THE BEST AND WORST POSITIONS FOR SLEEPING

Find out whether your sleeping position is helping or harming your health

When assuming a position to fall asleep in, we typically prioritise comfort above everything else. Unfortunately, your most comfortable position may be harming your body. Take a look at the best and worst sleeping positions to see if it’s time to opt for a new one.

The best: On your backThis position is undoubtedly the best for your health. With your head and body facing up, the weight on your spine is even distributed and there is pressure being placed on your face, thus preventing the development of premature wrinkle. This position also helps reduce acid reflux as your head gently rests on a puffy pillow and is positioned above your stomach. The only downside of this position is that it can encourage snoring, so it might be worth investing in a clear nasal strip if you’re prone to snoring and have someone sleeping beside you.

Runner up: On your sideSleeping on your side is a great remedy for those who snore or have sleep apnea as it discourages this behaviour. This is the most popular sleeping position, but it does come with some drawbacks. A large amount of pressure is placed on the side that you’re resting on and it can put pressure on your organs as well. A good approach to combat these affects is to alternate sides. By doing this, you prevent one side from being under too much pressure and restricted blood flow.

The bad: In the foetal positionThe foetal position seems similar to the side position but the exaggerated spinal curve means that it comes with its own set of complications. When curving your back and tucking your knees into your chest, your breathing is hampered. It can also lead to arthritic pain as your joints remain bent for a long duration. If this is the position you feel most comfortable in, try gradually transforming it by lowering your knees and attempting to maintain a straighter spine.

The worst: On your stomachSleeping on your stomach is the worst position by far. While it’s fun to flop into bed, tummy down, it’s likely that this position will leave you with aches and pains throughout the day. When you sleep on your stomach, a lot of pressure is placed on your joints and muscles which can lead to them aching or becoming numb. To accommodate this position, you are also forced to keep your head at a 90 degree angle, which places a lot of strain on your neck.

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