Most people have a position in which they prefer to fall asleep, on their right side, left side, stomach or back.
Although you may find that the position you have chosen is comfortable for you, it will not necessarily be the one that is right for you.
The position of the body has an important effect on sleep, especially on breathing.
Certain positions may even worsen neck or back pain.
So what is the best position for sleeping?
Neurologist and sleep expert Dr. Brandon Peters checked.
on the back
When lying on the back the legs are usually stretched straight.
The arms fall to the side of the body or rest on the chest or stomach.
If you manage to breathe well in this position, it can definitely be the best sleeping position since the body receives good support from the mattress.
By the way, this is also the safest position for babies and young children.
With a pillow that supports the head, the position even reduces back pain.
Elevating your feet on a support pillow can relieve swelling in your feet and ankles.
But some people will have difficulty breathing when they sleep on their back and this position can even increase snoring.
For people who suffer from teeth grinding during the night, diabetes or heartburn problems, this position is less recommended.
on the back.
The safest position for babies and children, photo: GettyImages
Left side
Most people who sleep on the left side of the body will not suffer from breathing problems during the night.
This is a very good choice for those who suffer from snoring.
If you have pain in your right shoulder, this is a position that can relieve the pain.
Pregnant women may also find this position particularly comfortable since it relieves back pain and bladder pressure.
But the left side is not suitable for everyone, sleeping in this position can cause shoulder or hip pain.
right side
As with sleeping on the left side, sleeping on the right side is also good for those who suffer from snoring or left shoulder pain.
And here too, sleeping on the right side can cause shoulder or hip pain.
on the belly
Lying on your stomach is a less common way to fall asleep.
In this position the face tilts to the side in order to breathe, the hands are tucked under the stomach or stretched to the sides and the legs are in a straight line.
If your mattress is not the most comfortable, lying on your stomach can be a good solution and it also relieves muscle pain, but it should be taken into account that sleeping on your stomach can cause neck pain and is definitely not the best for breathing since the weight of the body puts pressure on the lungs and diaphragm.
When you want to find the best position to sleep listen to your body and keep in mind that the position you choose to sleep in may cause or worsen breathing problems or back and neck pain.
If this is the case, you might want to try changing positions.
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