When it comes to achieving a healthy sleep, we spend a lot of time talking about nighttime routines, bedding, room temps, etc., but we don’t talk much about the sleeping positions we use each night. Most sleep experts agree that different sleeping positions can significantly influence sleep and possibly affect other parts of your health.
By identifying your current sleeping position, and ensuring it’s benefiting you the most, you could dramatically improve your overall sleep health.
Back Sleeper
There are conflicting arguments about this position. Usually when you’re lying on your back, weight is being distributed more equally thanks to good old gravity, so some say sleeping in this position is best for the spine—and can even help relieve pain in other areas of the body. Some even claim it helps reduce wrinkles in skin.
On the flip side, some say if you struggle with snoring, sleep apnea, or experience chronic back pain, this position may be worse for you. There’s also a pretty large percentage of us who have a hard time falling asleep on our backs. If you aren’t one of them, you may be a back sleeper.
TIP: For back sleepers, pillows are key. Make sure you have a high-quality pillow with plenty of fill and support. And if you do experience back discomfort, try keeping an extra pillow behind your knees.
Stomach Sleeper
This is considered the worst sleeping position by many due to the amount of weight and pressure it places on the neck and back. If this is your position of choice, it might be worth at least exploring another method. Along with the muscle and structural discomfort it can cause, all that unwanted pressure on the neck can lead to headaches and other pains.
If you are a lifelong stomach sleeper and don’t have any intention of changing now, we recommend using a thinner pillow, or keeping one under your pelvis to reduce weight on the lower back. Whatever you decide to do, make sure it’s what’s right for you and your body—and always be sure to consult a doctor or specialist if you’re experiencing serious back or neck pain.
Side Sleeper / Fetal Position
There are two variations of sleeping on one’s side, side sleeping and the fetal position. The fetal position is exactly what it sounds like. This is when you sleep on your side with legs bent and curled in toward the body. It’s great for back pain (especially during pregnancy) and helps to reduce snoring, even heartburn. Side sleeping shares the same benefits of fetal position, but your legs are lying straight, not curled. It’s also said to be good for back or spine pain and helps with digestion and acid reflux. And if you struggle with sleep apnea or snoring, being in the side position also helps reduce these obstructions. However, none of these positions are ideal for anyone with shoulder or arm pain, and since it presses your face against a pillow or mattress, the chances of wrinkles could increase when sleeping in this position. Beyond those limitations, this is a popular position for most.
Which one are you? Whether you’re a side, stomach, or back sleeper, you’ll find whatever you need to achieve your best rest at Schweitzer Linen. From our most luxurious pillows to the softest bedding around, explore our entire collection to elevate your home with comfort and style.