast, and sometimes it can be hard to pinpoint how many nights of sleep weve lost.
And about those mountain-climbing flamingos?
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