These are the unhealthiest sleeping positions

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Some people prefer to sleep on their backs, others on their stomachs, and the majority—60 percent—prefer to sleep on their sides. But different sleeping positions have different advantages. It is, therefore, worth taking a closer look at your own sleeping position. Your health will thank you for it.

Why you shouldn’t sleep on your right side

For most people, the heart is located on the left side of the body. If you sleep on your right side, the heart has to work harder and pump the blood “upwards.” Many of us are familiar with the unpleasant feeling of heartburn. If we choose the right side when sleeping, we are more likely to suffer from it. This is because the leftovers from the stomach can rise up into the oesophagus more easily.

It depends on the side

Sleeping on your left side can relieve back pain and prevent snoring. It also relieves the spleen, which is also located on the left side of the body. The waste products transported by the lymphatic system are more easily transported to the spleen when you sleep on your left side. Sleeping on the left side also has positive effects on our stomach and pancreas, as digestive juices are channeled and enzymes can be better secreted.

Sleeping on your back

Very few people are able to fall asleep flat on their backs, yet this position has many health benefits. Sleeping on your back can prevent spinal, back, and joint problems. A pillow under the knees can support the natural curve of the back, making the position a little more comfortable. However, sleeping on your back also has a disadvantage: studies show that sleeping on your back can make snoring or heartburn worse.

Sleeping on your stomach

In the long term, stomach sleepers lie in a less-than-optimal sleeping position. The natural S curve of the spine is not supported in the prone position but is actually flattened. This puts more strain on the back—especially the lumbar spine—which almost inevitably leads to back pain in the long term. If you cannot do without this sleeping position, you should definitely choose a firmer mattress to prevent your back from sinking in.

However, you should never force yourself into a sleeping position. This will only cause unnecessary stress and possible sleep deprivation. There is no one sleeping position that is the same for everyone. What’s more, the body does what it wants during sleep anyway. That’s why it’s worth investing much more in a high-quality mattress or a special pillow to avoid damage.