Best Sleep Positions for Your Health

The following nocturnal poses are recommended for optimal ongoing health and happiness. If you already sleep in one of these positions, congratulations! You can continue to doze off in the very same way you’ve become accustomed to with no worries. If you prefer another sleep position over these mentioned, never fear -- change is always possible, and habits can always be altered.

1. The back position: This is believed to be the best position for sleeping to maintain overall health. The position helps to prevent back and neck pain, minimize stomach ailments such as acid reflux, and is even shown to reduce the possibility of premature wrinkles and sagging breasts. The position allows for optimum stability of the spine, neck and head while sleeping, allowing for a neutral position that will help eliminate any unnecessary curvatures of the back that may cause pain. Also, because the head is slightly elevated above the stomach in this position, the likelihood of acid reflux problems is minimized. The stomach is in position below the esophagus, which prevents acid or food from coming back up. This position also combats wrinkles because there is no pressure on facial skin while lying on your back. Breasts are in a place where they are supported, rather than pushed down by your own body weight, as in stomach-sleeping positions, reducing the possibility of sagginess. The only drawback to sleeping on your back is that snoring often intensifies in this position. If you suffer from frequent snoring, this may not be the ideal sleep position for you.
2. The side position: This is considered a more preferable sleeping position for snorers. Lying on your side while sleeping may reduce snoring and offers some great benefits for overall health. Considered to be the second-best potential sleep position, side sleeping helps elongate the spine and is thought to help prevent some effects of acid reflux. It is also recommended for pregnant mothers, especially when the sleeper is positioned on the left side, which is most ideal for blood flow. Sleeping on the left side is sometimes recommended for sleepers who are not pregnant for the same reason. Sleeping on the right side may put pressure on the blood vessels and prevent optimal circulation. Side sleeping can contribute to wrinkles and sagging breasts, mainly because there is additional pressure on the side of the face pushed against the pillow, and breasts are not supported as they would be if you were on your back. If you are going to choose a side sleeping position, it is recommended that you use a pillow between your shoulder and head to keep the neck and head neutral. It is also recommended that you use a pillow between the knees to keep the hips and joints in good alignment.