What is the best position to sleep in?

An average person will spend a third of their life in bed. That equates to 25 years, or 9,125 days (based on a person living to 75 years and sleeping for 8 hours per night) in bed. It therefore begs the question, what is the best sleeping position?

As many as four in five adults experience back pain at some point in their lives. It is most common in the lower back, although it can be felt anywhere along the spine, right from the neck to the hips.

And while back pain and sleep problems are linked, the connection isn’t well understood.

There are 3 main adopted sleeping positions: on the side, on the back, and on the front.

Side sleepers

The most common sleep position is the ‘side sleeper’. 41 per cent of people curl into the foetal positions, 13 per cent adopt the ‘yearner’ position and 15 per cent of people sleep in the ‘log’ position with their hands by their sides.

The number of pillows alters the angle at which the neck rests. Too many pillows and the neck rests at an uncomfortable angle, placing strain on the spine. Too few and the spine is strained in the opposite direction.

Placing a pillow between your knees will help support the hips and keep the spine aligned.

Back sleepers

Sleeping on your back, in general, keeps the neck and spine in a neutral position. It’s the position most recommended by physios and sleep experts, however, sleeping on your back isn’t best for snorers.

Front Sleepers

A lot of people opt to sleep on their front. While it’s good for preventing snoring, it’s bad for back and neck pain. Sleeping in this position also puts added pressure on muscles and joints which could lead to long term problems further down the line.

In the end, it’s important to find the position that is most comfortable for you!

Written by Emily Green for Working Mother and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.