What Is the Best Sleep Position?

Did you know that poor sleep position can lead to lower back pain and neck pain during or after sleep? The majority of Belgians are side sleepers, a fifth are back sleepers and only a minority say they are stomach sleepers. But what is the best sleeping position? Strictly speaking, there isn't one, because you change your position during the night. But the right lying position can reduce or prevent back problems - and the associated sleeping problems or insomnia. Of course, the mattress and slatted base or box spring also play an important role. On a worn mattress, a good sleeping position is of no use. That goes without saying. The spine of your body must lie in a natural position or S-curve at all times.

Back sleeper

When you sleep on your back, your body is pretty well supported. This is because your weight is spread over the largest possible surface area of the mattress. You are also a lot less likely to roll over into the strangest positions at night than when lying on your side or stomach. The only downside is that you are more likely to snore or develop sleep apnea. This is because when you lie on your back, your tongue sinks back and partially closes off the windpipe. The result is a snoring orchestra. To reduce tension on the lower back, you can place a pillow under your knees.

Although it is generally believed that supine is the healthiest position, it is even better to alternate regularly between supine and lateral positions. This not only takes the pressure off certain body parts and/or organs, but also benefits blood flow.

Side sleeper

Side lying appears to be the most popular position. Most people lie most easily on their sides. Therefore, it is also the most natural position. Your vertebrae - provided you have a properly adjusted mattress and bed base - form a nice, horizontal line. Moreover, the risk of snoring or sleep apnea is lower when you sleep on your side.

Avoid the fetal position and spooning position, though. You then pull your knees up too high or squirm too much toward your partner's body, causing your spine to curve. The recovery position is a better alternative. Your legs are then slightly bent and your back remains relatively straight. Do you have trouble keeping your legs together or is the pressure on your knees too great? Then you will benefit from a knee cushion.

You do sleep better on your left side than on your right. Especially if you are pregnant. This is because on the left, you limit the internal pressure on your organs and important nerves. This is better for blood circulation, reducing the chance of swollen feet and ankles. If you sleep on your right side, you put pressure on your liver, preventing optimal functioning of the organ. Especially as your belly thickens.

Buikslaper

Although prone sleeping looks nice and cozy, it is the most taxing and unhealthy sleeping position. Belly sleeping flattens the lumbar curvature, preventing your spine from forming a nice s-curve. Your lower back is under pressure all the time, and to boot, your neck is twisted. An unnatural, cramped position guaranteed to cause pain. Although it is better not to adopt this position to sleep in, sleeping on your stomach does not always cause problems. Only if you don't change position all night and wake up like this, danger lurks around the corner. Belly sleeping can be unlearned, by the way. With a wrestling pillow or pregnancy pillow, you can avoid rolling onto your stomach at night.

The Importance of a Good Mattress, Base or Boxspring

Have you found a healthy sleeping position? That does not guarantee that you will wake up without back pain. On a mattress and bed base that do not fit your body, a good lying position is useless. Your body needs correct support to recover optimally from what you do during the day.

Very few people lie correctly supported. During your sleep, the different body zones exert pressure on your bed.