Numerous factors contribute to sleep quality, including stress and seasonal allergies. The way you sleep on your mattress and pillow also play vital roles, as they either help you awake rested and refreshed or with issues like back and neck pain. If you’ve been pining for restful sleep, use this guide to find out how healthy your usual position is and how your bedding can help.

Which Sleep Position Is Best & Worst for You?

1. Stomach

Sleeping on your stomach reduces snoring because it helps the airways stay open, but it keeps your neck in a twisted position and prevents the spine from maintaining a natural and therefore healthy position. It can irritate nerves and put pressure on muscles and joints. And while a firm mattress mitigates these issues by providing ample support, training yourself to sleep in other positions is best. If you can’t give up this position, though, use a flat pillow to avoid extra stress on your neck, and try to sleep in a way that positions your neck as naturally as possible.

2. Fetal

Recommended for pregnant women only because it improves bodily and fetal circulation while preventing the uterus from pressing on the liver, this position can nevertheless impede breathing if you’re too tightly curled. Try to straighten out as much as possible while using a plumper pillow for neck and head support. Softer mattresses fill in gaps created by this position that can stress the hips and shoulders, especially those with comfort layers three or more inches thick.

3. Side

One of the healthiest sleep positions, snoozing on your side elongates the spine to reduce neck and back pain. It also helps keep airways open to manage snoring issues. As with the fetal position, a softer mattress works best for side sleeping because it supports the hips and shoulders to avoid joint stress and pain. Plump pillows are also best to keep the neck supported. Keeping an additional pillow between your knees also aids the curve of your spine throughout the night.

4. Back

The absolute best position for sleep is on your back. It keeps the spine, neck, and head in healthy positions while also preventing wrinkles and sagging breasts, something the other options do not offer. The only negative to back sleeping is potential snoring because your tongue can block your airways. In terms of mattresses, medium-firm options are ideal because they keep the spine in a neutral position, unlike those on the soft and firm ends of the spectrum. Puffy rather than flat pillows are also recommended since they support the head and neck.

Find the perfect mattress for your sleep needs at Reliable Bedding Company, the local manufacturer serving High Point, NC, and the surrounding areas. One of the country’s best bedding companies since its 1940 inception, this company offers consumer and contract bedding services to help area residents enjoy more restful nights. Call (336) 883-0648 today to speak with a specialist or learn more about the company online.