{"id":59578,"date":"2023-08-03T17:07:54","date_gmt":"2023-08-03T21:07:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=59578"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:35:29","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:35:29","slug":"best-sleeping-position","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/best-sleeping-position\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the best sleeping position?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Getting into bed at the end of the day can be the best feeling in the world (bonus if your bed is made). But sometimes, you wake up in the morning with a stiff neck, feeling like you “slept funny.” What is the best way to <\/span>sleep<\/span>? This article will cover the best ways to slumber so you can go to sleep—and wake up—feeling your best. <\/span><\/p>\n

What is the best sleeping position?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There is not one best sleeping position for everyone because everyone has unique situations and medical conditions. According to the <\/span>Sleep Foundation<\/span><\/a>, the best sleep position promotes “healthy spinal alignment from your hips all the way to your head.” This may vary from person to person. However, experts generally recommend that sleeping on the side or back is considered “more beneficial” than sleeping on the stomach. This is because sleeping on the side or back allows you to keep your spine supported and balanced, relieving pressure on the spine and letting your muscles relax and recover while you rest. <\/span><\/p>\n

Pros and cons of different sleeping positions<\/span><\/h2>\n

The major sleeping positions include side sleeping, fetal position, back sleeping, and stomach sleeping. <\/span><\/p>\n

Side Sleeping<\/span><\/h3>\n

Side sleeping is the <\/span>most popular<\/span><\/a> sleeping position, with over 60% of people choosing to sleep this way. <\/span><\/p>\n

Sleeping on the side may be more comfortable for the spine, especially as we age. It promotes spinal alignment and is the position least likely to cause back pain. In addition to back pain, side sleeping benefits older adults and those with certain medical conditions, including reflux, sleep apnea or snoring, and pregnancy. <\/span><\/p>\n

You should not sleep on your side if you have shoulder pain, as this position can cause shoulder soreness and tightness. Those worried about wrinkles also should not sleep on the side because doing so can contribute to facial wrinkles. <\/span><\/p>\n

Fetal position<\/span><\/h3>\n

The <\/span>fetal sleep position<\/span><\/a>, a form of side sleeping, is when you sleep on your side but bring your knees up to the chest (like a baby in the womb). This sleeping position offers similar benefits as side sleeping. <\/span><\/p>\n

Back sleeping<\/span><\/h3>\n

Back sleeping is the second most popular sleep position, after side sleeping. Back sleeping helps distribute your weight evenly and keep the spine in alignment. Without a mattress or pillow pressed against the face, this position benefits those who want to avoid facial wrinkles. Propped up, sleeping on the back can also help those with allergies or nasal congestion. It’s also the best position for individuals with neck pain, in addition to a supportive memory foam pillow. Experts recommend keeping both arms in a similar position when sleeping on the back to keep the spine even (for example, both arms at your sides, as opposed to one up and one down). <\/span><\/p>\n

You should not sleep on your back if you are pregnant or if you snore or have sleep apnea. It’s also not a recommended sleeping position for older adults, heavier people, or people with reflux. People with back pain may or may not find relief from back sleeping. Those who want to sleep on their back but have discomfort may want to try putting a small pillow under the knees—or a thin pillow under the lower back. <\/span><\/p>\n

Stomach sleeping<\/span><\/h3>\n

Stomach sleeping comes in as the least popular sleeping position. It provides the least amount of back support and increases pressure on the spine, which may cause you to feel pain when you wake up. When sleeping on your stomach, you have to turn your head to the side, which twists your neck and head out of alignment with the rest of your spine. <\/span><\/p>\n

Those who want to sleep on their stomach may benefit from a firm mattress and using a very thin pillow, or no pillow at all, which minimizes spinal alignment problems. A thin pillow placed under the hips can also help relieve pressure. <\/span><\/p>\n

You should not sleep on your stomach if you have neck pain or back pain if you are pregnant, or if you are concerned about facial wrinkles. <\/span><\/p>\n

Finding the best sleeping position for different health concerns <\/span><\/h2>\n

Changing your sleeping position, usually in combination with other measures, such as prescription medication, may help improve certain health conditions. The following information is general in nature. Because each individual may have multiple medical conditions to consider, you can ask your health professional about which sleeping position would be best for you. For certain conditions, one way of sleeping may be more beneficial than another, for example:<\/span><\/p>\n