Sleeping in This Position Could Do Wonders for Your Sleep Quality

Travel + Leisure

30 Jan 2022

How tired you feel while you’re awake isn’t just a matter of how many hours you sleep, but it’s also about the position you’re sleeping in.

Sleeping on your stomach or your back, or having too many pillows under your head, can put pressure on certain parts of your spine or joints, which can lead to pain, stiffness, or other health problems like sleep apnea.

This is why many doctors suggest SLEEPING ON YOUR SIDE to get the best night of sleep. It will help prevent stress points that may aggravate joints and connective tissue. Side sleeping can also open up your airways to reduce sleep apnea and allow more oxygen to enter the body which is particularly beneficial for snorers. Better oxygen flow also means you’ll feel more refreshed and less tired in the morning (assuming you got seven to eight hours of sleep). Also, this position helps people suffering from heartburn and acid reflux.

Specifically, sleeping on your left side with knees bent has been recommended to pregnant women for decades as a way to take the pressure off the belly, reduce heartburn, aid breathing, and relieve back pain.

Doctors recommend using a pillow against your torso or between your knees and ankles, to help support your body, and to keep your head and pillow level with the mattress in order to ease pressure on your neck.

Sleeping on your side doesn't mean you should be in a fetal position, however. This position can actually inhibit your breathing and cause unnecessary strain on the joints – which can basically negate all the benefits of sleeping on your side in the first place.

If you’re already a side sleeper and are still in need of better sleep, adjusting your bedtime routine may be the key to getting decent shut-eye. Try stretching, eliminating blue light from phones and laptop screens, or taking a bath or shower to relax and reduce stress.

You may also consider investing in some firmer and fluffier pillows or even a new mattress, but who doesn’t love getting new bedding? If you’re one of those people who sleeps better in hotels than at home, there are even ways to make your own bed feel like it was made for a five-star resort.