If you toss and turn, you may be looking for a comfortable sleep position. There may be benefits to sleeping on your side, but does it matter which side? Some research suggests that sleeping on one side may be better for certain reasons. But it’s more important to focus on getting enough rest, rather than your position Stomach sleeping is universally considered the least healthy way to sleep,” Dr. Apolito says. “It will obstruct your airway, or windpipe, leading to [sleep] apnea. And it is not a healthy position for the neck [or] spine.” Sleeping on your back may be fine, but side sleeping may be better. Consider the effects that side sleeping may have on these conditions Heart Health Because of gravity, left-side sleeping may slightly shift the heart’s position in the chest. This may cause slight positive changes measurable by echocardiogram, but more research is needed. People move around in their sleep, so sleep positioning is hard to study. Studies that examine sleep positioning are observational, which don’t prove cause and effect. Heartburn Many people who experience heartburn sleep on their right side, hoping to ease symptoms. The thinking is that the position elevates the stomach, which may encourage it to empty “The stomach and intestines are muscular and move food via waves of contraction, making the benefit of sleep position marginal for digestion,” Dr. Apolito says. “But I suppose a little help from gravity never hurts.” Sleep Apnea People with this sleep disorder stop breathing multiple times each night. The condition increases your risk of heart disease. “With repeated cycles of apnea, where the afflicted stop breathing, [it] leads to interruption of deep (or REM) sleep,” Dr. Apolito says. “[That] results in increased sympathetic tone (stress hormones and adrenaline Stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Wake up and go to bed at roughly the same times, counting weekends. Your circadian rhythm—your daily internal clock—needs consistency. Practice good sleep hygiene. As bedtime approaches, dim the lights and put away smartphones and other screens. Consider taking a warm shower, and keep your bedroom cool and quiet.
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Friday, October 10, 2025