The majority of people sleep on their sidean idea that has been corroborated by a number of sleep studies.
Side sleeping can cause or exacerbate shoulder and neck pain, and contribute to muscle imbalance.
This article explains how to get the most out of side-sleeping while avoiding serious injury.
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It may alleviate pressure on your back that can cause or exacerbate back pain.
Still, most evidence is anecdotal, and more research needs to be done.
Brain waste leaves through theglymphaticsystem.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Cleansing of the glymphatic system happens when you’re sleeping.
Still, more research, particularly human trials, needs to be done to corroborate these early findings.
Sleeping on your side keeps your airways open.
Therefore, it’s a preventative strategy that may alleviate your symptoms and improve the quality of your sleep.
However, there are some tell-tale signs that you sleep on your back more than your side.
You might be being tired all day long because sleeping on your back can collapse the upper airway.
You may want to elevate your head and torso to relieve symptoms.
Its probably best not to have a mattress that is too soft or too firm.
Summary
Side sleeping offers many health benefits, from better spine alignment to reduced snoring.
It also reduces GERD symptoms and is the preferred position for pregnant women and people with heart failure.
Also, shifting positions is a natural part of sleeping that it’s possible for you to’t control.
Thus, just because you commit to falling asleep on your side doesnt mean that you will stay there.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no best position to sleep in.
The best position is often whats most comfortable for you.
Generally speaking, side sleeping is not bad.
In fact, its been found to have many health benefits.
Its natural to move when you sleep but there may be medical conditions that supportsleeping on your back.
In this case, placing a pillow under your lower back while you sleep might help.
Your arms should go in a comfortable position in front of you to avoid shoulder pain and body aches.
Changing positions and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatories are first-line treatments for alleviating shoulder pain from side sleeping.
2017;9:267-275. doi:10.2147/NSS.S145777
University of Rochester Medical Center.Good sleeping posture helps your back.
2017;69(7):841-858. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2016.11.069
National Sleep Foundation.Sleep apnea.
2012;35(5):407-412. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2012.04.015
