Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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Also, what sleep position is best for restful sleep?

One pillow? Two pillows? Or no pillows?

flag	asked Oct 31 2011 at 18:53 Ben Nash 2,762●2●16●48

Dragonfly · Accepted Answer · 2011-11-01 00:22:45Z UTC

5

Closed.

Your oxygen/carbon dioxide balance is better with nose breathing.

Teeth need saliva to protect against cavities.

Your partner will appreciate you not snoring!

(you really need to ask the other questions separately...)

answered Nov 1 2011 at 0:22

Dragonfly
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[Insert "The More You Know" Graphic Here] – Travis Culp♦ Nov 1 2011 at 0:24

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check out Buteyko breathing. – Lars Nov 1 2011 at 2:52

Christopher · Answer 2 · 2011-10-31 18:57:51Z UTC

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I don't know how this relates to paleo but I don't think people have much choice, barring a jaw restraints, once they go to sleep as to if their mouth is open or shut.

I try to sleep with my mouth closed, you never know what someone will try to put in it.

answered Oct 31 2011 at 18:57

Christopher
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That's what I was going to say! I have read sleeping with an open mouth can deprive your gums of moisture. I have the best luck avoiding the open mouth--and breathing more freely--if I sleep on my side with one leg bent so I'm tilted down and my face is pointed down. – Nance Oct 31 2011 at 19:00

it is a natural function in most people when something goes wrong while you're sleeping i.e.- dry mouth, feather going in your mouth, frisky significant other, that you lick youe lips, cough, gag and then everything returns to normal and you continue sleeping. – Christopher Oct 31 2011 at 19:07

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How does getting a good night sleep not related to paleo? – Kewpie Oct 31 2011 at 19:19

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I think because we are supposed to ask questions that are specific to paleo people. I could ask this question in any health forum. – Christopher Oct 31 2011 at 19:25

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Sorry, Christopher, but sleep is highly paleo and has a lot to do with overall health. I'm fine with this question as long as the person asking is eating primal/paleo. – Nance Oct 31 2011 at 20:57

show 3 more comments

Nemesis · Answer 3 · 2011-11-01 02:41:47Z UTC

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Closed. Mouth breathing even during the daytime is considered "bad posture" for your airway. When sitting upright, your lips should be lightly sealed and your tongue resting against your upper palate. It's even worse when your jaw is hanging open during sleep. Constriction can cause snoring and will shortchange your body of oxygen. Apnea & restless legs could be attributed to not getting enough oxygen while the body is at rest.

Also, mouth breathing has been linked to orofacial defects such as malocclusion and "long face"..

Nose vs. Mouth Breathing

Mouth Breathing and craniofacial pain

Mouth Breathing and facial development

Where sleeping position is concerned, that's highly individual. Sleeping on the stomach, where your neck is turned at a sharp angle really isn't very good for you. But back sleeping, side sleeping, "flamingo" position or fetal--whatever makes you feel comfortable. People change positions during sleep due to muscle fatigue anyway. I use a body pillow for support between my knees when I sleep on my side, and a contour pillow that supports my neck and keeps my spine and neck straight.

edited Nov 1 2011 at 2:41

answered Nov 1 2011 at 1:04

Nemesis
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	I'm 20, very recently paleo, & have always been a mouth breather since I can remember at a young age. I've tried to breath through my nose but it makes me dizzy and feels like I'm suffocating. I also can only fall asleep on my stomach with my head turned to the side. I know it's bad for me, but I don't what I can do to change it. Do I just need to practice node breathing for longer and longer periods until I get used it? My body is probably used to the extra oxygen I get due to my mouth being a larger opening than my nose, similar to how high altitude modern HGs have bigger lungs from less O2 – Alex Nov 1 2011 at 23:36
	I should probably add regarding my sleep issue that I can only sleep on my stomach in bed. On my couch I can do either/or when resting against the built-in pillow, which leaves my head tilted forward quite a bit (not as far as my chin being on my chest or anything though) – Alex Nov 1 2011 at 23:42
	Restricted nasal passages inevitably lead to mouth breathing. Pick up a pack of these breatheright.com to wear at night. They temporarily open up your nasal passages so you can breathe through your nose easier. You actually get LESS oxygen into your body when you mouth breathe! And yes, it does take practice to unlearn your bad mouth breathing habits. The only way I can think of is to try the strips and buy one of those jaw/chin slings that is supposed to keep your mouth closed. Might want to run this by a doctor first, just to be on the safe side. – Nemesis Nov 1 2011 at 23:43
	You might look into getting a foam face pillow, so you can lie face down on your stomach without having to turn your head to breathe. amazon.com/Memory-Sherpa-Covered-Core-Products/dp/… – Nemesis Nov 1 2011 at 23:45
	Also, try placing a thin pillow under your stomach when you sleep, as illustrated here: maddieruud.hubpages.com/hub/Pillow_Placement – Nemesis Nov 1 2011 at 23:47

Kasra · Answer 4 · 2011-11-01 00:15:14Z UTC

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The best position is the most comfortable position.

answered Nov 1 2011 at 0:15

Kasra
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Jack Kronk · Answer 5 · 2011-11-01 04:41:12Z UTC

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Closed. After all... "The average person swallows 4 spiders per year in their sleep."

answered Nov 1 2011 at 4:41

Jack Kronk
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	are spiders a good source of protein? – sage_ Nov 1 2011 at 5:39
	they are a good source of poison. – Jack Kronk Nov 1 2011 at 14:53
	anyway this was meant to be sarcasm. that's why i put it in quotes but i guess nobody thought it was funny. lol. – Jack Kronk Nov 1 2011 at 14:54

Is it healthier to sleep with mouth open or closed?

5 Answers