Many people have the habit of resting their arms on their forehead while sleeping, considering it a completely normal action. This habit can make you feel more comfortable while sleeping, but it can also bring many unforeseen consequences. Let’s explore the sleeping position of resting arms on the forehead in the following article.
1. Decoding the Sleeping Position of Resting Arms on the Forehead
Sleeping with arms resting on the forehead is not a common habit among many individuals. They often feel most comfortable and fall asleep easily in this familiar position. According to several studies, the reasons behind this sleeping position include:
- Improper lighting from the surrounding environment. In bright lighting conditions, many people feel uncomfortable resting. Thus, they tend to rest their arms on their forehead to block the light affecting their eyes.
- Some people believe this position helps alleviate headaches and makes it easier to fall asleep. When resting their arms on the forehead, the brain senses the weight, making them feel sleepier.
- This position provides a sense of safety for the sleeper. This may stem from anxiety or from being in an environment with sharp objects, noise, or the presence of insects.
Many people feel more comfortable and can sleep easier with their arms resting on their forehead.
Dr. Shane Creado, M.D., a psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist, states that we often have a subconscious tendency to protect ourselves. Therefore, those who sleep in this position may have a problem with poor survival instincts.
Additionally, sleeping with arms resting on the forehead may indicate that you are experiencing respiratory issues. According to Dr. Creado, if you frequently wake up in a position with your arms on your head, it could mean you are struggling to breathe while sleeping. This position may help the sleeper breathe more easily.
2. Consequences of Resting Arms on the Forehead While Sleeping
Many people believe that sleeping with arms resting on the forehead is normal and does not cause any significant harm. However, experts warn that this action can greatly affect your health.
Regarding sleep quality, Dr. Creado believes that sleeping with arms above the head is not a major factor affecting sleep quality. In fact, you can achieve a good night’s sleep if you maintain a comfortable position throughout the night.
However, resting your arms on your forehead for extended periods can put pressure on the head area. Over time, this can affect the brain, leading to headaches, difficulty sleeping, and fatigue upon waking.
Sleeping with arms raised for a long time can lead to serious health issues.
Furthermore, raising the arms can also affect blood circulation to your arms. As a result, many people often experience numbness upon waking from this position.
Additionally, resting your hands on your eyes and face for long periods can affect your vision and skin. This action can inadvertently allow microorganisms from your hands to enter your eyes, impacting your health. Simultaneously, your skin and eyes endure substantial pressure over time. This can lead to adverse effects such as premature aging, skin darkening, wrinkling, acne, or even blurred vision.
3. Tips for a More Comfortable Sleep
As we can see, while the position of resting arms on the forehead during sleep may provide comfort, it can also lead to significant negative impacts. Therefore, you should begin to gradually change your sleeping position to avoid immediate discomfort. Try to keep your arms lower than your body and in the most comfortable position. If you’re not used to it, you can place an additional cushion under your arms to relieve pressure in that area.
Moreover, you can apply some simple tips to improve your sleep quality and overall health:
Practice Proper Sleeping Posture
Different individuals have various suitable sleeping positions. For instance, for those who frequently experience acid reflux, snoring, or pregnant women, lying on the side is the best option.
If you often suffer from nasal congestion, breathing difficulties, or are concerned about protecting your skin, choose a supine position. Additionally, placing a thin pillow under your lower back or neck can help improve sleep quality more effectively.
Correct sleeping posture helps protect your musculoskeletal system and improve sleep quality.
Create the Perfect Sleeping Environment
The temperature and lighting in the bedroom can directly affect your sleep experience. Ideally, the temperature should be maintained at around 26–28 degrees Celsius. The room should have soft lighting or be kept dark to facilitate easier sleep. Additionally, ensure that your bedroom is well-ventilated, clean, and minimize surrounding noise that may disturb your sleep.
Creating a sufficiently dark, quiet environment with a moderate temperature helps you relax before sleep.
Build a Healthy Lifestyle and Sleep Habits
Engaging in physical exercise can significantly improve your sleep quality. Additionally, establish healthy living habits by eating a balanced diet, getting enough nutrients, and minimizing stimulants like alcohol, coffee, and tobacco.
If you find it hard to sleep, consider relaxing through music, reading, or meditating. Maintaining a relaxed mindset is crucial for achieving a complete and restful sleep.
Use Quality Mattresses
Most of our resting time is spent lying on the bed. Therefore, investing in a comfortable mattress is crucial. Not only does it help you relax, but a quality mattress also supports your body, reducing discomfort upon waking and protecting the spine, neck, shoulders, and head.
Moreover, consider choosing a mattress that meets your family’s needs and sleeping habits. Here are some of the most common types of mattresses available today:
- Spring mattresses: high elasticity, sturdy, reasonably priced.
- Latex mattresses: excellent support for the spine, helping reduce back pain, but can be quite expensive.
- Foam mattresses: high firmness and elasticity, very affordable, suitable for middle and low-income families.
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