USA TODAY – There are four common sleeping positions, each with its own slight variations. Knowing their pros and cons can mean the difference between a restful night’s sleep and an “Oh, my aching back” morning.
Side sleeping
Side sleeping is the most common sleeping position, according to Sleep Foundation, with more than 60% of adults preferring this position. It’s also considered the healthiest, according to the National Council on Aging.
Dr. Chester Wu, a sleep expert and psychiatrist told the National Council on Aging recently, “This position is ideal as it helps maintain proper spine alignment, reduces snoring and sleep apnea symptoms, and is beneficial for digestion and heart health.”
Are there benefits to which side you sleep on, the left or right?
Yes, according to the Sleep Foundation. On the left side, sleeping improves good blood flow and relieves strain on your internal organs. People who have acid reflux or are pregnant may benefit from sleeping on their left side, while people who have cardiac issues may prefer to sleep on their right.
Stomach sleeping
For the most part, sleeping on your stomach is generally not the healthiest position because it puts added stress on your neck and spine and can raise your risk of other aches and pains, according to Sleep Foundation.
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Only about 7% of adults sleep on their stomachs, according to News Medical.
Back sleeping
Sleeping on your back, which is usually the healthiest posture for the spine, may help relieve chronic neck or back pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. And it’s a more breathable position because your face pointing upward allows your skin and diaphragm to fully expand, which can reduce nasal congestion.
But there are drawbacks. When you sleep on your back, gravity pushes your tongue and soft palate toward the back of your throat …