Which Position Is Best to Sleep In, According to Science

Even if you’re going to bed at different times every night, chances are you stick to your favorite sleeping position every time you hit the hay. Although your preferred sleeping position definitely can comfort you, it might end up causing some health issues, ranging from snoring to aches in different parts of your body.

Here at Bright Side, we decided to find out which sleeping positions might offer the most benefits for your health and which are better to avoid.

1. Sleeping on your back

While sleeping on your back might help you keep your skin wrinkle-free for longer, it’s not the best position if you’re suffering from low back pain because it can make the existing condition worse. And if your partner keeps complaining about snoring, sleeping on your back might not be the best position either, as it might aggravate your sleep apnea as well.

But if you have ever woken up with annoying neck pain, then sleeping on your back might be helpful because it keeps your head, neck, and spine in a neutral position, helping you to prevent achy sensations in the neck area. Sleeping on your back also isn’t recommended for pregnant women because it might restrict the flow of blood and oxygen to the baby.

2. Sleeping on your left side

Staying hydrated and eating enough fiber can definitely benefit your digestion, and sleeping on your left side may help regulate your bowels as well. When you sleep on your left side, gravity encourages normal bowel movements, helping you go to the bathroom first thing in the morning. In addition to relieving constipation, sleeping on your left side is thought to be the most beneficial to your health and can provide relief from back pain.

3. Sleeping on your right side

If you often feel your heart jump, then cutting back on caffeine and finding a healthy way to handle stress is the right step to take. Apart from these lifestyle changes, sleeping on your right side can also be beneficial to your heart. Choosing to sleep on your right side may protect you against heart failure and other heart related issues.

4. Sleeping on your stomach

Although sleeping on your stomach may reduce snoring, it has many drawbacks compared to other sleeping positions. Because it disturbs your spine’s neutral position, stomach sleeping can lead to back, neck, and shoulder pain, and may even cause your skin to age faster.

What sleeping position do you prefer? Have you ever tried to change it for the sake of your health?