REVEALED: The best sleeping position to prevent back and neck pain – and the very common way of falling asleep you should avoid
- A sleep expert has revealed the benefits of the most common sleeping positions
- The best position to sleep in is on your side to reduce back pain and acid reflux
- The worst position to sleep in is on your stomach as it can cause joint pain
- To prevent back pain the expert suggests sleeping with a pillow under the knees
An expert in modern sleeping habits has shared the best position to lie in to reduce back pain and a common way of falling asleep you should avoid at all costs.
Narwan Amini, who works for the health blog Each Night, said that overall side sleeping is the healthiest position for the average person.
Side sleeping is most beneficial for those who wish to minimise back pain, support their spine and reduce acid reflux.
Narwan Amini, who works for the health blog Each Night, said that overall side sleeping is the healthiest position for the average person (stock image)
Ms Amini said the position is also best for the brain as it helps clear out interstitial ‘waste’ faster than any other posture and can even reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease.
‘The ideal way to side sleep is with a medium to soft mattress that provides plenty of pressure relief and cushion for your hips and shoulders,’ she said.
Ms Amini said that anyone who suffers from back pain should place a pillow under their knees while they sleep as it helps to align the spine.
Pregnant women who often experience discomfort while sleeping should lay on the left side while they sleep in a foetal position to prevent excess pressure on their liver.
For all other individuals, sleeping on your right side will help you fall asleep faster.
Ms Amini suggests that anyone who suffers from back pain already should place a pillow under their knees while they sleep as it helps to align the spine (stock image)
Stomach sleeping, according to Ms Amini, is the worst position you could possibly find yourself in, and can lead to a number of issues.
Those who sleep on their stomach will often experience back pain, strained muscles, aching joints and neck pain.
For those who can’t change the habit, Ms Amini said placing a pillow under the hips would help protect the spine and prevent pain.