Why does your sleep position matter? Isn’t it good enough to make sure you’re getting that recommended eight hours per night? Now you also have to consider how you position your body while you’re doing it? Is that even possible to control while you’re asleep?

Sleep is a natural process that many people take for granted. Unless you actually experience sleep disturbances (such as insomnia), you probably don’t think much about how or when you choose to slumber. In fact, if you’re tired enough, you probably fall into bed and doze off without a second thought about whether you’re on your back, side or stomach. And why would you?

Considering your sleeping position may be in your best interest when it comes to your health. Health ailments such as stomach issues, back and neck discomfort or pain, and even premature wrinkles all can be traced back to sleeping positions in many cases.

Some ways to position your body are actually much better for you than others, and there is even one you may need to avoid. In addition, if you believe you remain in the position you fall asleep in most of the night, you could be mistaken. According to Eric Olsen, M.D., co-director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Sleep Medicine, the average sleeper may toss and turn 20 or more times per night -- an average of two to four times per hour. However, studies have proven that the position in which you first fall asleep is the position in which you continue to rest for the majority of the night.

The following list of the best sleep positions for your health may help you understand whether your favorite way to curl up is helping your health or potentially harming it.