Experts reveal two best sleeping positions for good night rest
Photo: Best sleep positions named (freepik.com)
Sleep is crucial for every process in the body. The recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night help maintain brain, heart, immune system, skin health, and more. But what is the best sleeping position? Today answers this question.
What sleeping positions are considered the best
The position in which you sleep affects how well you rest and can even worsen conditions such as back pain, snoring, acid reflux, and more.
The most common sleeping position among adults is sleeping on the right or left side. More than 60% of people choose to sleep this way. The next most common position is lying on your back, facing upward. The least popular sleeping position is sleeping on your stomach, with only 10% of people choosing this position for rest.
The healthiest sleeping position for you will be the one that is most comfortable and helps you fall asleep well.
“There's no one best way to sleep. It's whatever works for you to limit the amount of pain that you have and help you to feel well-rested,” said expert Shelby Harris.
Sleeping on your side or back is generally considered healthier than sleeping on your stomach, which is associated with a range of health problems, such as back pain.
However, sleeping on your back or side can also worsen certain conditions, such as acid reflux or shoulder problems, respectively. Sleeping on your stomach may be better for some people with sleep apnea.
Therefore, the healthiest sleeping position will depend on your health, says Harris.
Always consult your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your sleep. However, these positions are generally recommended under certain conditions.
Best sleeping position for back or neck pain
Experts note that if you have back or neck pain, it’s important to choose a sleeping position that reduces pressure on the spine. Sleeping on your back, provided you have good neck support, is the best position for relieving back pain and supporting the spine in a neutral position.
A small pillow or rolled towel can also be placed under the knees to reduce pressure on the lower back.
Best sleeping position for sleep apnea and snoring
According to experts, sleeping on your side or stomach is generally better for people with sleep disorders like sleep apnea, as these positions help keep the airways open.
Sleeping on your back is usually considered the worst position for snoring.
Worst sleeping position
Experts note that the worst sleeping position is any position that causes the most pain, worsens underlying health issues, increases the risk of negative events, or disrupts sleep.
Generally, sleeping on your stomach is the worst position for back or neck pain while sleeping on your back is the worst for sleep apnea and snoring, and both positions are not ideal for pregnancy or acid reflux.
Also, read about the 10 signs of poor sleep that you should never ignore.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
