Different sleeping positions can have a major impact on your sleep quality and your overall health. Issues from poor sleeping posture can cause back and neck pain, fatigue, sleep apnea, muscle cramping, impaired circulation, headaches, and heartburn.
1. On Your Back-
2. On Your Side- (Legs and arms out straight)
3. In the Fetal Position- (Torso curled and knees bent)
4. On Your Stomach-
- Only eight percent of people sleep on their backs
- The best option for most people
- Sleeping on your back allows your head, neck, and spine to rest in a neutral position
- No extra pressure meaning you're less likely to experience pain
- Sleeping on your back is ideal for preventing acid reflux
- Not a recommended position for those who suffer from sleep apnea (a condition that causes periods of breathlessness)
- This position can also make snoring more severe.
2. On Your Side- (Legs and arms out straight)
- This position also helps decrease acid reflux
- Keeps your spine elongated, which reduces back and neck pain
- Less likely to snore in this snooze posture, because it keeps airways open
- Best choice for those with sleep apnea.
- 15% of adults choose to sleep on their side
3. In the Fetal Position- (Torso curled and knees bent)
- 41% of adults choose this option, making it the most popular sleep position
- A great choice for pregnant women because it improves circulation in your body and in the fetus
- A good position for anyone who snores
- A fetal position that's curled up too tightly can restrict breathing and leave you feeling sore
- Prevent these issues by straightening out your body as much as you can, instead of tucking your chin into your chest and pulling your knees up high.
- Can also reduce strain on your hips by placing a pillow between your knees.
4. On Your Stomach-
- Good for reducing snoring
- However, it’s bad for practically everything else
- 7% of adults pick this position
- Can lead to back and neck pain, since it’s hard to keep your spine in a neutral position
- Stomach sleepers put pressure on their muscles and joints, possibly leading to numbness, tingling, aches, and irritated nerves