• Vitamins & Supplements
  • Food & Drink
  • Sports Nutrition
  • Free From
  • Natural Beauty
  • Weight Management
  • Offers
  • Summer Shop
  • The Health Hub
  • Learn more Healthbox
  • Account
Track your order Delivery & Returns Help Centre My subscriptions

Customer Service

  • Contact us
  • Site map
  • Site map
  • Store locator

About us

  • Who are we
  • Working at Holland & Barrett
  • Press releases
  • Privacy & cookie policy
  • Terms & conditions
  • Holland & Barrett More
  • Holland & Barrett International
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Modern Slavery Statement

Connect with us

Store
0370 606 6606
My account
Rewards
  • Sign in
  • How do I join?
  • What are the benefits?
  • FAQs
Holland & Barrett :: the good life
  • Menu
  • Account
  • Store
  • Basket
    Search for
    • Vitamins & Supplements
    • Food & Drink
    • Sports Nutrition
    • Free From
    • Natural Beauty
    • Weight Management
    • Offers
    • The Health Hub
    • Healthbox

    Home / Conditions / Sleep / Sleep Help / How your sleeping position might be affecting your health

    How your sleeping position might be affecting your health

    Everyone sleeps in different positions, but did you know the way you lay in bed could have an impact on your health? Sleeping in certain positions can cause issues such as neck and back discomfort, tummy issues, wrinkles and aches and pains.

    In a survey by the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service, the positions we sleep in can have an impact on our health, and they can also be linked to different personality types.

    The chances are you probably change positions several times in the night, as even the soundest of sleepers can move two to four times an hour according to Eric Olson, MD of the Mayo Clinic. The best position to sleep in is the one you find most comfortable. But it can’t hurt trying out different positions and paying attention to have they impact your sleep.

    1. Back is best

    According to experts, the best position to sleep in is on your back. Why? Because it keeps your spine, neck and head aligned, which helps prevent back and neck pain, reduces acid reflux and prevents wrinkles because your head isn’t face down in a pillow.

    Interestingly, although highly recommended, it’s not the top sleeping position. Only 8% of people snooze on their backs. One issue with this position though is it isn’t good if you snore, as it can make it worse.

    1. Side’s alright

    Next best is on your side. Perhaps it’s because it elongates your spine, it reduces snoring and is quite comforting. This is perhaps the most popular sleeping position. Did you know that which side you sleep on can impact your health? Pregnant women should sleep on their left to enable blood flow.

    1. Foetal position is not the best

    Another popular sleeping position is the foetal position. Whilst it’s fine to sleep on your side, curling your knees up tightly can cause joint or back pain and it restricts diaphragmatic breathing. If you must sleep in the foetal position, don’t curl your knees up so far.

    1. Stomach sleeping isn’t ideal

    And finally, last prize goes to those who sleep on their stomachs. It’s simply an unnatural position, causes strain on your lower back, and doesn’t support the curve of your spine. Your neck is in an awkward position and it also puts pressure on your joints, muscles and tummy. It can also cause back and neck discomfort. Plus, those that sleep on their stomach tend to be more restless.

    Handpicked Content: What are sleep cycles and why are they so important?

    Tweet
    Follow on Instagram
    Sleep Help

    You may also like

    What are sleep gummies? And can they really help you sleep?

    Article

    What are sleep gummies? And can they really help you sleep?

    Gummies that can help you sleep: Sweet! But hold on a second. What are sleep..

    READ MORE...
    5 top tips for deeper and longer sleep

    Article

    5 top tips for deeper and longer sleep

    Do you sometimes wake up feeling like you’ve barely slept? You may be missing out..

    READ MORE...
    Insomnia: your complete guide + 15 of the best natural insomnia treatments

    Article

    Insomnia: your complete guide + 15 of the best natural insomnia treatments

    How to cure insomnia naturally: 15 of the best insomnia remedies Figuring out how to..

    READ MORE...

    Connect with us

    • Log in Register
    • rewards for life

    Customer service

    • Store locator
    • Contact us
    • Site feedback
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Delivery & returns
    • Site map
    • My account

    About us

    • Who we are
    • Working at Holland & Barrett
    • Press room
    • Privacy & cookie policy
    • Terms & conditions
    • Holland & Barrett More
    • Holland & Barrett International

    Brands

    • Holland & Barrett
    • Bootea
    • Dr Organic
    • Precision Engineered
    • Manuka Doctor
    • Good n Natural
    • Miaroma
    Register
    Click to verify if this website is operating legally

    Copyright © Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2017. All rights reserved. hollandandbarrett.com is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited,. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7RH. Registered in England: company no. 2758955. Registered VAT no. 211727395.