Most of us instinctively curl into our go-to sleeping pose every night.
But did you know that the way you sleep can have a big impact on your physical health?
Here’s how the most common sleeping positions affect your body.
The fetal position
Curled up on your side like a baby, this position is especially favored by women.
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It supports the spine well and is ideal for those with sleep apnea, acid reflux, or pregnant individuals.
However, tight curling can worsen shoulder discomfort, so consider stretching out slightly.
The log position
Lying straight on your side with arms down by your body helps align the spine and reduce sleep apnea symptoms.
It’s one of the best positions for overall back health. Placing a pillow between your knees enhances comfort and spinal support.
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The freefall position
Face-down with arms under the pillow or near the head, this position might feel cozy but often leads to neck, shoulder, and lower back pain.
It also tends to disrupt sleep cycles. A softer pillow and facing the mattress can improve breathing.
The soldier position
Flat on your back with arms at your sides, this position can aggravate snoring and sleep apnea, especially in older adults.
But it’s excellent for reducing acid reflux and supports the spine well. To avoid lower back strain, place a pillow under your knees.
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The starfish position
Also on your back, but with arms up and legs apart, the starfish can relieve shoulder and neck tension.
It may also help prevent facial wrinkles by keeping the face off the pillow. Again, a pillow under the knees can enhance lumbar comfort.
The elevated position
Sleeping with your upper body slightly raised can be a game changer for those with cough, congestion, or acid reflux.
Use a wedge pillow or an adjustable bed to achieve this position, which improves airflow and reduces discomfort.
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The left-side position
This one’s a winner for pregnant individuals and those with heartburn.
Lying on the left side helps with circulation and prevents pressure on the liver. It’s also beneficial for managing sleep apnea and digestion-related issues.
The right-side position
If you have heart issues, sleeping on your right side might be better. It’s been shown to ease breathing in people with heart failure.
For maximum benefit, support your hips and knees with a pillow.
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The mini-fetal position
A relaxed version of the full fetal pose, this side-sleeping style provides spinal support while being easier on the shoulders and hips.
It’s perfect if you find the full curl too intense but still want the benefits of side sleeping.
Sleeping on your stomach
Though it may feel comforting to some, stomach sleeping is usually discouraged.
Turning your head to the side strains the neck, and pressure on the lower back can cause pain. It also leads to frequent nighttime awakenings due to discomfort.
This article is based on information from WebMD.