These are the best positions for the perfect night's sleep, according to experts

Sleeping positions aren't set in stone. While you might consider yourself a diehard back sleeper, side sleeper, or even starfish-er, your position might not actually be conducive to a good night's sleep. Switching up your sleep position could be a super-simple way to improve your sleep and wake up energized.

Sleeping on your side, front or back can affect everything from snoring to wrinkles. It can even make aches and pains worse or exacerbate health conditions like sleep apnea and sleep paralysis.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all, and it's pretty hard to control your body when you're asleep, there are some some positions that aid restful sleep. Even better, if you have specific health conditions or experience pain in your neck or lower back, choosing the optimal pose can alleviate those symptoms.

We quizzed the experts about the best sleep positions. We’ll cover the top choices for different scenarios and tips to enhance your slumber depending on your fave position. 

How does your sleeping position affect your sleep?

Getting enough restful sleep is essential for overall health and wellbeing. 'Sleep is an important part of our day – or night, I should say. Quality sleep allows our body to regenerate – cells replenish, memories are formed, and dreams are had! Sleep is a time for healing. Sleep is life!' says Lauri Leadley, president, clinical sleep educator, and founder of the Valley Sleep Center in Arizona.

Lauri Leadley

Lauri is the founder and President of Valley Sleep Center, one of the largest independent sleep diagnostics centers in Arizona with the facilities to diagnose and treat a variety of sleep-related issues such as insomnia, sleepwalking, snoring, and more. The center has five locations in the Phoenix area including Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Glendale, and Phoenix

So why all the fuss about sleeping positions – do they really make a difference? 'Your sleeping position affects the quality of your sleep and general health, [including] how deeply you sleep.' says Dr. Sherry McAllister, chiropractor, and president of the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP). If you often wake up feeling like a zombie, changing how you sleep could make a difference.

But get this, your choice of sleep position has a more far-reaching impact. '[It can affect] pain and discomfort in parts of your body, most notably your back, hips, and neck.' adds Sherry. It figures that you spend long periods in bed, so how you sleep can improve or worsen aches and pains. Plus, it influences issues like snoring, digestion, and heartburn, according to Sherry. If any of those are familiar, paying attention to your sleep position may help. 

Of course, your sleep position isn’t a magic wand. Don’t forget to consider other factors like your sleep hygiene if you’re serious about sleeping better every night. 

Dr Sherry McAllister

Sherry McAllister, DC, M.S. (Ed) CCSP is the President of the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress. She has a Masters in Education from the University of California East Bay and is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic West.

What are the best sleeping positions?

Certain sleep positions support a restful night’s slumber and can even relieve health problems. But ultimately, it comes down to what feels supportive and comfortable for you. 'Preferred sleep positions are as unique as the individual.' says Leadley. Experiment with what works best – you may only need to tweak your current position.

1. Sleeping on your side

Side sleeping is a popular choice, and for a good reason. 'It's the most highly recommended sleeping position due to comfort and a lesser likelihood of disturbed or interrupted sleep.' says Lauri.

Lying on your side gives your body ample support. 'The side position allows your spine to rest as it mimics the natural curves, relaxing the muscles and relieving tension.' explains Sherry. This minimizes aches and pains in your neck and back caused by poor posture. Plus, Sherry recommends this position if you struggle with heartburn or digestive discomfort.

Does snoring keep you up at night? Lying on your side rather than your back opens the airways and reduces the chances of snoring and sleep apnea. 'People with mild sleep apnea benefit from being a side sleeper. When sleeping on your back, the tongue falls back and obstructs the airway. The lack of oxygen causes the brain to jolt the body to wake, causing the person to wake up gasping for air.' says Sherry. Side sleeping can ease these symptoms. 

If you’re a wannabe side sleeper, but you tip over onto your front, try this trick; 'Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees can stop you from twisting and rolling over to your stomach.' advises Sherry. And consider switching to the best mattress for side sleepers for extra comfort. 

2. The fetal position

If you want to switch things up, the fetal position is a variation on side sleeping. It may be familiar from yoga – you lie on your side with your knees tucked up. It offers many similar benefits to side sleeping and can be super comforting.  If you’re pregnant, you’ll be pleased to know the fetal position can provide much-needed relief. 'Many pregnant women sleep on their left side to help with discomfort.' says Sherry.  

So what’s the secret to a good night’s sleep in the fetal position? Don’t curl up too tight, or it may result in stiffness the next day.

3. Sleeping on your back

Another top position is lying on your back. 'Sleeping on your back with proper support may be the position of choice if injury or prevents you from side sleeping.' says Sherry. 

'Benefits of this position include full back support from your neck to your lower back, reduced hip and knee pain, and reduced pressure and compression in the body, which is a positive for your health.' Sherry adds. Back sleeping is a fantastic alternative to the side if you experience hip and shoulder pain, as it puts less strain on those areas. 

Sleeping on your back is also beneficial if you're suffering from a cold. Propping yourself up with an extra pillow can make it easier to breathe. Another perk of sleeping on your back is it can minimize wrinkles, as it reduces pressure on your skin. 

An extra tip for sleeping on your back is to 'place a pillow or blanket underneath your knees to relieve the pressure on your spine.' recommends Lauri.

One sleep position to avoid – sleeping on your stomach

Sleeping on your stomach is not recommended for most people. 'It may be helpful for those who snore, but this one benefit is outweighed by all its drawbacks.' advises Sherry. 

'Stomach sleeping should be avoided as it impairs the natural curve of the spine. It is also associated with back and neck pain. Stomach sleepers may unknowingly contribute to decreasing mobility and flexibility by chronic stress to joints, ligaments, and muscles.' adds Sherry.

If you don’t want to change your sleeping position, you can modify it to reduce strain on the body. 'If you enjoy sleeping on your stomach and don’t experience any troubles, make sure you use a softer pillow so that your neck doesn’t rest at odd angles.' advises Lauri. 

The best mattresses for any sleeping position

Sleeping position FAQs

Sleep position is ultimately up to. The most important thing is your comfort. If the way you've always slept keeps you up at night, it could be time to switch up your sleep position, and if you're still uncomfortable, it could be time to upgrade to one of the best mattresses.