What is the best sleeping position?

When you go to bed in the evening, you probably think more about your day tomorrow, tasks at work, or your shopping list, but not about which sleeping position is best for you. Do you care about your sleep quality and your health? Then you might want to reconsider your nighttime posture. According to sleep experts, the way we sleep at night affects the entire body – from the spine to our intestines and even the brain.

Today we report on the three most common sleeping positions – side, back, and stomach – and give you some tips on how to sleep better in each position.

Side Sleeper Position

Do you sleep on your side? Then you are in good company. According to an estimate, side sleepers make up almost 75 percent of all sleepers. In most cases, sleeping on the side – especially on the left side – is a healthy way to doze, as it does not put too much pressure on your organs.

If you snore or suffer from sleep apnea, sleeping on your side may be the best sleeping position for you. It reduces pressure on your airways so you can breathe freely (and quietly!).

Additionally, digestion is promoted, but only if you sleep on your left side. The reason? Because lying on your left side allows food residues to be transported more easily from the small intestine to the large intestine.

Our tip for side sleepers: Do you often wake up with a stiff and painful body? Simply try placing a pillow between your knees while sleeping. This helps keep your spine, hips, and pelvis aligned.

Sleeping on the Back

If you belong to the 10 percent of people who sleep on their back (also called supine position), you may have hit the sleep jackpot. Depending on which study you consult, this position is considered the healthiest sleeping position because it is most beneficial for spinal health.

Sleeping on your back keeps your neck and spine in a straight line. According to a study from the USA, both back and side sleeping are associated with fewer spinal problems compared to stomach sleeping. When sleeping on your back, your neck and spine remain in a neutral position, which reduces the likelihood of waking up with stiffness and pain. Another healthy advantage is that the pressure on internal organs is lower.

Our tip for back sleepers: When looking for a new mattress, choose one that is adapted to your body weight. Mattresses that are too soft tend to sink in and can misalign your spine and neck. Our mattresses from Therapiewelt.de perfectly adapt to your back and prevent emerging back pain.

Sleeping on the Stomach

Sleeping on the stomach (also called prone position) is the second most common sleeping position. 16 percent of the population prefer this position for nighttime sleep. Unfortunately, sleep experts do not recommend this sleeping position for most people, as it can lead to a number of neck and back problems.

One advantage of stomach sleeping is that it can improve snoring and other sleep apnea symptoms. Sleep apnea is often improved in the prone position because the tongue is less likely to block the airways.

Unfortunately, the prone position very often leads to back and neck problems. While sleeping on your stomach, it is practically impossible to keep your spine in a neutral position. Over time, the strain on the spine can negatively affect other structures in your body.

Our tips for stomach sleepers: If you have a stiff neck in the morning, try relieving your pain with an acupuncture mat. Also, a mattress that adapts to your body weight can bring improvement.

What is the best sleeping position for you?

So what is the best sleeping position for your health and sleep quality? The answer depends on factors such as your age and medical history. Ultimately, the best sleeping position is the one in which you feel most comfortable. If you have existing conditions or health problems, it can’t hurt to talk to your doctor about which sleeping position is right for you.

Don’t forget that there are many ways to change your sleeping position without impairing your sleep quality. A healthier night’s rest can be as simple as swapping your old pillow for a therapy pillow.

The handcrafted and high-quality therapy pillow offers high comfort in the bedroom through the selection of high-quality materials combined with dust-free shavings.

Can I change my sleeping position?

It is not easy to change the sleeping position you have taken for most of your life. After all, we are creatures of habit, and science says it takes between 18 and 254 days for a new habit to become established. But if you are determined to change your habits, it can pay off for your health later in life.

Here is a tip to help you change your sleeping position:

Sleep with a weighted blanket weighing up to 12kg. Our therapy blanket not only helps you fall asleep, but the additional weight of the blanket can also help you stay on your back during the night and toss and turn less to find the right position. In addition, the weight of the blanket ensures a relaxed and peaceful sleep. Deep sleep phases are extended and you feel refreshed and rested the next day.

There is no doubt that the right sleeping position can have a big impact on your health and sleep quality. Each sleeping position has its own advantages and disadvantages to consider. But one thing all positions have in common: a weighted blanket can improve your sleep and health beyond the sleeping position!