We’re all trying to get our best sleep, and knowing the best sleep position for you can have a big impact on how well you sleep. Choosing the right position for you can with waking up feeling refreshed and energized in the morning.
There are four main types of sleep positions: back, side, stomach, and those who rotate positions through the night. The most common ones are side and back with many people turning from one to another during their nightly slumber.
How you choose to sleep will affect the quality of your sleep, so here are the pros and cons of sleep positions, according to this Washington Post article.
Back Sleepers
You probably SHOULD sleep on your back if …
You need some back or neck relief. Sleeping on your back can help with spine alignment, ease back and neck pain by providing more support. Or, if you’re looking to avoid wrinkles on your face, as sleeping on your side or stomach could have an impact on your skin.
You probably SHOULD NOT sleep on your back if …
You have sleep apnea or are prone to snoring, since gravity may cause your tongue to obstruct your airway due. Also, experts recommend not sleeping on your back if you are pregnant.
We recommend …
Our Fox Pillow — one of our most popular pillows. With a medium loft and medium height, our shredded memory foam pillow is adjustable so you can create alignment for your spine to relieve any pressure on your neck or back, by taking out fill until it fits the way you sleep just right.
Check out all our pillows for back sleepers here.
Side Sleepers
You probably SHOULD sleep on your side if …
You are prone to acid reflux or heartburn — it’s recommended to sleep on your left side with your upper body slightly elevated. Also, sleeping on your left side is recommended for those who are pregnant. In some cases, it can also help relieve back or neck pain if sleeping on your back isn’t doing the trick.
You probably SHOULD NOT sleep on your side if …
You have shoulder or hip pain on that particular side. In general, sleeping on your side is the most popular way of sleeping -just be sure you’re paying attention to how your body is feeling on either side.
We recommend …
Our Otter Pillow — another popular option for its adjustable shredded gel-infused memory foam inside. This is a medium-loft pillow, so you can make sure your head is cradled in a more neutral position.
Check out all our pillows for side sleepers here.
Stomach Sleepers
You probably SHOULD sleep on your stomach if …
You have sleep apnea or are prone to snoring. This position can help keep the airways more open.
You probably SHOULD NOT sleep on your stomach if …
You are having joint or muscle pain, as this position tends to create more pressure on muscles and joints, or are worried about wrinkles on your face.
We recommend …
Our Chinchilla Pillow — This down-alternative pillow provides enough support to cradle your head when sleeping on your stomach and avoid the tension on your joints.
Check out all of our pillows for stomach sleepers here.
At the end of the day, it is up to you to find your perfect sleep position but armed with this new knowledge and a pillow that works for you, you can look forward to a better night’s sleep.
To read the full Washington Post article, click here.
