From PhillyVoice · · 1m 50s
Does your sleeping position matter?
Your sleeping position affects snoring, heartburn, and pain, but the best one depends on your health and comfort.
In brief
Your sleeping position affects snoring, heartburn, and pain, but the best one depends on your health and comfort. There's no single best sleeping position for everyone. Find what helps you rest comfortably without worsening existing health problems. Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
Your position shapes your sleep
How you sleep affects breathing, heartburn, and aches and pains. The right position depends on your health conditions and comfort.
Most people sleep on their side
Over 60 percent of adults are side sleepers, compared with 18 percent on their backs and only 10 percent on their stomachs.
Side sleeping helps with snoring
If you snore or have obstructive sleep apnea, side sleeping may help because the condition often worsens on your back.
Side sleeping eases back pain
A supportive pillow keeps your neck aligned, while bending your knees and placing a pillow between them reduces lower back pressure.
Left side helps with heartburn
Sleeping on your left side reduces nighttime acid exposure and clears acid from the esophagus faster than your right side or back.
Side sleeping in pregnancy
Side sleeping is recommended during the second and third trimesters because back sleeping can pressure a major blood vessel and reduce blood flow.
Back sleeping aligns your spine
Back sleeping keeps your head, neck, and spine naturally aligned. A pillow under your knees provides extra support for your lower back.
Stomach sleeping strains your neck
Turning your head to breathe can misalign your neck and spine, causing discomfort. A thin pillow and pelvic support can reduce strain.
Find what works for you
The best position is one that helps you sleep comfortably and wake rested. If pain or symptoms persist, talk to your healthcare provider.
The bottom line
There's no single best sleeping position for everyone. Find what helps you rest comfortably without worsening existing health problems.
