What sleeping position is the healthiest?
How to choose a perfect sleeping position for yourself
6 September, 2020 by

It is established that sleeping is essential for one’s health and happiness. Researchers agree about the various benefits of sleep and there is a fair consensus among doctors and researchers regarding the time you should spend in bed, however in order to receive all the benefits that come with a healthy sleep, it is important to sleep properly, as sleeping in the wrong position will not just reduce the benefits of sleep but can lead to some serious issues with your back. 

John Hopkins medical professionals argue that the sleeping position is less important for young and healthy individuals as they usually pick the most comfortable position for their back automatically when they curl up under the bed sheets and settle into the most comfortable position. While this is usually the case for young and healthy people, the situation becomes different as you get older and various medical issues arise.

Doctors say that changing your sleeping position can have either a positive or a negative effect for such individuals depending on what symptoms they have:

Neck pain

People suffering with neck pain can find it painful to sleep on their back with their face up, however this issue might be solvable with an orthopedic pillow. It is also common that sleeping on your side causes stiffness in your neck and shoulder. 

Lower Back Pain

Sleeping on your back on an orthopedic mattress and with a memory foam neck pillow can help with pain alleviation in your lower back. It is also advised to sleep on your back, as it could make a long-term difference in helping cure your back and as it lets your spine and muscles rest properly.

Sleep Apnea and Snoring

As sleep apnea causes your airways to collapse during sleep, positioning yourself on your stomach or side during sleep can help the airways to stay open and reduce snoring and alleviate some mild forms of sleep apnea. 

Heartburn or Gastrointestinal diseases

For people suffering with heartburn or digestive system issues, it is not advised to sleep on their stomach or side as it can make matters worse. However, people suffering from digestive system might also try sleeping on their left side. 


It is not recommended to sleep on your side before an early important morning meeting as it can leave marks on your face that could take time to go away. 

Overwhelmingly, doctors recommend sleeping on your back, especially if a person sleeps on a hard surface or on an orthopedic mattress, because this allows your back to stay in the right position during the night, which helps keep your muscles relaxed and relieve any unnecessary stress on your back and joints. National Sleep Foundation also recommends Fetus sleeping position, which might be better during pregnancies and also can reduce snoring. 

It is important to understand that one’s sleeping conditions are as important as the length of sleep a person is getting. It is important to choose a perfect position for yourself and sleep on a comfortable mattress and a memory foam pillow to provide the best support for your back and help you relax properly after a hard day at work.