I’m a sleep expert and these are the best and WORST sleep positions for your health
TOSSING and turning at night is a sensation many of us are familiar with.
But one expert has now revealed that the position you dose off in could be affecting your snooze and your overall health.
Sleep expert Narwan Amini from Eachnight.com said the best sleep position for most people, is to lay on their side.
This, he explained, is because it provides adequate alignment and support for your spine, while also minimising acid reflux.
He added that the ideal way to sleep on your side is with a medium to soft mattress that provides plenty of pressure relief and cushioning for your hips and shoulders.
While sleeping on your side is the best position for most people, Narwan said it is also the best position for the health of your brain.
Sleeping on your side can help your brain clear out interstitial waste faster than other positions, Narwan said.
"This leads to multiple benefits including potentially reducing the risk of developing neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s."
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Again, for those who suffer with back pain, Narwan said sleeping on the side is the best, but that people who are dealing with this might want to also try to foetal position.
"For those that suffer with lower back pain, it is best to avoid sleeping on your back as it can lead to more stress on your lumbar spine and lower back muscles.
"A simple solution is to place a pillow under the knees as this will better align your spine, resulting in less pressure on the spine and lower back muscles", he said.
While sleeping on your side seems to be the winner, Narwan said there is one position you should avoid.
He said that sleeping on your stomach provides the least health benefits.
"The position can lead to multiple issues such as strained muscles and joints, stiffness, back and neck pain.
"Whilst it can often be difficult to transition away from a sleeping position, you can prevent pain and protect your back by placing a pillow under your hips.", he added.
Everyone's needs are different when it comes to sleep - but on average people need between six and nine hours a night.
SIDE ON
Sammy Margo, a sleep expert and physiotherapist, says: “Sleeping in certain positions can aggravate all sorts of health problems, from back and neck pain to heartburn.
“Your chosen position could even cause saggy boobs or wrinkles.”
While Narwan hailed sleeping on your side, Sammy warned not to sleep 'like a log'.
Sammy says: “Particularly in older people, lying on your side can cause shoulder problems.
“As you age, the area becomes less fleshy so sleeping on it for six to eight hours a night puts a lot of pressure on the shoulder.
“You could ease any pain by putting something such as a mattress topper between your shoulder and the mattress to create a little cushioning.
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“If you regularly sleep on your right side, this can also make it more difficult for your body to digest food.
“It may exacerbate symptoms of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.”