What IS The Best Sleep Position?

By Sharon Truelove

How much thought have you given to your sleep posture?

Most people don’t stop to think about what the best position is for sleeping in order to obtain a good night’s sleep.  Keeping the back in a neutral position is important to avoid back and neck tension.

So, what is the best sleep position? According to many authorities it is:

1. Lie on your side

2. Pillow between bent knees

3. Head resting on one pillow

The pillow between the knees helps to keep the low back from torqueing and the pillow under the head keeps the upper spine straight. Another reason to sleep on your side (left is preferred) is that it maintains the connection between stomach and esophagus above the level of gastric acid (acid reflux).

Those with shoulder/back/kidney stone issues may be forced to sleep on their back. If you must sleep on your back, put a pillow under your knees to reduce stress to the low/mid back and also put a pillow under the neck.

Trying to maintain a neutral position is difficult if you are a belly sleeper.

Sleeping on your stomach is more likely to result in aches and pains the next day.  If you must sleep on your stomach, bend one arm upward and put it under the pillow. This will aid in reducing the stress and tension by lifting one side of your body.

Next Month:  Correct pillows and mattresses.

Challenge:

1. Sleep tight and don’t let bedbugs bite!

2. Using the bed basic bed positioning to the left to describe the position you normally sleep in.

3. Does you sleep position cause you problems the next day?