Sleep looks different for everyone. Maybe you sleep on your back (and snore), or perhaps you sleep on your stomach (and wake up with a stiff neck). Those results stem from how you sleep — and potentially what you’re sleeping on. A lot happens with your body while you’re asleep, and much of it can be attributed to your sleeping position. Let’s look at which sleeping position is the best for you and learn why some sleeping positions are not recommended.
What are the different sleeping positions?
While there are more detailed descriptions of every possible sleeping position, we’ll keep it simple: The most common sleeping positions are back, stomach, side and combination. One study found that over half, or around 54% of adults, sleep on their sides, making it the most common sleeping position. The second most common sleeping position for adults is back sleeping (around 38%). Coming in around only 7% is stomach sleeping.
Combination sleeping is common as most people naturally move and shift positions throughout the night. Even if you’re a combination sleeper, you’ll probably notice a tendency to sleep in a particular position for most of the night.
What is the healthiest sleeping position?
There are pros and cons to each sleeping position. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, side sleeping is considered the best sleeping position for most people, as it’s the best for your airways. Back sleeping can cause problems such as sleep apnea and snoring, and stomach sleeping can be hard on your back and neck. Side sleeping tends to prevent these potential issues and can be easier on your joints.
Side sleeping is also best for pregnant people as it keeps the pressure off the organs and helps to maintain healthy blood flow. The Mayo Clinic states that side sleeping is especially important during the third trimester, and sleeping on the left side is recommended.