You probably don’t put too much thought into your sleep position. Like most people, falling asleep in the position that is most comfortable to them at the moment is the final choice.

Paying attention to your sleep position is more important than you think. Different people require different positions. You would not leave your body stuck in certain positions while awake and that should also be true when you're sleeping.

There are sleep positions that are more beneficial than others, and there are some that should be completely avoided. Contrary to popular belief, your sleep position can also affect your overall health.

How Your Sleep Positions Affect Your Sleep

Melatonin isn’t just a pill. Your body produces melatonin while you sleep. However, this necessary production can be stopped or slowed down if you are in a sleep position that affects your breathing.

You should always make sure you are not compressing your diaphragm or in an unrelaxed sleep position.

What Your is Your Optimal Sleep Position

Different sleeping positions have different outcomes in the way they can affect your body and health. Your sleeping position can also determine the amount of quality sleep that you get.

Sleeping on your side

Sleeping on your side is the most common sleep position for a reason. Sleeping on your side is a great position in terms of physical health. It elongates the spine, making it good for people with back pain. This position is also good for people who suffer from neck pain and the headaches that can come along with it.

People who suffer from sleep apnea or acid reflux will find this sleep position to be the best option. It reduces the obstruction to the airway that can occur in other sleep positions.

Sleeping in a fetal position

This position seems to be a favorite amongst women. The knees are bent upwards towards the chest and the body is almost curled into a ball.

Sleeping in a fetal position may be comfortable for women who are pregnant or facing menstrual cramps and discomfort. This is because it takes the stress off of the lower abdomen area.

While it provides comfort, this sleep position has its downsides.

• Stiffness in the morning due to unrelaxed posture.
• Having legs too curled up can create back problems.
• Added pressure on hips.

Sleeping on your back.

Just like sleeping on your side, sleeping on your back is another highly-recommended sleep position. This position keeps your spine, neck, and head neutral. This helps you avoid putting extra pressure on those areas and the hips.

People with heartburn can sleep on their backs with their heads slightly elevated, as it is known to reduce heartburn at night.

Sleeping on your back inadvertently reduces tension headaches because of the neutrality and comfort of the position. While it is suggested, people with sleep apnea should avoid sleeping on their back. In this position, the chin tilts inwards, leading to difficulty breathing.

Sleeping Positions to Avoid

Sleeping on your stomach.

Sleeping on your stomach should always be avoided. According to chiropractors, this sleep position leads to a compressed spine. Your head and neck are also twisted to one side, leading to stiffness that can last for days.

Sleeping on your stomach also compresses your diaphragm, making it harder to breathe while sleeping.

One leg bent up

Just like sleeping on your stomach, this position adds unnecessary tension to the head, neck, and pelvis.