Sometimes, people attribute height to how well a person is growing. While genetics play a major role in how tall we will be, there are other variables that can affect our height. Sleep is one of those variables that can determine how tall we can grow.,
The amount of sleep and the position in which you sleep directly influences the way you grow. The human body is made up of cartilage and bones, and these lengthen during growth. Gravity affects the way cartilage and bones align, and this in turn influences our height.
The position you sleep in affects how the body aligns, and this affects growth. Therefore, if you want to maximize growth during sleep, you need to assume a position that puts your body in the most upright position possible.
What Is The Relationship Between Sleep and Height?
One of the most important factors that help us grow taller is the Growth Hormone (GH). This hormone is made by the pituitary gland in your brain and it is responsible for the growth of your bones and general development of the body.
Growth hormone secretion usually occurs in a pulsatile fashion. Also, its secretion follows the normal circadian rhythm. Maximal secretion of growth hormone has been found to be released in the second part of the night and at the start of slow-wave sleep.
Therefore, sleep is a very important physiological factor that can affect how tall we can grow. Also, it is important for general growth and development.
What Is The Best Sleeping Position To Grow Taller?
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While many believe that to grow taller you have to sleep on your side, this is not the case. The position in which one sleeps does not necessarily accelerate or retard growth. It can only influence the direction in which our spine lengthens.
Sleeping on your back helps put your body in the most upright position possible during sleep. It keeps your head, neck, and spine aligned and evenly distributes your weight across your body. If you are a back sleeper, you are allowed to do a happy dance. However, note that it is important that your head and feet are elevated whenever you sleep on your back.
The perfect way to achieve this is to use a pillow to elevate your head and another pillow to elevate your feet. Alternatively, you can place a board underneath your bed where your feet are pointed. Sleeping in this position maximizes the space between bones and cartilage, allowing them to lengthen and grow more.
What Sleeping Position Should I Avoid?
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Sleeping on your stomach is not recommended by experts and doctors. This is because it puts a lot of pressure on our lower bank as it remains tense through the night
Also, when lying on our stomachs, we often turn our necks at an almost 90 90-degree angle. This causes misalignment of the neck which is not good for proper growth and can also cause pain.
Sleeping on the stomach provides the least support for the back and consequently leads to more pressure. This can compress the body and limit growth.
What Can I Do If I’m A Stomach Sleeper?
If you have always slept on your stomach and can’t sleep any other way, don't fret. There are tips and tricks to avoid back pain and provide adequate support to the back even if you sleep on your stomach.
- Always place a thin pillow under your hips (pelvis) and abdomen when you want to sleep. This will make your spine more relaxed and relieve pressure.
- It is advised to sleep without pillows or use a flat one if you need to. It will help prevent you from tilting your neck upwards or backward, making your spine more uncomfortable and out of alignment;
- Place a pillow or rolled towel under your forehead to create enough breathing space between your mouth and the mattress if you sleep with your head facing the mattress.
Does More Sleep Make Me Taller?
Experts believe sleep is essential for children's growth and development. During sleep, the body produces hormones that help with growth and development. Lack of sleep can interfere with the production of these hormones thus limiting children's growth and development.
This cycle is important, especially in children as they are still in an actively growing phase. Children need between 9 and 12 hours of sleep each night.
Furthermore, children who do not get adequate sleep may develop health problems, such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, anxiety, and depression. They may also have problems in school performance, social relationships, and behavior as they can't properly function during the day.
It is quite obvious that getting enough bedtime does more good to you than accelerating healthy growth spurge alone. A good mattress and pillow also significantly contribute to the quality of your overall sleep and ego home prioritizes just that; your comfort.
Tips On How To Get Quality Sleep
We already established that good sleep will aid maximal secretion of growth hormones. This is mostly beneficial to children and teenagers as they still have the ability to grow significantly taller. However, good sleep is also important for everyone as it helps one to function optimally.
Here are a few tips to help you or your teenager get quality sleep:
- Have a regular bedtime
- Invest in a comfortable bed (Egohome has one of the best collections)
- Keep your bedroom clean and quiet.
- Exercise during the day.
- Avoid alcohol or heavy meals before bed.
If you or your child still have trouble sleeping, it is best to consult a physician as it can be a pointer to a health problem.
Stretching Exercises to Grow Taller
People often wonder about the proper stretching exercise that helps with growth. The truth is that there is no single answer to this question. What works for one person may not work for another. However, there are some things you can do to help you stretch your body and grow a little taller.
- The FIRST principle here is to make sure you perform a stretching exercise EVERYDAY. You can do this either early in the morning after you wake or before you go to bed. You can also stretch after your normal exercise routine. Stretching will help keep your body flexible and help you with post-exercise pain.
- Take Ballet or Yoga Lessons. This is another way to stretch your body often and grow a little taller. Ballet and Yoga will help you stretch your body in a safe and controlled way. They will also help you tone your muscles and improve your overall posture.
- Finally, if you want to stretch your body and grow a little bigger, you need to make sure you are eating a healthy diet. Foods rich in protein and calcium will help you have strong bones and strong muscles.
Other Ways To Accelerate Growth
Although it may seem fruitless at first, there are ways to accelerate growth and add a few inches in a few weeks. However, you must be willing to follow a good diet plan and exercise regularly.
According to research, one of the fastest ways to add inches to our height is by maintaining a very well-balanced diet.
You will need to significantly increase your protein intake. Eat lean meats, chicken, fish, legumes, tofu, low-fat cheese, eggs, nuts and seeds.
4-5 protein-rich meals a day would ensure your body has the nutrients it needs to build muscle and bone. Also, it is essential to take in enough fluid, especially water, as water helps the body absorb essential nutrients needed.
It is important to include fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A, C, and D in your diet since these vitamins are essential for the growth and health of the skeleton. The best options are citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, peppers, and sweet potatoes.
Lastly, do regular stretching and strengthening exercises. Stretching exercises will help you reach your limbs and stretch your muscles, which in turn will allow you to gain a few inches in height. Strengthening exercises, on the other hand, will help you improve your posture and give you a more upright appearance, which will also allow you to gain a few inches in height.
Conclusion
The position in which we sleep amongst other factors influences how our body grows and our height. While sleeping on our back helps us to align our body and decompress the spine, choosing the most appropriate mattress that suits our body needs increases our quality of sleep.
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