The Best Sleeping Positions for Your Overall Health

The best sleeping positions are dependent first on what is comfortable for you. If you are not comfortable in a certain position, you cannot sleep. This can cause a host of problems. Bottom line, sleep in the way you feel most comfortable.

That said, some positions are healthier in general for most people. If you feel like you need to change your sleeping positions due to snoring or back problems, here are a few positions to try.

Face Down

Overall, sleeping on your stomach is the least healthy position. It puts too much strain on your neck, and your breaths are shallower due to the pressure and stretching on your ribcage. However, if snoring or sleep apnea is a problem for you, sleeping on your stomach helps reduce risks tied to those conditions.

On Your Back
This is the healthiest sleep position overall because it puts your head and neck in a neutral position with no strain. This is by far the best position to sleep in if you have back problems, since it straightens and stretches your back easily with no strain. Firm mattresses are best for back sleepers, giving good support to both the upper back and lower back. This position does not stop snoring and is the worst position for those with sleep apnea, however.

Fetal Position

There are a few common sleep positions on your side. The most common is the fetal position, with your knees almost up to your chest. The downside to these positions is that your back and neck do not always get the best support. One way to avoid neck pain while sleeping like this is to invest in an extra firm pillow to support your head and keep your neck from twisting. This also deters sleep apnea.