The following article deals with the basic body posture of lying down. After a preceding definition, it is presented which tasks, functions and which benefit lying fulfills for humans. Likewise, diseases and complaints resulting from incorrect posture or otherwise related to this body position are discussed.
What is lying down?
Lying down is a physical, human activity. It represents a counterpart to the abilities of standing and walking. Lying down is a physical, human activity. It is a counterpart to the abilities of standing and walking. This activity is not used for locomotion, but is mainly taken to enable physiological regeneration. The positioning in this position always takes place in connection with a selected underground. This can be chosen situationally, but also culturally and individually differently. Ascending from the bare floor, various forms of sofas, beds or other furniture can be chosen to provide the highest possible quality of comfort for resting. Basically, the human body is here in an approximately horizontal position parallel to a specific base. An independent decision for positioning in one position is possible as well as an externally induced positioning in case of illness. Lying down usually also initiates the physical and mental resting state of sleep. Here, the following lying positions are to be distinguished: Supine, prone and lateral position. Mixed forms as well as different head positions are further distinguishing criteria.
Function and task
Sleeping is a physiological necessity, belongs to the basic human needs and is optimally exhausted regenerating in lying position. The average person spends one third of his total lifetime lying down. In this position, only a minimum of muscle activity is required. It is therefore the main task of this posture to provide the human body and mind with space for regeneration. During the day, the weight of any body rests on the joints as well as the muscles of a person while he/she is moving. In a sprawled position, the musculoskeletal system is freed from this weight; the musculature is thus relieved with little energy expenditure and can relax. Suitable sleeping surfaces in the form of body-adapted mattresses as well as pillows and a temperature-adapted blanket play an essential role in achieving a high level of functionality. The aim is to achieve a physiologically natural curvature of the spine in the double-S. Important parameters for this are the degree of hardness of the mattress as well as the height of the pillow and a suitable lying position. The higher the body weight, the harder the mattress should be. When lying on the side, the pelvis and shoulders must be able to sink in to the same depth so that the spine does not sag. An orthopedic pillow supports this. In the supine and prone positions, there must be no hollow back or overstretching of the neck muscles. Support pillows under the knees for back sleepers and at hip level for stomach sleepers reduce the risk. In this way, the torso muscles can be relieved to the maximum. Frequent changes of position are important to avoid discomfort. During sleep, the body regulates this itself and ensures constant optimization of posture. The average sleeper moves 60 times per night at a normal sleep rhythm. One-sided strain is thus prevented. When the back is stretched out, the intervertebral discs absorb more fluid during sleep and thus regenerate the vertebral apparatus. The choice of sleeping place and lying posture with sufficient freedom of movement are crucial to ensure the maximum functionality of lying for body and mind.
Diseases and ailments
Avoidable discomfort and illness can result from unsuitable lying surfaces and incorrect postures. A common source of error is pillows that do not support the cervical spine, causing it to buckle. This can cause circulatory problems and longer-term nerve damage. Neither excessive flexion caused by pillows that are too high in the supine position nor hyperextension of the cervical spine caused by pillows that are too flat are recommended. The prone position is the most unhealthy lying position, as it promotes a hollow back and high vertebral strain due to neck rotation.The natural correction of the lying position as well as changes of position during sleep should not be hindered or restricted. This can happen, for example, due to mattresses that are too old, which form recesses and thus prevent the spine from being stretched. Mattresses should be replaced after 10 years. High physical tension and tensions in the neck, shoulder as well as lumbar vertebrae area are frequent consequential complaints. Stiff, numb limbs, pain in the lower back or in the hips, thighs or knees when lying on the side can also be the result. Lumbago and slipped discs result in many cases from a hunched back in the fetal position. The back should also be kept straight when resting. An incorrect lying posture can lead to difficulty falling asleep or frequent waking. This in turn promotes obesity and depression, because the psyche and body cannot regenerate sufficiently. Physiotherapists correct these incorrect postures. Back and abdominal muscle training (straight and oblique) are suitable for preventing back problems. Lying down is predestined for sleeping, but it can also be the result of external influences and diseases. Among others, severe fractures, paralysis, multiple sclerosis and comatose states do not allow affected people to sit, stand or walk due to lack of muscle control. They rely on external care and assistance to keep the risk of further secondary illnesses low. Prolonged positioning can result in poorly healing wounds (pressure sores) due to lack of movement and reduced circulation with increased pressure. Muscle atrophy, shortening of muscles, ligaments, and tendons, and stiffening of joints (contractures) also threaten.
